ZIM vs SL Match Preview, Who will win today 1st T20I match?

By Akshay - Sep 03, 2025 11:39 AM
Last updated on Sep 03, 2025 11:40 AM

ZIM vs SL 1st T20I Prediction: The first T20 match of the three-match series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will be played at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, September 3. The match will start at 5:00 PM IST and both the teams are in contrasting form to each other.

ZIM vs SL Match Preview

Zimbabwe are yet to announce their squad for the series, but they will be looking to put behind their disappointing performance in the T20 tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa earlier this year. Playing at home in July, Zimbabwe lost all four matches and failed to make it to the final, a performance they will be looking to improve upon as soon as possible. The hosts have always been aggressive, and playing in front of a home crowd might boost their confidence.

The Sri Lankan team is brimming with confidence after a 2-0 win in the ODI series. Led by Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan team looks balanced and will be keen to continue their momentum in the shorter format as well. They have won two of the four T20 matches they have played this year. The Sri Lankan team will hope to win another series on this tour.

ZIM vs SL Pitch Report

The Harare Sports Club pitch is considered balanced for T20 Internationals, but it is slightly batting friendly in the first innings, offering good pace and bounce for stroke making. The fast bowlers get some help initially, while spinners become more effective as the game progresses and the pitch slows down. The average first innings score at this ground is around 153-154 runs, and scores above 160+ are usually competitive.

Teams winning the toss may prefer to bat first, and aim for 160+ runs if the weather is dry, however, evening dew may benefit the chasing teams by making batting easier later in the match.

Both batting and bowling departments (pace and spin) are effective, but overall the pacers have a slight edge, although spinners are important in the middle overs.

ZIM vs SL Top Picks

• Pathum Nissanka: In-form top-order batter who can anchor the innings and accelerate when needed.
• Charith Asalanka: Dynamic batter and part-time bowler, useful in both departments.
• Maheesh Theekshana: Spin bowler with the ability to take crucial wickets in middle overs.
• Sikandar Raza: Key all-rounder, impactful with both bat and ball, and often dictates game momentum.
• Sean Williams: Experienced middle-order batsman and part-time bowler, vital for balance.
• Richard Ngarava: Leading pacer who can provide early breakthroughs and control the death overs.

ZIM vs SL Match Playing 11

Zimbabwe (ZIM) Possible Playing 11: 1. Ben Curran, 2. Brian Bennett, 3. Brendan Taylor(WK), 4. Sean Williams, 5. Sikandar Raza, 6. Clive Madande(WK), 7. Tony Munyonga, 8. Brad Evans, 9. Richard Ngarava, 10. Ernest Masuku, 11. Blessing Muzarabani

Sri Lanka (SL) Possible Playing 11: 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Nishan Madushka(WK), 3. Kusal Mendis(WK), 4. Sadeera Samarawickrama(WK), 5. Charith Asalanka(C), 6. Janith Liyanage, 7. Kamindu Mendis, 8. Dushmantha Chameera, 9. Maheesh Theekshana, 10. Asitha Fernando, 11. Dilshan Madushanka

Who will win today's 1st T20I match between ZIM vs SL?

Aaj ka ZIM vs SL match kon jeetega: Sri Lanka is expected to win the first T20I against Zimbabwe today. Most experts are estimating that Sri Lanka's chances of winning are around 63-71% based on recent form, better team depth and head-to-head record. Zimbabwe, despite playing on their home ground, still remains a weak team due to several recent defeats and a comparatively weak batting order.

• Sri Lanka have won 5 out of the 6 T20Is played against Zimbabwe, which shows a clear historical lead.
• After a clean sweep in the ODI series, the team is full of confidence with better form and explosive batsmen.

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