Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Prediction: Who Will Win SL vs ZIM 38th T20 Match on 19th February 2026?
The highly anticipated Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe prediction for the 38th T20 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 sets up an exciting clash at the iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, 19 February 2026. Both teams have already secured qualification for the Super 8 stage, but momentum heading into the knockout phase is crucial. Sri Lanka currently top Group B after a sensational win over Australia, while Zimbabwe sit second with five points and confidence from their own impressive campaign.
Sri Lanka’s resurgence has been driven by explosive batting and disciplined spin bowling. Kusal Mendis leads their scoring charts with 168 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 134. Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten century against Australia showcased the hosts’ ability to chase under pressure. Their spin duo, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, have claimed nine wickets collectively, exploiting Colombo’s slower surfaces effectively.
Zimbabwe, however, are not here by accident. Brian Bennett’s 64 against Australia in Colombo last week demonstrated their batting capability. With Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl anchoring the middle order, Zimbabwe possess experience and adaptability. Their pace attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, has been efficient in both powerplay and death overs.
Colombo’s surface typically assists spinners and rewards tactical batting rather than pure aggression. Sri Lanka’s familiarity with conditions provides a tangible advantage. While Zimbabwe are capable of challenging, Sri Lanka enter this fixture as strong favorites due to superior balance and home advantage.
- Sri Lanka are in top form, winning three consecutive matches and defeating Australia convincingly. Their batting depth and spin attack make them dominant in home conditions.
- Zimbabwe have qualified confidently, highlighted by strong performances against Australia and consistent middle-order stability through Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl.
- Spin could decide the match, with Theekshana and Wellalage likely to play decisive roles on Colombo’s slow pitch.
- Winning probability favors Sri Lanka (77%), while Zimbabwe (23%) require early breakthroughs and disciplined bowling to upset the hosts.
Match Details
| Match | SL vs ZIM, 38th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, 19 February 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM (Local) |
| Venue | R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo |
| Tournament | T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
Team Previews
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka’s campaign has been a remarkable turnaround. Entering the tournament after inconsistent results, they have now secured three consecutive wins. Their demolition of Australia while chasing 182 underscored their composure and depth.
Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 100 off 52 balls marked a turning point. His ability to accelerate in the powerplay places immediate pressure on opposition bowlers. Kusal Perera complements him with aggressive stroke play, while Kusal Mendis anchors the innings with controlled aggression.
Dasun Shanaka provides finishing strength, and Kamindu Mendis contributes stability. Sri Lanka’s batting unit blends youth with experience, capable of both chasing and setting totals around 160–180 effectively.
Bowling remains their biggest strength. Dushmantha Chameera offers pace and swing with the new ball. The spin combination of Theekshana and Wellalage has strangled opponents in middle overs. Colombo conditions amplify their impact.
With qualification secured, Sri Lanka will aim to maintain momentum. Their balanced XI and home familiarity position them as favorites.
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe have been one of the tournament’s surprise packages. Qualification was sealed partly due to consistency and partly due to their strong win over Australia.
Brian Bennett has been in prime touch, scoring 112 runs in two matches. Tadiwanashe Marumani provides brisk starts, while Dion Myers offers composure. The experienced duo of Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl anchor and accelerate as needed.
Their bowling attack has been impressive. Muzarabani’s bounce and Evans’ variations provide early breakthroughs. Masakadza and Raza control the middle overs with spin.
Zimbabwe will need early wickets to disrupt Sri Lanka’s top order. Discipline and fielding sharpness will be essential if they aim to challenge the hosts.
Team Squad
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, etc.
Zimbabwe Squad: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Dion Myers, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, etc.
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Nissanka, Perera, Mendis (wk), Shanaka (c), Kamindu, Wellalage, Hemantha, Chameera, Theekshana, Madushan, Rathnayake
Zimbabwe: Bennett, Marumani (wk), Myers, Raza (c), Burl, Munyonga, Evans, Masakadza, Cremer, Muzarabani, Musekiwa
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Kusal Mendis |
| BAT | Pathum Nissanka, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl |
| AR | Sikandar Raza, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage |
| BOWL | Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Muzarabani, Brad Evans |
Colombo conditions favor spinners and all-rounders. Kusal Mendis is a safe wicketkeeper pick due to consistency. Nissanka’s recent century makes him a must-have. Bennett adds Zimbabwe batting value. Raza and Wellalage contribute in both departments, maximizing fantasy returns. Theekshana’s middle-over control increases wicket probability.
Captain Options: Kusal Mendis / Sikandar Raza
Vice-Captain Options: Pathum Nissanka / Maheesh Theekshana
Players to Avoid: Graeme Cremer, Tashinga Musekiwa
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match – Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka are the clear favourites in this Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe T20 fixture due to a blend of recent form, home advantage, and superior spin bowling attack. They have swept through Group B with three convincing victories and are unbeaten, including a remarkable victory over Australia national cricket team in their previous match. Their batting lineup boasts match-winners at the top and middle order, while their spin duo thrives on the slower, turning surfaces typically seen at their home grounds. Sri Lankan players also have extensive experience in high-pressure ICC events, adding to their psychological edge.
Zimbabwe are competitive but less experienced in subcontinental conditions and face challenges against quality spin. Sri Lanka’s ability to execute plans with both bat and ball makes them strong favourites unless Zimbabwe outperform expectations.
Why Sri Lanka?
- Strong winning momentum in the tournament
- Advantageous home conditions and spin attack
- Powerful batting depth and form
- Better experience in ICC knockout scenarios
Sri Lanka T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 228 | 104 | 122 | 2 | 0 |
Sri Lanka have long been a competitive T20 side with consistent performances in ICC events.
Zimbabwe T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 188 | 69 | 116 | 3 | 0 |
Zimbabwe have shown growth but are generally less dominant compared with top T20 nations.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | SL Won | ZIM Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
Sri Lanka have won the majority of past T20 meetings, showcasing historical dominance ahead of this clash. Their winning record reflects both consistency and psychological edge.
Also Check: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Head to Head in T20
Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium pitch tends to be balanced but usually offers assistance to spinners as the game progresses. Batsmen can score freely in the early powerplay, but slow, grippy conditions later reward quality spin bowling from both sides. Pacers may exploit bounce early on but will need variations in the middle overs. Average first-innings scores in recent T20 games at this venue have hovered around competitive totals, and chasing teams often find conditions more predictable under lights. Control and adaptability will be crucial for both batting and bowling units here.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | ~31°C |
| Overnight Low | ~24°C |
| Conditions | Mostly Cloudy with Spot Thunderstorms |
| Wind | Light to Moderate |
Colombo is forecast to be mostly cloudy with possible isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon, but play is expected to go ahead. High humidity and warm conditions may prevail throughout.
Broadcast Details
This match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network across applicable regions and streamed digitally on JioHotstar for viewers in India and select markets. International fans can watch via official ICC broadcast partners in their respective regions.
Toss Prediction
Given the balanced conditions at R. Premadasa Stadium and the importance of setting a target in slow afternoon pitches, the toss-winning captain is likely to choose to bat first to put runs on the board and apply pressure. Early wickets could significantly alter momentum. A decision to bat first aligns with recent pitch trends and gives the bowling side clear winter conditions during the chase.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Sri Lanka’s top batting threats include Pathum Nissanka, whose recent unbeaten century helped steer his team into the Super 8s. He combines power with consistency at the top. Kusal Mendis will also be pivotal, anchoring the middle phase and accelerating when required. For Zimbabwe, Brian Bennett has shown form, especially in big matches, and Sikandar Raza adds strategic finishing power to their batting unit.
On the bowling front, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana is likely to be the most effective, given Colombo’s spin-friendly surfaces. His ability to vary pace and flight makes him a constant threat. Dunith Wellalage also poses significant middle-over danger. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani brings pace and bounce, particularly in early overs, while Brad Evans can exploit slower conditions to choke run flows.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Winning Chances?
| Team | Winning % | Why They Win | Why They May Lose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 77% | Home advantage, strong spin attack | Possible upset from tight Zimbabwe attack |
| Zimbabwe | 23% | Capable bowling and aggression | Less effective spin defense |
Sri Lanka’s win probability is higher due to their superior balance, home conditions, and spinners who dominate middle overs. Zimbabwe can upset if they exploit powerplay and keep spinners in check.
Match Prediction
Sri Lanka’s consistent tournament form, home advantage, and effective spin bowling make them the most likely winners in this clash. While Zimbabwe possess capable match-winners and have upset stronger sides already, Sri Lanka’s depth across batting and bowling gives them a clear tactical advantage.
Prediction: Sri Lanka will win this T20.
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 38th T20
When and where is the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 38th T20 match scheduled?
The match will be played on 19 February 2026 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. It is part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group stage.
What time does the SL vs ZIM match start?
The match is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM local time in Colombo. Fans are advised to check local broadcasters for time-zone adjustments.
Which team is favorite to win today’s match?
Sri Lanka are favorites due to home conditions, superior spin bowling options, and strong recent form in the tournament. Their historical head-to-head record also favors them.
What is the head-to-head record between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in T20Is?
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have faced each other 11 times in T20 internationals. Sri Lanka have won 8 matches, while Zimbabwe have won 3.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Maheesh Theekshana are crucial. For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, and Blessing Muzarabani are key performers.
What type of pitch can be expected at R. Premadasa Stadium?
The Colombo pitch typically supports spin bowling, especially in the middle overs. Batters who rotate strike and avoid risky shots early tend to succeed.
How can fans watch the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match live?
The match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed via JioHotstar in India. International viewers can watch through official ICC broadcast partners.
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