ZIM vs SL (Source: @ZimCricketv/X.com)
The hosts, Zimbabwe, will look to avenge their defeat in the first ODI when they face Sri Lanka in the second and final ODI of the series at Harare Sports Club in Harare. This exciting and high-energy encounter will take place on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM IST.
Zimbabwe
The horrors of the first ODI would be weighing heavily on the minds of the hosts, Zimbabwe, as they came as close as seven runs to winning the first ODI, but unfortunately, couldn't win as they choked in the final few overs. Captain-less after the injury to Craig Ervine, who was ruled out of the ODIs, Sean Williams took over the responsibility.
Backed by Sikandar Raza's valiant 92-run knock, with Ben Curran's 70 and skipper Williams' 57, Zimbabwe scored 291 while chasing 299. Richard Ngarava was a pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 34, but didn't get much support from the other end.
Sri Lanka
On the other hand, Sri Lanka would be confident going into the second ODI as they had a decent outing, especially from the bats of Pathum Nissanka and Janith Liyanage, who scored 76 and 70 not out respectively, while Kamindu Mendis (57) and his one wicket came in handy for the visitors.
Skipper Charith Asalanka would be looking to gather some runs in the final ODI as they would look to seal the deal with a 2-0 series victory in Harare. Dilshan Madushanka was the star of the show for the Sri Lankan side in the last game, taking four wickets, including a hat-trick, while Asitha Fernando's three wickets did most of the damage in the Zimbabwean batting lineup.
ZIM vs SL Head-To-Head In ODIs
| Categories | Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka |
| Matches Played | 65 | 65 |
| Matches Won | 12 | 50 |
| Matches Lost | 50 | 12 |
| Matches Tied | 0 | 0 |
| No Result | 3 | 3 |
How Will The Pitch At Harare Behave?
The pitch at the Harare Sports Club in Harare proved to be a decent batting surface, where runs in excess of 290 were scored in both innings as the match turned out to be one of the finest thrillers. The batters received plenty of support throughout the entire game, as bowlers, especially the pacers, received some assistance from the surface, as even a hat-trick was taken, that too in the final over of the match.
Spinners also received some help, but they will have to be cautious going into the next game, as the pitch might favour the pacers more than the tweakers. Runs are again likely to come in plenty, so the batters will have to take advantage of the conditions and score runs heavily, especially in the first half of both innings. Therefore, considering the conditions, the captain winning the toss might look to bat first at this venue.
Players To Watch Out For In ZIM vs SL 2nd ODI
Zimbabwe
Ben Curran
Ben Curran played a defining 70-run knock off 90 deliveries with eight boundaries as he helped Zimbabwe to a wonderful start, despite wickets falling around him in the powerplay. Curran's class came in handy as he played with proper persistence.
Sikandar Raza
Sikandar Raza proved why he is one of the finest players in international cricket with a brilliant 92-run knock that almost took Zimbabwe over the line, but unfortunately, his wicket didn't help the cause, as he only consumed 87 deliveries with eight boundaries during his knock, where he batted at a strike rate of 105.75. Along with batting, Raza also picked up a wicket while giving away just 48 runs in his 10 overs.
Richard Ngarava
Richard Ngarava bowled a decent spell of 2 for 34 in his 7.4 overs as he got the crucial wickets of Nishan Madushka and Kamindu Mendis to hold the run rate of the visitors. Ngarava's line and length proved good enough for the Sri Lankan batters not to go after him.
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka displayed proper class with the bat, scoring a fluent 76 of 92 balls as he struck 12 boundaries during his stay at the crease. His strike rate of 82.61 in the last game proves why he keeps grinding runs even when other batters fail to put the bat on the ball.
Janith Liyanage
Janith Liyanage played one of his most pleasing knocks so far in international cricket, scoring an unbeaten 70 off 47 balls. His six boundaries and three maximums, along with a strike rate of 148.94, helped Sri Lanka post a winnable total far above par on the board. His counter-attack in the final overs contributed significantly to the Island nation's crucial victory in the last game.
Dilshan Madushanka
Defending runs in the last over, Dilshan Madushanka bagged a crucial hat-trick, dismissing the likes of well-set Sikandar Raza as the left-arm pacer took Sri Lanka to victory with his spell of 4/62 in his 10 overs. Madushanka proved lethal with the ball as his accuracy took a toll on Zimbabwean batters.
Today’s Match Prediction: ZIM vs SL 2nd ODI Match
Predicted Top Performers
Zimbabwe – Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor, Tony Munyonga
Sri Lanka – Asitha Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis
ZIM vs SL 2nd ODI Match: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 290-295
Predicted second innings score: 285-290
Predicted Result: Considering the conditions at this venue and the form of players from both teams, Sri Lanka are likely to dominate in this contest.
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