ZIM vs SL 1st T20I Playing XI: Zimbabwe will take on Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club, Harare.
Zimbabwe will be aiming for a strong start at home, with captain Sikandar Raza leading from the front. The hosts struggled with batting depth in recent matches, but players like Ben Curran and Raza will play key roles in stabilising their lineup. Richard Ngarava will be the leader of their bowling attack and is expected to trouble Sri Lankan batters with his pace.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, comes into this series with confidence after winning the ODI series 2-0. Pathum Nissanka is in excellent form, having scored big runs in the ODIs, while Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka add stability in the middle order. In the bowling department, Maheesh Theekshana’s spin and Dushmantha Chameera’s pace will be crucial.
This promises to be a competitive contest, as both teams aim to take an early lead in the T20I series.
Let’s look at the ZIM vs SL 1st T20I Match Playing XI, key players, team news, and full squads.
ZIM vs SL 1st T20I Match Playing XI- Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025
| Zimbabwe Playing XI | Sri Lanka Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Ben Curran | Pathum Nissanka |
| Brian Bennett | Kusal Mendis (wk) |
| Clive Madande (wk) | Charith Asalanka (c) |
| Sikandar Raza (c) | Kamindu Mendis |
| Ryan Burl | Dasun Shanaka |
| Tony Munyonga | Chamika Karunaratne |
| Tashinga Musekiwa | Matheesha Pathirana |
| Wellington Masakadza | Maheesh Theekshana |
| Tinotenda Maposa | Dunith Wellalage |
| Richard Ngarava | Dushmantha Chameera |
| Trevor Gwandu | Nuwan Thushara |
Key Players to Watch
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe’s captain and match-winner, dangerous with both bat and ball.
- Ben Curran – In good touch from the ODI series, capable of playing fearless cricket at the top.
- Richard Ngarava – Zimbabwe’s strike bowler who can make early inroads with his pace.
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka – In red-hot form, scored heavily in the ODIs and will look to continue in T20Is.
- Kusal Mendis – Consistent run-scorer and crucial in stabilising the middle order.
- Maheesh Theekshana – Mystery spinner, effective in controlling the game during middle overs.
ZIM vs SL 1st T20I Match Team News
Zimbabwe will depend heavily on Raza, Curran, and Burl to deliver with the bat, while Ngarava remains their go-to pacer. The lack of six-hitting ability in recent games is a concern they need to overcome.
Sri Lanka looks well balanced, with Nissanka and Mendis in strong form. Their pace attack, led by Chameera, adds variety alongside spin options. No major injury concerns are reported from either camp.
ZIM vs SL Teams Full Squads
Zimbabwe Squad:
Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu.
Sri Lanka Squad:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.
Read Also: ZIM vs SL 1st T20I Match Preview & Prediction – Who Will Win?
