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Sri Lanka enter the three‐match T20I series in Zimbabwe off the back of a commanding 2–0 victory in the preceding ODI series. After posting 298 for 6 in the opener, Pathum Nissanka’s 76 and Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 70 anchored Sri Lanka to a narrow seven‐run win, courtesy of Dilshan Madushanka’s final‐over hat‐trick that snuffed out Zimbabwe’s late charge. In the second ODI, Nissanka delivered again with a sublime 122, guiding the tourists to a 278-5 chase and sealing a series sweep.
The series opener on September 3 will be played at Harare Sports Club, a ground known for its balanced pitch that offers early seam movement before settling into a batter-friendly track. Zimbabwe have bolstered their T20 squad with the returns of Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams, aiming to spark their fire in front of home fans after back-to-back defeats. Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza will shoulder opening responsibilities, while Taylor’s experience and Williams’ spin variations will be crucial in the middle overs. Sri Lanka’s lineup features in‐form openers Nissanka and Nishan Madushka, backed by Kusal Mendis at three and the spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka to exploit any turn on offer. Expect a keen contest as Zimbabwe seek redemption and Sri Lanka aim to carry their ODI momentum into the shortest format.
ZIM vs SL, 1st T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: September 03; 05:00 pm IST/ 11:30 am GMT/ 01:30 am local
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
ZIM vs SL: Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches played: 6 | Zimbabwe won: 1| Sri Lanka won: 5| No result: 00
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report
The pitch at Harare Sports Club for the upcoming Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I is a balanced surface that offers some early assistance to fast bowlers with swing and seam movement, but it is generally considered batting-friendly. The pitch provides good carry and bounce, enabling strokeplay especially in the initial overs. However, as the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, offering more help to spinners who can exploit the grip and variations in the middle overs. Batters need to be patient with their shot selection, and running between the wickets becomes crucial due to the nuanced pace and bounce of the pitch. Overall, it is a wicket that demands adaptability from both batters and bowlers, with moderate scoring expected and a slight advantage often going to teams with a balanced attack of pace and spin.
Squads
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana
Also READ: Pathum Nissanka’s century powers Sri Lanka to ODI series win over Zimbabwe
ZIM vs SL, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Zimbabwe wins the toss and bats first
- ZIM powerplay score: 40-50
- ZIM total score: 160-170
Case 2:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bats first
- SL powerplay score: 50-60
- SL total score: 170-180
Match result: Sri Lanka to win the contest.
