Tri Series: SL vs ZIM, Match Preview, Prediction, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

SL vs ZIM Match Preview – The action in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 heats up as Sri Lanka takes on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, November 20. With the tournament progressing, points are at a premium, and both sides will be looking to assert dominance on a surface renowned for high-scoring thrillers.

Sri Lanka enters the contest as the favorites on paper, boasting a balanced squad led by Dasun Shanaka. Their mix of explosive top-order batting and world-class spin options makes them a formidable opponent in Asian conditions. Zimbabwe, captained by the talismanic Sikandar Raza, will be eager to cause an upset. The Chevrons have a squad blending exciting young talent with seasoned campaigners, and they will need to fire in unison to challenge the Island Nation.

SL vs ZIM Match Details

SL vs ZIM Pitch Report: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

The pitch at Rawalpindi is famously known as a “batter’s paradise.” It is a flat track with true bounce and pace, allowing the ball to come onto the bat nicely. Bowlers often find it difficult to get much movement off the surface, and the margin for error is minimal.

• Batting First: Teams will target a score upwards of 190-200, which is considered par on this ground.

• Bowling: Spinners might find some grip in the middle overs, but pacers will need to rely on variations and cutters.

• Toss: With the match starting at 6:30 PM, dew could play a factor in the second innings. The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first to have a target in sight and avoid bowling with a wet ball later in the night.

SL vs ZIM Weather Report

The weather forecast for Rawalpindi on Thursday evening is ideal for cricket.

• Conditions: Clear skies and dry.

• Temperature: Around 18°C to 22°C at the start of play, cooling down slightly as the night progresses.

• Rain: 0% chance of precipitation.

SL vs ZIM Team News & Probable Playing11

Sri Lanka (SL)

Sri Lanka has a luxury of spin options. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will be key in the middle overs. The return of Kusal Perera adds aggression to the top order alongside Pathum Nissanka.

• Probable11: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka/Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana (or Eshan Malinga).

Zimbabwe (ZIM)

Zimbabwe’s squad sees an interesting mix of players. The onus will be on Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl to provide the finishing touches. The inclusion of experienced names like Brendan Taylor in the squad list suggests a bolstered batting lineup.

• Probable11: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa.

SL vs ZIM Squads

Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushan Hemantha, Kamil Mishara, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Pavan Rathnayake, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.

Zimbabwe Squad: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor(w), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer, Wellington Masakadza, Dion Myers, Clive Madande, Newman Nyamhuri.

SL vs ZIM Match Prediction

The Edge: Sri Lanka holds the advantage in terms of squad depth and recent T20 form. Their bowling attack, specifically the spin department led by Hasaranga, is superior to Zimbabwe’s and better suited to exploiting any weaknesses in the opposition’s lineup.

The Variable: Zimbabwe’s “X-factor” is Sikandar Raza. If he clicks with both bat and ball, he can single-handedly turn the game. However, the flat Rawalpindi deck generally favors the team with more firepower in the batting department, an area where Sri Lanka (with Kusal Mendis, Nissanka, and Perera) looks stronger.

Prediction: Sri Lanka to win.