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The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka rivalry is a tale of grit meeting grandeur. Sri Lanka’s spin sorcery and batting depth have long dominated, yet Zimbabwe’s never-say-die spirit has delivered stunning upsets, especially in T20s. From dusty Test draws in the 1990s to the 2026 World Cup shock in Colombo, this matchup proves underdogs can roar.
Latest Matches
Recent Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline encounters across formats (as of February 2026)
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | Zimbabwe Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Feb 19, 2026 | Sri Lanka elected to bat | 182/4 (19.3 ov) | 178/7 (20 ov) | Zimbabwe won by 6 wkts | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Sikandar Raza (ZIM) |
| Bilateral T20I | Harare Sports Club | Sep 7, 2025 | – | 191/8 (20 ov) | 193/2 (17.4 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 8 wkts | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | Kamil Mishara (SL) |
| Bilateral T20I | Harare Sports Club | Sep 6, 2025 | – | 84/5 (14.2 ov) | 80 (17.4 ov) | Zimbabwe won by 5 wkts | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | – |
| Bilateral T20I | Harare Sports Club | Sep 3, 2025 | Sri Lanka elected to bowl | 175/7 (20 ov) | 177/6 (19.1 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 4 wkts | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | – |
| Bilateral ODI | Harare Sports Club | Aug 31, 2025 | Sri Lanka elected to field | 277/7 (50 ov) | 278/5 (49.3 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wkts | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | Pathum Nissanka (SL) |
| Bilateral ODI | Harare Sports Club | Aug 29, 2025 | – | 291/8 (50 ov) | 298/6 (50 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 7 runs | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | – |
| Bilateral T20I | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jan 18, 2024 | – | 82 (14.1 ov) | 88/1 (10.5 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 9 wkts | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024 | – |
| Bilateral T20I | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jan 16, 2024 | – | 178/6 (19.5 ov) | 173/6 (20 ov) | Zimbabwe won by 4 wkts | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024 | – |
| Bilateral T20I | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jan 14, 2024 | Sri Lanka elected to field | 143/5 (20 ov) | 144/7 (20 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 3 wkts | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024 | Angelo Mathews (SL) |
| Bilateral ODI | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jan 2024 (3rd) | – | – | – | Sri Lanka won by 8 wkts | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024 | Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) |
| Bilateral ODI | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jan 2024 (2nd) | – | – | – | Sri Lanka won by 2 wkts | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024 | Janith Liyanage (SL) |
| Bilateral ODI | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jan 2024 (1st) | – | – | – | No result (rain) | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024 | – |
Head to Head Summary
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team – Complete Record (as of February 20, 2026)
| Format | Matches Played | Sri Lanka Won | Zimbabwe Won | Draws / No Result | Sri Lanka Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 70% |
| ODI | 66 | 51 | 12 | 3 | 77% |
| T20I | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 67% |
| OVERALL | 98 | 73 | 16 | 9 | 74% |
Best Player Performance Analysis Table Standout Heroes in Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Encounters
| Category | Player | Performance Details | Match / Event | Why It’s Legendary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most Runs in T20Is | Brian Bennett (ZIM) | 260 runs in 8 innings (SR 132.65) | Career vs SL | Zimbabwe’s modern-day superstar |
| Most Wickets in T20Is | Dushmantha Chameera (SL) | 12 wickets (Avg 18, SR 15) | Career vs ZIM | SL’s death-over destroyer |
| Highest Team Total (T20I) | Sri Lanka | 193/2 (batting 2nd) | 2025, Harare Sports Club | Record-breaking chase |
| Lowest Team Total (T20I) | Sri Lanka | 80 all out | 2025, Harare Sports Club | Historic collapse against underdogs |
| Best Recent Batting (ZIM) | Brian Bennett (ZIM) | 63 off 48 balls* | Feb 19, 2026 – T20 WC, Colombo | Anchored Zimbabwe’s famous win over hosts |
| Best All-Round (ZIM) | Sikandar Raza (ZIM) | 45 off 26 (4×4, 4×6) + key spells | Feb 19, 2026 – T20 WC (Player of the Match) | Captain’s masterclass to top the group |
| Best Recent Batting (SL) | Pathum Nissanka (SL) | 62 off 41 balls | Feb 19, 2026 – T20 WC, Colombo | Classy innings in a losing cause |
| Best ODI Knock | Sikandar Raza (ZIM) | 92 off 87 balls | 2025 1st ODI, Harare | Lone warrior fight in a big chase |
| Best Bowling Spell | Dilshan Madushanka (SL) | Match-winning figures (Player of Match) | 2025 ODI series | Swing king who sealed series wins |
The Spark of an Uneven Flame: Zimbabwe’s Entry and Sri Lanka’s Early Dominance (1990s Beginnings)
The rivalry between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka ignited in the early 1990s, as Zimbabwe stepped onto the international stage with Test status in 1992. Their first clash came in the 1992 World Cup at New Plymouth, where Zimbabwe posted a bold 312/4, powered by Andy Flower’s unbeaten 115 the highest individual score in that match. Sri Lanka chased it down dramatically for 313/7, with Aravinda de Silva’s flair shining through. This set the tone: Zimbabwe’s gritty underdog spirit against Sri Lanka’s emerging dominance.
By 1994-95, the first Test series in Zimbabwe unfolded with three tense draws. David Houghton’s monumental 266 in Harare remains Zimbabwe’s highest Test score ever, frustrating Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Fans in Harare erupted in pride, while Sri Lankan supporters felt the pressure of unfulfilled expectations. Tactics revolved around spin exploitation on dusty pitches, with Muttiah Muralitharan emerging as a threat.
In 1996, Zimbabwe toured Sri Lanka and faced crushing defeats: innings losses in both Tests, highlighting Sri Lanka’s home supremacy. Yet, a 1997 ODI upset in Sharjah saw Zimbabwe win by 50 runs, with Guy Whittall’s all-round heroics. Emotions boiled Zimbabwean joy amid rare triumphs, Sri Lankan aggression in comebacks.
| Match | Format | Date/Venue | Scorecard | Key Performers | Best Moments/Records | Fan Emotions/Aggression |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zim vs SL | ODI (WC) | Feb 23, 1992, New Plymouth | Zim 312/4 (Flower 115*, Dekker 78); SL 313/7 (Mahanama 73, de Silva 47); SL won by 3 wkts | Andy Flower (115*, MOM); Roshan Mahanama (73) | Highest chase in early rivalry; Flower’s maiden WC ton | Zim fans heartbroken by close loss; SL crowd celebrated tense victory with roars |
| 1st Test | Test | Oct 11-15, 1994, Harare | Zim 456 (Houghton 266, A Flower 81) & 145/3d; SL 218 (Gurusinha 63) & 191/5 (Ranatunga 100*) | David Houghton (266); Sanjeeva Ranatunga (100*) | Houghton’s 266—Zim’s record Test score; marathon draw | Harare stands buzzed with national pride; SL aggression in follow-on resistance |
| 2nd Test | Test | Oct 20-24, 1994, Bulawayo | Zim 544/4d (A Flower 156*, G Flower 124); SL 383 (de Silva 127) & 119/1 | Aravinda de Silva (127); Andy Flower (156*) | Zim’s highest innings total vs SL (544/4d) | Bulawayo erupted in cheers for dominance; SL fans frustrated by draw |
| 3rd Test | Test | Oct 26-30, 1994, Harare | Zim 218 & 236 (Campbell 88); SL 383 (de Silva 75) & 72/1; SL won? Wait, drawn | Alistair Campbell (88); de Silva (75) | Tense low-scoring thriller; key partnerships | Pressure mounted; Zim aggression in batting recovery |
| SL vs Zim | ODI (WC) | Feb 21, 1996, Colombo | Zim 228/6 (Campbell 75, Whittall 35); SL 229/4 (de Silva 91); SL won by 6 wkts | Aravinda de Silva (91, MOM); Alistair Campbell (75) | de Silva’s majestic 91; fast chase | SL home joy; Zim disappointment fueled future fire |
| 1st Test | Test | Aug 18-21, 1996, Colombo | Zim 145 & 127; SL 349 (Jayasuriya 113); SL won by inns & 77 | Sanath Jayasuriya (113); Muralitharan (5/29) | Murali’s spin web; innings victory | SL dominance sparked fan chants; Zim aggression wilted |
| 2nd Test | Test | Aug 25-29, 1996, SSC | Zim 221 & 195; SL 453 (Tillakaratne 203); SL won by inns & 37 | Hashan Tillakaratne (203); Heath Streak (4/90) | Tillakaratne’s double ton; SL’s highest vs Zim | Colombo crowds aggressive; Zim’s resilient bowlers praised |
| Zim vs SL | ODI | Apr 8, 1997, Sharjah | Zim 240/8 (Whittall 79*, Campbell 52); SL 190 (Mahanama 42); Zim won by 50 runs | Guy Whittall (79* & 3 wkts, MOM); Mahanama (42) | Rare Zim upset over WC champs; Whittall’s all-round | Global Zim fans ecstatic; SL shock led to tactical rethink |
Tactical Shifts and All-Round Heroes: Zimbabwe’s Growing Confidence in Limited Overs (Early 2010s)
The early 2010s saw Zimbabwe evolve in limited-overs cricket against Sri Lanka, shifting from consistent defeats to flashes of confidence through better fitness, aggressive batting, and all-round contributions. Under captains like Elton Chigumbura and Brendan Taylor, Zimbabwe focused on building partnerships and countering Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack with positive intent on home pitches.
Key series included the 2010 Zimbabwe Triangular Series (with India), where Zimbabwe showed fight but lost the final heavily Sri Lanka chased 200 with ease via Dilshan’s century. In World T20 2010 at Providence, Sri Lanka edged a rain-affected thriller by 14 runs (D/L), Mahela Jayawardene starring. The 2012 World T20 opener in Hambantota crushed Zimbabwe: Sri Lanka’s 182/4 defended by Ajantha Mendis’ career-best 6/8, bowling them out for 100.
Yet Zimbabwe grew bolder. Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor anchored chases and stands, while spinners like Graeme Cremer troubled Sri Lanka. Tactics emphasized rotating strike against Malinga and Mendis, plus death-over aggression. Fans sensed rising belief Harare crowds roared for every competitive total, while Sri Lankans grew wary of complacency. No major upsets then, but these years built the foundation for later heroics.
| Match | Format | Date/Venue | Scorecard Highlights | Key Performers | Best Moments/Records | Fan Emotions/Aggression |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL vs ZIM | T20I (WT20 Group B) | May 3, 2010, Providence | SL 173/7 (Jayawardene 100); ZIM 29/1 (5 ov, rain); SL won by 14 runs (D/L) | Mahela Jayawardene (100, MOM); Hamilton Masakadza (runs in chase attempt) | Jayawardene’s blistering ton; rain-interrupted thriller | Zim fans frustrated by D/L; SL celebrated Mahela’s masterclass |
| ZIM vs SL | ODI (Tri-Series) | Jun 1, 2010, Bulawayo | ZIM 118 (Masakadza 62); SL 119/1 (15.2 ov); SL won by 9 wkts | Hamilton Masakadza (62); Tillakaratne Dilshan (60*) | Quick chase; Masakadza’s lone resistance | Bulawayo pride in fight; SL dominance sparked chants |
| ZIM vs SL | ODI (Tri-Series Final) | Jun 9, 2010, Harare | ZIM 199; SL 203/1 (34.4 ov); SL won by 9 wkts | Upul Tharanga (72); Dilshan (108*) | Dilshan’s unbeaten century chase | Harare disappointment; Zim aggression in total building |
| SL vs ZIM | T20I (WT20 Group C opener) | Sep 18, 2012, Hambantota | SL 182/4 (Sangakkara 44, Mendis 43*); ZIM 100 (17.3 ov); SL won by 82 runs | Ajantha Mendis (6/8, best T20I figures then); Hamilton Masakadza (20) | Mendis’ devastating 6-fer; career-best spell | Home SL crowd ecstatic; Zim collapse fueled determination |
| ZIM vs SL (various ODIs/T20Is) | Limited Overs | 2010-2014 home/away | Multiple SL wins; ZIM improved totals (e.g., 200+ chases attempted) | Brendan Taylor (consistent anchors); Masakadza (power-hitting) | Growing partnerships; Taylor’s all-round heroics | Rising Zim confidence; crowds louder for every boundary; SL wary tactics |
The 2024 Turning Point: Zimbabwe’s Tour of Sri Lanka and Series Drama
The 2024 Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka marked a pivotal shift in the rivalry, blending Sri Lanka’s expected dominance with Zimbabwe’s bold resistance in limited-overs cricket. Played entirely at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo under lights, the series featured three ODIs and three T20Is in January 2024. Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2-0 (one washout) and the T20I series 2-1, but Zimbabwe’s upset in the second T20I injected drama and confidence.
ODIs saw rain disrupt the opener (no result), while Sri Lanka chased tense totals in the next two: Janith Liyanage’s heroics sealed a two-wicket thriller in the second, and Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round show powered an eight-wicket DLS win in the third. In T20Is, Angelo Mathews’ finishing anchored a three-wicket win in the first. Zimbabwe struck back dramatically in the second: posting 173/6, they chased 174 with four wickets in hand off the final ball Luke Jongwe’s late blitz (25* off 12) and Clive Madande’s cameo turned the game amid roaring pressure. Sri Lanka bounced back with a nine-wicket rout in the decider.
This series highlighted tactical evolution: Zimbabwe’s aggressive middle-order and death bowling challenged Sri Lanka’s spin and pace variations. Fans in Colombo felt the tension Sri Lankan relief after close calls, Zimbabwean pride in the moral victory that signaled rising competitiveness.
| Match | Format | Date/Venue | Scorecard Highlights | Key Performers | Best Moments/Records | Fan Emotions/Aggression |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | ODI | Jan 6, 2024, Colombo (RPS) | SL 273/9 (50 ov); ZIM 12/2 (4 ov); No result (rain) | Various starts; rain intervention | Washout halted momentum | Frustration in stands; both sides eager for action |
| 2nd ODI | ODI | Jan 8, 2024, Colombo (RPS) | ZIM total (chased); SL won by 2 wkts | Janith Liyanage (MOM, key chase); Craig Ervine (ZIM runs) | Nail-biting two-wicket finish; clutch partnerships | Tense Colombo crowd; SL relief, Zim aggression in defense |
| 3rd ODI | ODI | Jan 11, 2024, Colombo (RPS) | ZIM total; SL won by 8 wkts (DLS) | Wanindu Hasaranga (MOM, all-round); Kusal Mendis (runs) | DLS-adjusted domination; spin control | SL fans celebrated series win; Zim disappointed but fought |
| 1st T20I | T20I | Jan 14, 2024, Colombo (RPS) | ZIM 143/5 (20 ov); SL 144/7 (20 ov); SL won by 3 wkts | Angelo Mathews (46, MOM); Sikandar Raza (wickets/runs) | Tense last-over thriller; Mathews’ finishing | Pressure cooker; SL ecstasy on tight win, Zim pride in total |
| 2nd T20I | T20I | Jan 16, 2024, Colombo (RPS) | SL 173/6 (20 ov); ZIM 178/6 (19.5 ov); ZIM won by 4 wkts | Luke Jongwe (25* off 12 & wickets); Clive Madande (15* off 5) | Dramatic final-over chase (24 runs); upset of series | Harare-like roar from Zim fans; SL shock and aggression |
| 3rd T20I | T20I | Jan 18, 2024, Colombo (RPS) | ZIM total; SL won by 9 wkts | Wanindu Hasaranga (MOM); Angelo Mathews (series runs) | Dominant chase; spin mastery | SL fans aggressive in celebration; Zim resilience noted |
World Cup Shockwave: The 2026 T20 Upset in Colombo and Legacy Moments
The 2026 T20 World Cup in Colombo delivered a seismic upset when Zimbabwe stunned co-hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets in Group B’s Match 38 at R. Premadasa Stadium on February 19. Sri Lanka posted 178/7, anchored by Pathum Nissanka’s 62 off 41 (8x4s) and Pavan Rathnayake’s explosive 44 off 25 (3x4s, 2x6s). Graeme Cremer’s 2/27 spun control, while Blessing Muzarabani claimed 2/38. Zimbabwe chased 179 with 182/4 in 19.3 overs Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 63 off 48 (8x4s) provided stability, but Sikandar Raza’s blistering 45 off 26 (2x4s, 4x6s) turned the tide, smashing 20 off one over from Dushan Hemantha. Tony Munyonga’s final-ball six sealed it. This victory topped Zimbabwe unbeaten in Group B, echoing their Australia scalp earlier, igniting “Castle Corner” frenzy. Fans worldwide hailed Raza as a superstar; Sri Lankans lamented complacency on a sluggish pitch. Legacy: Zimbabwe’s resilience inspires underdogs, proving tactical aggression beats odds records include Raza’s fastest 40 in chases, Bennett’s maiden WC fifty.
| Match | Format | Date/Venue | Scorecard Highlights | Key Performers | Best Moments/Records | Fan Emotions/Aggression |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL vs ZIM | T20I (WC Group B) | Feb 19, 2026, Colombo (RPS) | SL 178/7 (20 ov): Nissanka 62 (41), Rathnayake 44 (25); ZIM 182/4 (19.3 ov): Bennett 63* (48), Raza 45 (26) | Sikandar Raza (45 & POTM); Brian Bennett (63* anchor); Graeme Cremer (2/27 spin hero) | Raza’s 20-run over (2×6, 1×4); Bennett’s maiden WC 50 (41 balls); Highest ZIM chase vs SL in WC | Colombo crowd stunned silent; Zim fans erupted in “Castle Corner” chants, aggressive celebrations |
| SL Innings | T20I | Feb 19, 2026 | 178/7: Powerplay 61/1; 100 in 12 ov; Extras 8 | Pathum Nissanka (62, highest scorer); Pavan Rathnayake (44, fastest 40 off 20); Muzarabani (2/38) | Nissanka’s 50 off 34 (7x4s); Rathnayake’s 2x6s in death; Cremer’s double strike | SL optimism early, frustration at collapses; Zim aggression in fielding |
| ZIM Innings | T20I | Feb 19, 2026 | 182/4: Powerplay 55/0; 150 in 16 ov; Extras 8 | Ryan Burl (23 off 12, 2×4 1×6); Tadiwanashe Marumani (34 off 26, 5×4 1×6); Hemantha (2/36) | Raza’s 4x6s; Munyonga’s winning six; Record unbeaten Group B for ZIM | Pressure highs in chase; Zim joy at upset, SL fans aggressive boos at errors |
| Key Battles | T20I | Feb 19, 2026 | Fall: SL 7 wkts; ZIM 4 wkts | Dunith Wellalage (1/27); Dasun Shanaka (1/26 & catches) | 3rd wkt 69-run stand (Bennett-Raza); Shanaka’s spectacular catch | Emotional rollercoaster; legacy of Zim’s “magical run” inspires global underdogs |
Conclusion
In the end, Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka transcends stats 74 wins for Sri Lanka, 16 for Zimbabwe. It’s about defiance, drama, and dreams. Every upset fuels hope; every dominance reminds of class. As formats evolve and new heroes emerge, this rivalry continues to deliver heart-pounding chapters in cricket’s unpredictable story.
