Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Timeline

The sri lanka national cricket team vs zimbabwe national cricket team timeline is filled with competitive cricket, surprise results, and unforgettable moments. While Sri Lanka has historically dominated the head-to-head record, Zimbabwe has often stunned their opponents with iconic victories. This rivalry showcases grit, quality, and passion, where every contest matters regardless of the format.

From Zimbabwe’s famous World Cup win in 1999 to their historic ODI series triumph in Sri Lanka in 2017, the contest has been a mix of dominance and fightbacks. In 2025, the tour of Zimbabwe has once again brought this rivalry into focus, with two hard-fought ODIs and an ongoing T20I series at Harare Sports Club.

Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Timeline: Ongoing & Upcoming Fixtures

The 2025 series is currently being played in Zimbabwe, and it includes two ODIs and three T20Is. Sri Lanka, under Charith Asalanka, has already sealed the ODI series 2–0, while Zimbabwe, led by Sean Williams in ODIs and Sikandar Raza in T20Is, will now aim to bounce back in the shorter format.

Squads for the 2025 Series

Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Squad

• Charith Asalanka (Captain)

• Pathum Nissanka

• Janith Liyanage

• Kamindu Mendis

• Kusal Mendis

• Sadeera Samarawickrama

• Dilshan Madushanka

• Asitha Fernando

• Maheesh Theekshana

• Dunith Wellalage

• Avishka Fernando

Sri Lanka entered the series with balance across departments. Pathum Nissanka was the batting star, while Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando led the bowling attack.

Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Squad

• Sean Williams (ODI Captain)

• Sikandar Raza (T20I Captain)

• Craig Ervine (injured, missed ODIs)

• Innocent Kaia

• Wesley Madhevere

• Ryan Burl

• Richard Ngarava

• Blessing Muzarabani

• Brad Evans

• Wellington Masakadza

Zimbabwe relied heavily on Sikandar Raza, who continues to be their leading run-scorer and all-rounder. Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani carried their pace hopes, while Williams’ leadership provided stability in ODIs.

Recent Encounters 2025 Series

• 1st ODI (29 August 2025): Sri Lanka posted 298/6, built on Pathum Nissanka’s 76, Janith Liyanage’s 70 not out*, and Kamindu Mendis’ 57. Zimbabwe fought back through Sikandar Raza’s 62 but fell short when Dilshan Madushanka took a last-over hat-trick, sealing a dramatic 7-run win.

• 2nd ODI (31 August 2025): Zimbabwe set a target of 277, with Raza again top-scoring. Sri Lanka chased it down with Pathum Nissanka’s 122 and Charith Asalanka’s 71, finishing at 278/5 with three balls to spare. This secured a 2–0 series win.

• Player of the Series: Pathum Nissanka, scoring 198 runs across two games, was named both Player of the Match (2nd ODI) and Player of the Series.

Bowling-wise, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka tied as Sri Lanka’s top wicket-takers with 5 wickets each, while Richard Ngarava led Zimbabwe’s bowlers with 4 wickets.

Memorable Past Clashes between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe

The sri lanka national cricket team vs zimbabwe national cricket team timeline has featured several iconic moments:

• 1999 World Cup: Zimbabwe stunned defending champions Sri Lanka with a disciplined all-round display.

• 2017 ODI Series in Sri Lanka: Zimbabwe scripted history by winning 3–2 in Sri Lanka, thanks to Solomon Mire’s century in the opening game and consistent all-round contributions.

• Early 2000s matches: Zimbabwe’s golden era with Andy Flower, Grant Flower, and Heath Streak made them tough opponents against a Sri Lankan team led by Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan.

These matches highlight that while Sri Lanka has the better record, Zimbabwe has produced shock wins that remain etched in cricket history.

What to Expect in Upcoming Matches

With the T20Is now underway, Zimbabwe sees this as a chance to level the playing field. Sikandar Raza’s leadership and aggressive batting will be central to their chances. Richard Ngarava with the new ball could trouble Sri Lanka’s top order, while spinners like Wellington Masakadza aim to control the middle overs.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will want to carry ODI momentum into the shorter format. Pathum Nissanka’s batting form and Dilshan Madushanka’s wicket-taking spells are key strengths. Maheesh Theekshana’s spin could also play a big role in slowing Zimbabwe’s scoring rate.

Individual duels such as Raza vs Madushanka and Ngarava vs Nissanka are expected to shape the outcome. With ICC tournaments around the corner, both teams will also use this series to test lineups and strategies.

Wrapping Up

The sri lanka national cricket team vs zimbabwe national cricket team timeline is a story of dominance, upsets, and memorable battles. While Sri Lanka has historically held the advantage, Zimbabwe has ensured the rivalry is never one-sided, delivering iconic wins in both World Cups and bilateral series.

The 2025 series once again reflects this balance. Sri Lanka’s 2–0 ODI win showed their composure, but Zimbabwe’s resilience ensures the T20Is remain unpredictable. With stars like Pathum Nissanka and Sikandar Raza in form, the rivalry continues to deliver quality cricket.

As the teams move forward, this head-to-head contest will remain an important chapter in their cricketing journeys, with fans eagerly awaiting the next twist in the battle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When did Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe first play an international match?

 They first met in an ODI during the 1983 World Cup in England.

Q2. What was Zimbabwe’s biggest achievement against Sri Lanka?

Zimbabwe’s 3–2 ODI series victory in Sri Lanka in 2017 remains their most historic achievement.

Q3. Who captained the teams in 2025?

Sri Lanka was led by Charith Asalanka in both formats. Zimbabwe was captained by Sean Williams in ODIs and Sikandar Raza in T20Is.

Q4. Who was the Player of the Series in the 2025 ODIs?

Pathum Nissanka, with 198 runs in two matches, won Player of the Series.

Q5. What matches are still left in the 2025 tour?

The remaining 2nd and 3rd T20Is will be on 6 and 7 September 2025 at Harare Sports Club.