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

SL vs ZIM Match Preview – 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 being played on neutral ground, both teams will look to adapt quickly to conditions that are famously favorable for batters.

Sri Lanka enters the contest with a well-balanced squad, boasting a mix of explosive top-order hitting and world-class spin bowling. Led by Dasun Shanaka, they will look to exploit Zimbabwe’s traditional weakness against spin. Zimbabwe, however, presents a fascinating squad composition. With the inclusion of seasoned campaigners like Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer alongside the dynamic Sikandar Raza, they possess the experience to spring a surprise.

For fantasy managers and fans alike, this match promises high scores given the venue’s history.

SL vs ZIM Match Details

SL vs ZIM Head-to-Head (T20Is)

Sri Lanka has historically dominated this rivalry, relying on their superior spin attack to strangle the Zimbabwean middle order. However, Zimbabwe has pulled off upsets in the past, particularly when Sikandar Raza fires.

SL vs ZIM Pitch Report: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

The pitch at Pindi is renowned as a batter’s paradise. It is one of the flattest tracks in the world, offering true bounce and very little lateral movement for the pacers.

• Scoring Pattern: Scores of 200+ are common here. Boundaries are relatively small, and the outfield is lightning fast.

• Bowler’s Challenge: Fast bowlers will struggle unless they have varied slower balls. Spinners might get some grip in the first innings, but dew can make gripping the ball difficult later on.

• Strategy: The captain winning the toss is highly likely to bowl first, looking to chase down a target with the dew aiding the batting in the second innings.

SL vs ZIM Weather Report

The weather in Rawalpindi for late November is crisp and cool.

• Conditions: Clear skies, no chance of rain.

• Temperature: Expected to be around 18°C at the start of play, dropping to 12°C by the end of the match.

• Dew Factor: Heavy dew is expected in the second innings, which will significantly handicap the bowlers defending a total.

SL vs ZIM Probable Playing11

Based on the squads provided, here is the likely lineup for both teams. Sri Lanka may opt for a spin-heavy attack, while Zimbabwe will rely on their returning veterans.

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Dushan Hemantha/Janith Liyanage.

Zimbabwe (ZIM):

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa.

SL vs ZIM Team Analysis & Preview

Sri Lanka (SL)

The Lankan Lions look formidable. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are consistent run-getters, while the middle order has power in Shanaka and Rajapaksa. Their bowling is their ace card; the duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana can dismantle lineups even on flat tracks. With Nuwan Thushara’s slingy action providing a death-over threat, SL has all bases covered.

Zimbabwe (ZIM)

The African nation has brought a squad that blends youth with massive experience. All eyes will be on Sikandar Raza, the heart and soul of this team. If he and the experienced Brendan Taylor get going, Zimbabwe can chase anything on this Pindi surface. However, their bowling depth is a concern. Richard Ngarava needs to pick up early wickets, or the Sri Lankan top order could take the game away in the powerplay.

SL vs ZIM Match Prediction

While the Rawalpindi pitch brings the teams closer together by neutralizing bowling threats, Sri Lanka’s superior quality in the spin department gives them the edge. Hasaranga and Theekshana are likely to control the middle overs better than their counterparts. Unless Sikandar Raza produces a magical individual performance, Sri Lanka should take the points.

Prediction: Sri Lanka to win.