SL vs ZIM 3rd T20I Statistical Preview [Source: @ZimCricketv/X.com]
The three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe heads into a thrilling decider after both teams shared the spoils in the first two games at Harare. Sri Lanka drew first blood in the opener, chasing down 176 with ease as their batting unit clicked in unison.
However, Zimbabwe struck back in the second T20I, scripting a stunning turnaround by bowling Sri Lanka out for just 80. Sikandar Raza and Brad Evans were the stars, exposing Sri Lanka’s frailties against disciplined seam and spin.
The series now hangs in the balance with the final clash scheduled for September 7 at 5:00 PM IST. Sri Lanka will be eager to regroup, relying on Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and their all-rounders to steady the ship. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will look to ride the momentum of its bowling unit and home advantage. With the stakes high, fans can expect an intense contest to decide the series winner.
ZIM vs SL Head To Head Overview
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have faced each other 8 times in T20Is. Sri Lanka has won 6 times against Zimbabwe, while the latter has managed only 2 wins. There has been no abandoned or tied matches between the two.
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe's Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Kamil Mishara
Zimbabwe
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Top Run-Scorers in ZIM vs SL T20I Series 2025
We are considering only the players from the current squad.
Brian Bennett – 100 runs
Brian Bennett has been Zimbabwe’s standout performer with the bat, scoring 100 runs in 2 innings at an average of 50.00. His brilliant knock of 81 was the highlight of the series, showing his ability to play a long innings under pressure. With a strike rate of 125.00 and 13 fours, he has been the backbone of Zimbabwe’s batting.
Pathum Nissanka – 63 runs
Pathum Nissanka has been Sri Lanka’s most reliable batter, scoring 63 runs in 2 innings at a strike rate of 157.50. His 55-run knock was filled with elegant stroke play, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. With an average of 31.50, he has provided much-needed stability at the top.
Kamindu Mendis – 41 runs
Kamindu Mendis has made his mark with a quickfire 41* in the series, remaining unbeaten once. Striking at an explosive rate of 205.00, his innings featured 1 four and 4 sixes, proving his ability to accelerate the scoring in the middle order. With an average of 41.00, he has been Sri Lanka’s power-hitter.
Top Wicket-Takers In ZIM vs SL T20I Series 2025
We are considering only the players present in the current squad.
Dushmantha Chameera – 6 wickets
Dushmantha Chameera has been Sri Lanka’s most effective bowler, taking 6 wickets in 2 matches. With the best figures of 3/19, he has struck regularly to keep Zimbabwe under pressure. Conceding just 49 runs in 8 overs, he holds an average of 8.16 and an economy of 6.12, making him a key weapon with the new ball.
Brad Evans – 4 wickets
Brad Evans has played a crucial role for Zimbabwe, claiming 4 wickets in 2 outings. His best performance of 3/15 rattled Sri Lanka’s middle order, showcasing his ability to deliver breakthroughs at important moments. Despite conceding 45 runs in 5.4 overs, he has maintained a strike rate of 8.5, proving his impact.
Sikandar Raza – 4 wickets
Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza has led by example, picking up 4 wickets in 2 games. His spell of 3/11 completely derailed Sri Lanka in the second T20I. With an average of 9.25 and an economy of just 4.62 from 8 overs, Raza has been both economical and dangerous in the middle overs.
ZIM vs SL Key Stats
Sri Lanka's Key Records
- Dushmantha Chameera is the highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe with 9 wickets.
- Maheesh Theekshana boasts an economy rate of 6.31 against Zimbabwe and can strike after every 14.3 balls.
- Pathum Nissanka is the top scorer for SL against Zimbabwe and boasts an average of 26.25.
- Kamindu Mendis boasts an average of 41 against Zimbabwe, implying his ability to perform again in the upcoming clash.
- Pathum Nissanka boasts a strike rate of 156.1 at Harare with an average of 32.0.
Zimbabwe's Key Records
- Brian Bennett is the top scorer for Zimbabwe in Sri Lanka contests with a top score of 164 runs at an average of 41.00.
- Sikandar Raza has a strike rate of 125.00 against Sri Lanka in T20Is.
- Raza boasts an average of 20.8 in Harare with a strike rate of 122.0 in 34 matches.
- With the ball, Raza has managed 21 wickets from his 31 matches at Harare.
- Blessing Muzarabani is the highest wicket-taker for Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka with 7 wickets.
- Sikandar Raza boasts a low economy rate of 5.30 against Sri Lanka.
Records Which Could Be Broken In ZIM vs SL 3rd T20I
- Pathum Nissanka is 83 runs away from completing his 2000 international runs in T20Is.
- Sikandar Raza is 6 wickets away from becoming the highest wicket-taker for Zimbabwe in T20Is.
- Richard Ngarava will soon become Zimbabwe’s first bowler to 100 T20I wickets and already leads the charts, currently having 95 wickets.
- Wanindu Hasaranga needs 3 wickets to move into Sri Lanka's 5th place all-time highest wicket takers.
- Kusal Mendis needs 15 fours to complete 200 career fours in T20Is.
- Kusal Perera needs 2 fours to complete 200 fours in T20Is.
- Charith Asalanka needs 13 fours to complete 100 career fours.