SL vs ZIM Match Prediction : 38th Match, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2026
SL vs ZIM Win Probability
7%
Sri Lanka
93%
Zimbabwe
Sri Lanka To Win, 1.35
The Sri Lankans are playing in familiar home conditions where they historically thrive. They have also been fantastic in the tournament so far.
Zimbabwe's batters are likely to struggle against Sri Lanka's elite spin attack on a track that will offer a bit of help to the spinners.
Sri Lanka possesses a far superior and more explosive batting lineup, particularly in the powerplay overs.
SL vs ZIM Betting Tips
Sri Lanka total runs before the first dismissal to be over 23.5 runs
Sri Lanka boasts one of the most established and explosive opening pairs in T20 cricket with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera. Both veterans have amassed nearly 2,500 T20I runs, blending vast experience with aggressive intent. Playing in familiar home conditions, they will look to dominate the Zimbabwean new-ball attack early. We expect them to comfortably surpass the 23.5-run mark for the opening partnership.
Most fours to be from Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's top order is packed with aggressive stroke-makers who consistently find the boundary. Historically, the Sri Lankan batting unit has far outperformed Zimbabwe in terms of boundary-hitting, especially at home. With players like Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka in fine form, backing the hosts to hit the most fours is a solid betting option.
Team form (Last 5 matches)
Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe
N/A
While Zimbabwe has shown resilience in this tournament, they face an uphill battle against a Sri Lankan side that knows these conditions inside out. The hosts hold a distinct edge in both batting depth and spin bowling quality, making them clear favorites.
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Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head Record
In the last two years, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have met eight times. Sri Lanka holds the advantage with five wins, compared to Zimbabwe’s three.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Live-streaming and Broadcast
| Country | TV Channel | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports Network | Disney+ Hotstar App |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Ten Sports | Myco App, Tamasha App |
| Australia | — | Amazon Prime Video |
| England (UK) | Sky Sports (Cricket/Main Event) | SkyGO, NOW, Sky Sports App |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV | Willow by Cricbuzz App |
| West Indies | ESPN Caribbean | ESPN Play Caribbean |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport App |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Sport Now, Sky Go |
| Sri Lanka | Maharaja TV (TV1, Sirasa, Shakti) | ICC.tv / Maharaja TV Website |
| Bangladesh | Nagorik TV | Toffee |
| UAE & MENA | CricLife MAX | StarzPlay, StarzON |
You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.
SL vs ZIM Team Previews
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, as co-hosts, has been a dominant force in Group B, securing convincing victories against Ireland and Oman. Their batting has been sensational, with Pathum Nissanka scoring a classy century against Australia and Kusal Mendis adding a vital half-century. The aggressive starts provided by Nissanka and Kusal Perera have put opposition bowlers under immense pressure.
Despite the injury to Wanindu Hasaranga, the bowling attack remains lethal. Maheesh Theekshana brings mystery spin, while Dunith Wellalage offers control. The pace department features Matheesha Pathirana, whose unique slingy action makes him a nightmare at the death. The team’s depth and balance make them formidable opponents at home.
Sri Lanka Expected Playing 11
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
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Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe enters this match after a break since their spirited victory over Australia. However, inconsistency remains their biggest hurdle. Historically, their batters have struggled to generate power in the short format and often falter against high-quality spin—a weakness Sri Lanka is sure to exploit.
The middle and lower order, including Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa, have had limited game time, leaving them vulnerable if early wickets fall. While Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans impressed with the ball in the last game, the spin duo of Graeme Cremer and Wellington Masakadza was expensive, conceding 69 runs in 8 overs. Zimbabwe will need a heroic effort from their senior players to challenge the hosts.
Zimbabwe Expected Playing 11
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani
SL vs ZIM Toss Prediction
With rain forecast and potential interruptions, the captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first. This allows the bowling side to exploit damp conditions early on and chase a target with the benefit of knowing the exact equation, potentially adjusted by DLS.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch will offer assistance to bowlers early on due to damp conditions. Batting will be tricky initially, but the ball should come onto the bat better as the game progresses. Spinners may find grip and turn later in the innings. A score of 160 runs is considered the minimum for a competitive total.
Weather forecasts predict scattered thunderstorms, high humidity, and warm temperatures, which could play a significant role in the match outcome.
SL vs ZIM : Who Will Win?
The new ball will be a decisive factor in this contest. Sri Lanka’s depth in both batting and bowling gives them a massive advantage over Zimbabwe, especially in home conditions. If Sri Lanka applies early pressure, Zimbabwe is unlikely to recover.
Bet on Sri Lanka to win.
