There’s a special tension when Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe meet on the cricket field — a rivalry that spans formats and decades. With Sri Lanka holding a commanding 44–16 lead in ODIs, but Zimbabwe pulling off a stunning chase in the 2026 T20 World Cup, the contest has fresh momentum. This guide brings together recent results, head-to-head numbers, and what fans can expect next.

4 related posts

2025 ODI series result: Sri Lanka won 2‑1 ·
Most recent T20I result (2026 T20 World Cup): Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets ·
Total ODIs played (all time): 63 (as of 2025) ·
Head-to-head ODI wins: Sri Lanka 44 – Zimbabwe 16 (3 ties/no result) ·
Upcoming match: Next scheduled: fixture dates pending

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact date of the third ODI in the 2025 series (not publicly confirmed)
  • Full squad lists and venue for the 2026 T20 World Cup match beyond the playing XIs named
  • Whether another bilateral series is scheduled after 2025
3Timeline signal
  • 19 Feb 2026: T20 World Cup Match 38 at R. Premadasa Stadium (Sofascore)
  • 29 Aug 2025: 1st ODI, Harare (per ESPNcricinfo) (Sofascore)
  • 31 Aug 2025: 2nd ODI, Harare (per ESPNcricinfo) (Sofascore)
4What’s next
  • No confirmed upcoming fixture as of now – fans should monitor official Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket announcements
  • Possible bilateral series or ICC tournament meetings in late 2026

Six key facts capture the balance of power across formats, from decades of ODIs to the latest T20 twist.

Statistic Value
Total ODIs played 63 (as of September 2025)
Sri Lanka ODI wins 44
Zimbabwe ODI wins 16
Most recent ODI result Sri Lanka won 2–1 (2025)
Most recent T20I result Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets (2026 T20 World Cup)
Next confirmed fixture 1st ODI – 29 Aug 2025 (Harare)

What is the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe live score and how to follow?

For fans wanting ball-by-ball updates, three trusted platforms deliver real-time coverage.

Where to find ball-by-ball commentary

Official live streaming platforms

  • Sky Sports broadcasts Sri Lanka matches in the UK and Ireland (Sky Sports Cricket channel).
  • In Sri Lanka, live coverage is available on Channel Eye and streaming via the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.
  • Zimbabwe matches are often streamed on the Zimbabwe Cricket official YouTube page.

Mobile apps for live score updates

  • Download the ESPNcricinfo app (iOS/Android) for comprehensive match data.
  • The ICC app provides tournament-specific scorecards and notifications.
  • Cricbuzz remains a lightweight alternative for quick score checks.
Bottom line: For real-time coverage, ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz lead on detail, while the ICC app is best for official tournament data. UK fans: Sky Sports. Sri Lanka/Zimbabwe fans: board YouTube channels.

The implication: fans have multiple reliable options depending on region and format preference.

What are the latest Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match results and scorecards?

Three recent contests define the current narrative: the 2025 ODI series and the 2026 T20 World Cup meeting.

2025 ODI series scorecard

  • Sri Lanka won the three-match series 2–1, though exact match scores are not fully detailed in available records (ESPNcricinfo series page).
  • The first two ODIs were played on 29 and 31 August 2025 in Harare.

2026 T20 World Cup scorecard

  • Sri Lanka 178/7 (20 overs) – Zimbabwe 182/4 (19.3 overs) – Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets (Sky Sports scorecard).
  • Zimbabwe’s chase was led by contributions from Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Sikandar Raza (GeoSuper playing XI report).

Recent head-to-head results

  • In the last 5 T20I meetings, Sri Lanka have won 1 and lost 4, averaging 163.6 runs per match, according to AiScore (third‑party stats aggregator).
  • Zimbabwe in the same span won 2 and lost 3, averaging 151.8 runs per match (AiScore).
Bottom line: Zimbabwe’s T20 World Cup win flipped recent momentum. For ODI history, Sri Lanka remain dominant, but the T20I gap is narrowing.

The pattern: Zimbabwe’s recent T20I success is not a fluke but part of a broader trend.

What were the highlights of the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe T20 in 2026?

The 2026 T20 World Cup match delivered a chase that will be replayed for years.

Key batting performances

  • Zimbabwe’s top order fired: Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani set the platform, and captain Sikandar Raza anchored the chase (GeoSuper match report).
  • Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis provided the early momentum that set up their 178 total.

Turning points in the T20 match

  • Sri Lanka’s middle order faltered after a strong start, leaving them 15–20 runs short of a par score on the surface.
  • Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza, kept the required rate manageable throughout the second innings.

Video highlights on ICC website

The upshot

Zimbabwe proved they can chase under pressure against a top‑tier opponent. For Sri Lanka, the loss exposed a recurring middle‑over slowdown that needs fixing before the knockout stages.

What this means: Sri Lanka’s middle-order vulnerability is now a clear target for opponents.

What is the head-to-head record between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?

The numbers paint a clear picture of ODI dominance and a more competitive T20I story.

Format Matches Sri Lanka Wins Zimbabwe Wins Ties/No Result
ODIs 63 44 16 3
T20Is 12 8 4 0
Tests 20 16 3 1

ODI head-to-head statistics

  • Total ODIs: 63 – Sri Lanka 44 wins, Zimbabwe 16 wins, 3 ties/no result (as of September 2025).
  • Sri Lanka’s winning percentage of 69.8% underscores their historical edge in the 50‑over format (Sofascore head‑to‑head data).

T20I head-to-head statistics

  • Before the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka led 8–3 (GeoSuper). After that match, the record stands at 8–4.
  • Five of the last six T20Is have been won by Zimbabwe, indicating a clear shift in the short‑format balance.

Test head-to-head (if applicable)

  • No Test series has been played between the two sides since 2021; Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have met in 20 Tests historically, with Sri Lanka winning 16 and Zimbabwe 3 (1 draw).
Bottom line: ODI history favours Sri Lanka heavily, but the T20I rivalry is now live – Zimbabwe have won 4 of the last 5 meetings in the shortest format.

The catch: Sri Lanka’s long‑format dominance masks a rapidly changing T20I dynamic.

When is the next Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match in 2025/2026?

Fixture information comes from official board announcements and tournament schedules.

Upcoming fixtures in the 2025 tour

  • 1st ODI: 29 August 2025, Harare Sports Club, Harare.
  • 2nd ODI: 31 August 2025, Harare Sports Club, Harare.
  • 3rd ODI: Date and venue had not been confirmed at the time of writing.

Possible future series in 2026

  • Beyond the T20 World Cup, no bilateral series has been announced. Both boards typically schedule tours during the winter windows of the opposing hemisphere.

Confirmed dates from official boards

What to watch

The 2026 T20 World Cup showed Zimbabwe can beat Sri Lanka on a big stage. If the boards schedule a bilateral T20I series, expect the tightest contest in years – and a potential changing of the guard in the head‑to‑head.

The implication: the next bilateral series, if scheduled, will be the most competitive in recent memory.

Timeline: Key moments in the recent rivalry

  • 29 Aug 2025 – 1st ODI, Harare (series begins).
  • 31 Aug 2025 – 2nd ODI, Harare.
  • 19 Feb 2026 – ICC T20 World Cup Match 38 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Zimbabwe win by 6 wickets (Sofascore match timeline).

The pattern: Zimbabwe’s victory in February 2026 broke Sri Lanka’s recent hold in T20Is.

What’s confirmed and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • 1st ODI on 29 Aug 2025 and 2nd ODI on 31 Aug 2025 in Harare (per ESPNcricinfo).
  • Zimbabwe won the 2026 T20 World Cup match by 6 wickets, chasing 182 (Sky Sports scorecard).
  • Playing XIs for that match are published on GeoSuper.

Unclear details

  • Third ODI date of the 2025 series remains unconfirmed in public sources.
  • Exact date of the 2026 T20 World Cup match (only the year was given in some sources; the match started on 19 Feb 2026 according to Sofascore).
  • Full squads for future matches are not yet announced.

What this means: while the core facts are solid, fans should treat any unconfirmed details with caution.

Zimbabwe’s 6‑wicket win in the 2026 T20 World Cup is more than a one‑off – it’s a signal that the gap in the shortest format has nearly vanished. For Sri Lanka, the ODI safety net still holds, but the T20I head‑to‑head now sits at 8‑4, with four of Zimbabwe’s wins coming in the last five meetings. For fans in Colombo and Harare, the choice is clear: watch the ODI history books quickly – they might not stay so lopsided for long.

Additional sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many matches have Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe played in ODIs?

As of September 2025, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have played 63 ODIs. Sri Lanka have won 44, Zimbabwe 16, with 3 matches ending in ties or no result.

What is the biggest win margin in Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODIs?

Sri Lanka’s largest ODI victory was by 197 runs in Harare in 2004. Zimbabwe’s biggest win was by 97 runs (D/L method) in 2017.

Who is the captain of Sri Lanka in 2025?

Dasun Shanaka was the captain of Sri Lanka during the 2025 ODI series and the 2026 T20 World Cup match, as per the playing XI published by GeoSuper.

Who holds the record for most runs in Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe matches?

In ODIs, Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for most runs (1,131). For Zimbabwe, Andy Flower leads with 831 ODI runs.

What TV channels broadcast Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe in different countries?

In the UK, Sky Sports Cricket holds the rights. In Sri Lanka, Channel Eye provides terrestrial broadcast; in Zimbabwe, ZBC TV often airs home matches. Streaming options include ESPNcricinfo app and ICC digital platforms.

Are there any upcoming tours between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe after 2025?

No bilateral tour has been confirmed beyond the 2025 ODI series. Both boards typically schedule during their off‑season, so a 2026‑27 series is possible but unannounced.

How can I buy tickets for a Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match?

Tickets are sold through the host board’s official website. For matches in Sri Lanka, visit SLC official site; for Zimbabwe, visit Zimbabwe Cricket. Third‑party resellers like Ticketmaster may also list ICC tournament tickets.