Tight Contests and Thrilling Matches Highlight ODI and T20I Encounters Between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka at Harare and Beyond
The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka cricket series in 2025 was an exciting and competitive affair held at the Harare Sports Club, featuring two One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) over late August and early September. The series showcased high-quality cricket with both teams displaying resilient batting and incisive bowling, providing thrilling contests in both formats.
ODI Series Highlights
The two-match ODI series was tightly contested. In the 1st ODI played on August 29, Sri Lanka posted a strong total of 298/6 in their 50 overs, led by a solid 76 from Pathum Nissanka. Zimbabwe fought back fiercely with Sikandar Raza top-scoring with 92 runs, but Zimbabwe fell just short, finishing at 291/8 and conceding the match by 7 runs. Dilshan Madushanka was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 62 runs.
The 2nd ODI on August 31 proved equally intense. Zimbabwe took a respectable total of 277/7, with Ben Curran’s 79 standing out. Sri Lanka edged out Zimbabwe by 5 wickets, chasing down the target with 3 balls remaining, thanks to a commanding 122 from Pathum Nissanka, proving crucial in sealing the series 2-0 in favor of Sri Lanka.
T20I Series Insights
The three-match T20I series delivered nail-biting finishes and an even contest. Sri Lanka dominated the first T20I on September 3, winning by 4 wickets while chasing Zimbabwe’s 175/7. Brian Bennett’s 81 for Zimbabwe was a valiant effort but was overshadowed by Nissanka’s 55 for Sri Lanka.
However, Zimbabwe bounced back strongly in the 2nd T20I on September 6, recording a convincing 5-wicket win after bowling out Sri Lanka for a meager 80 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, including Brad Evans and Tashinga Musekiwa, played crucial roles. Musekiwa’s unbeaten 21 helped chase the low target comfortably, leveling the series.
The series decider on September 7 was another thriller. Zimbabwe posted a challenging 191/8, with contributions from Tadiwanashe Marumani’s 51. Sri Lanka chased successfully with Kamil Mishara’s unbeaten 73 ensuring a 3-wicket victory, thus winning the T20I series 2-1.
Overall Performance and Key Players
The series highlighted the performances of several players:
- Pathum Nissanka emerged as Sri Lanka’s standout batsman with impactful innings in both formats.
- Sikandar Raza was the star for Zimbabwe with consistent high scores and valuable wickets.
- Zimbabwe’s bowlers Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava made crucial breakthroughs in key moments.
- Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, led by Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka, was effective at restricting Zimbabwe in both ODIs and T20Is.
Significance
The tour was an important part of Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2025 Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Finals. It allowed Zimbabwe to test their squad depth and capability against quality opposition. Despite losing the ODI series, Zimbabwe’s resilience in the T20I series by leveling and pushing Sri Lanka showcased progress and promise.
