Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI Prediction, Dream11 Team, Betting Tips, Playing XI, Pitch & Weather Report – 29th August 2025
The upcoming Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe prediction for the 1st ODI promises an exciting battle between two sides with contrasting forms.
Scheduled for Friday, 29th August 2025, at the Harare Sports Club, Harare, this contest will open the ODI series with plenty at stake.
Sri Lanka enter the match with strong momentum, ranked 4th in ODIs, while Zimbabwe, sitting at 11th, look to take advantage of their home conditions.
Fans can expect fireworks as both sides bring experienced names like Charith Asalanka, Sikandar Raza, and Brendan Taylor to the field.
Cricketwebs provides 100% accurate match prediction tips, including fantasy team guidance, toss prediction, and winning chances.
Match Details
| Match | SL vs ZIM, 1st ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, August 29, 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
Team Previews
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka, ranked 4th in the ICC ODI rankings, come into this series full of confidence. Under Charith Asalanka’s leadership, they have shown consistency in both batting and bowling.
The presence of players like Nuwanidu Fernando and Pathum Nissanka gives solidity to the top order, while Kusal Mendis strengthens the middle order with his experience behind the stumps.
Their all-round department, led by Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis, adds balance.
Bowling-wise, Maheesh Theekshana will be crucial in Zimbabwean conditions, with Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera providing pace.
Their recent 2-1 T20I series win against Bangladesh reflects their form and confidence. The key lies in their ability to dominate in all three departments, and they will look to continue their dominance over Zimbabwe historically.
Key Players: Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Maheesh Theekshana.
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe, ranked 11th, are hopeful of a spirited comeback at home. Craig Ervine leads the side with experience, while Brendan Taylor’s return adds much-needed depth to their batting unit.
Sikandar Raza remains the team’s talisman, capable of turning games with both bat and ball. Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere will be important at the top, aiming to put pressure on Sri Lanka’s bowlers early.
In bowling, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will carry the responsibility of taking early breakthroughs, while Sean Williams and Raza provide spin options.
Their last ODI series win against Ireland (2-1) showcases that they can compete. However, they will need a near-perfect performance to upset a stronger Sri Lankan side.
Key Players: Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Blessing Muzarabani.
Squads
Sri Lanka ODI Squad:
Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wk), Nishan Madushka (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Milan Rathnayake
Zimbabwe ODI Squad:
Ben Curran, Craig Ervine (c), Brad Evans, Brian Bennett, Ernest Masuku, Johnathan Campbell, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tony Munyonga, Wessly Madhevere, Brendan Taylor (wk), Clive Madande (wk), Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine (c), Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Ben Curran, Clive Madande, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction – 29th August
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Pathum Nissanka, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine |
| All-rounders | Sikandar Raza, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage |
| Wicketkeepers | Kusal Mendis, Brendan Taylor |
| Bowlers | Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Blessing Muzarabani |
Captain Suggestions: Sikandar Raza, Charith Asalanka
Vice-Captain Suggestions: Pathum Nissanka, Maheesh Theekshana
Players to Avoid: Newman Nyamhuri, Milan Rathnayake
Fantasy Analysis: Pick Raza and Asalanka for consistency, while Bennett and Theekshana are smart picks for their current form and pitch advantage. Avoid inexperienced players with little international exposure.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favorite Team in Today’s Match
Sri Lanka enter as favorites due to their superior form, strong squad balance, and historical dominance over Zimbabwe.
Their top-order depth, reliable all-rounders, and experienced bowling attack give them a huge edge.
Zimbabwe will rely heavily on Raza and Taylor, which makes them too dependent on individuals.
Unless Zimbabwe’s bowlers strike early, Sri Lanka’s balanced approach should secure victory.
Team Histories
Sri Lanka ODI History: Played 937, Won 432, Lost 458, NR 41, Tie 6. A strong ODI side with World Cup pedigree.
Zimbabwe ODI History: Played 582, Won 155, Lost 404, NR 16, Tie 7. Known for producing big upsets in ICC tournaments.
Head-to-Head
| Matches | Sri Lanka Won | Zimbabwe Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 49 | 12 | 3 |
At Harare Sports Club: 17 matches → Sri Lanka 14, Zimbabwe 3.
Analysis: Sri Lanka have complete dominance in head-to-head meetings, especially in Harare.
Pitch Report
The Harare pitch is traditionally balanced, offering help for spinners as the match progresses. Batters can score freely in the first 25 overs, but later, stroke play becomes difficult. Anything above 260 is competitive.
One Day Internationals – Ground Records and Statistics
Harare Sports Club (Previously Salisbury Sports Club), Harare – Zimbabwe
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe |
| Matches Played | 189 |
| Matches Won by Home Side | 55 (29.10%) |
| Matches Won by Touring Side | 106 (56.08%) |
| Matches Won by Neutral Side | 23 (12.17%) |
| Matches Won Batting First | 86 (44.79%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 97 (50.52%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 86 (44.79%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 98 (51.04%) |
| Matches Tied | 1 (0.53%) |
| Matches with No Result | 4 (2.12%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 178* – Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe) vs Kenya, 18 Oct 2009 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 6/22 – Fidel Edwards (West Indies) vs Zimbabwe, 29 Nov 2003 |
| Highest Team Innings | 408/6 – Zimbabwe vs United States, 26 Jun 2023 |
| Lowest Team Innings | 35 – Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 25 Apr 2004 |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 328/3 – South Africa vs Australia, 27 Aug 2014 |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 29.62 |
| Average Runs per Over | 4.83 |
| Average Score Batting First | 226 |
Weather Report
Harare weather is expected to be clear with mild sunshine. No rain is predicted, making it a full 50-over contest.
Broadcast Details
Live Streaming: FanCode
TV Telecast: Not confirmed for Indian channels.
Score & Toss Prediction
- If Sri Lanka bat first: 259+
- If Zimbabwe bat first: 241+
Toss Winner Prediction: Zimbabwe
Match Prediction
Winner: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have 77% winning chances, while Zimbabwe hold 23%.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – SL vs ZIM 1st ODI
Q1: When is Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI 2025?
Friday, 29th August 2025, at Harare Sports Club.
Q2: Who is leading Sri Lanka in this series?
Charith Asalanka is the captain of Sri Lanka.
Q3: Who is Zimbabwe’s captain for this ODI series?
Craig Ervine leads the Zimbabwe side.
Q4: Which players to watch in today’s match?
Nuwanidu Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor.
Q5: Where to watch SL vs ZIM 1st ODI live?
The match will be live-streamed on FanCode.
Q6: What is the head-to-head record in ODIs?
Out of 64 ODIs, Sri Lanka won 49 and Zimbabwe 12.
Q7: What is the pitch report for Harare Sports Club?
Balanced surface, good for batting early, assists spinners later.
Q8: Who will win today’s SL vs ZIM ODI?
According to predictions, Sri Lanka are favorites to win.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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