SL vs ZIM 2025 1st ODI Match Result

Updated：Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 7 runs.

What. A. Match! Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe went toe-to-toe in a thriller that came down to the final over, and it was fireworks. Sri Lanka posted a strong 298, thanks to a late-innings blitz from Janith Liyanage (70*) and Kamindu Mendis (57), who piled on 137 runs in just 83 balls! Pathum Nissanka also chipped in with a solid 76, laying the platform early on. Zimbabwe looked dead in the water at one point, but then enter Sikandar Raza and Tony Munyonga with a 128-run stand that brought the game right back to life.

A stunning last-over hat-trick from Dilshan Madushanka to guide Sri Lanka home in Harare 👌#ZIMvSL 📝: https://t.co/g9G0zQkGRO pic.twitter.com/kE1Ktf6IaI

— ICC (@ICC) August 29, 2025

With just 10 needed off the last over, Raza, on 92 and seeing it like a beach ball, looked ready to steal the win. But Dilshan Madushanka had other plans. He sent Raza’s stumps cartwheeling with a beauty, then snagged two more wickets in back-to-back balls to complete a dramatic hat-trick. Zimbabwe managed only two more runs, falling short by 7. Madushanka finished with 4 for 62 and stole the spotlight, turning what could’ve been heartbreak into a Sri Lankan celebration. What a way to kick off the series!

Sri Lanka hold their nerves in a thrilling finish to go 1-0 up in the ODI series against Zimbabwe 🙌#ZIMvSL 📝: https://t.co/g9G0zQleHm pic.twitter.com/eXcnmVXoLx

— ICC (@ICC) August 29, 2025

SL vs ZIM 2025 1st ODI – Match Details

SL vs ZIM 2025 1st ODI – Possible Squad List

Note：The match has not started yet, but updates will be provided regularly once it begins.

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SL vs ZIM 2025 1st ODI – Sri Lanka’s record of 4 wins and 1 no result in their last 5 matches

Sri Lanka enter this series with an impressive record against Zimbabwe in recent years. In their last five ODIs between these two sides, Sri Lanka have secured four victories, with the other match ending as a no result due to rain. With the team in good rhythm and form, it will be a tough challenge for Zimbabwe to come out on top.

SL vs ZIM – Current form of Sri Lanka

In 2025, Sri Lanka’s ODI record is four wins and one loss from five matches, the sole defeat by just sixteen runs during their July tour of Bangladesh. They have averaged 251.2 runs per innings, with a batting strike rate of 69.93 and a bowling economy of 5.07. While the run rate is mid-range, it is adequate for a lower-scoring venue like Harare. The batting may need improvement, but the bowling unit is near top class. If Maheesh Theekshana bowls with his usual control, victory should be smoother. Against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka’s batting pressure should be lower.

Australia’s averages from the last five matches

SL vs ZIM – Recent form of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s last five ODIs have yielded three wins and two losses. Their overall averages in this period are 194.2 runs per innings, a batting strike rate of 63.98, and a bowling economy of 5.17. Without comparing directly to Sri Lanka, these figures already show that Zimbabwe have significant room for improvement in batting. The average strike rate is somewhat boosted by matches against Ireland, and a closer look at the scoresheet reveals that the overall batting performance has been below par. On the positive side, the bowling economy is reasonable, though still short of elite standards. The key question for Zimbabwe will be whether their top three – Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, and Craig Ervine – can give them a strong start.

Zimbabwe’s averages from the last five matches

SL vs ZIM – Conclusion

In my view, Sri Lanka should win this ODI series against Zimbabwe, provided they field their regular side without resting core players or focusing on giving opportunities to new faces. Even though the average strike rate and economy rates of the two teams in the last five matches are not drastically different, Sri Lanka’s overall strength is well ahead of Zimbabwe, and at best Zimbabwe might draw the series 1-1.

SL vs ZIM 2025 1st ODI – Venue History&Analysis: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Stadium Capacity: Around 10,000 spectators

Stadium Address: Harare Sports Club, Fifth Street Extension, Harare, Zimbabwe

About the Stadium:

Harare Sports Club was established in the year 1900 and until 1982 it was known as Salisbury Sports Club. The change of name came after Zimbabwe’s independence, when the capital city’s name was changed from Salisbury to Harare. In its earlier years the venue was actually a members-only sports club and not limited to cricket facilities. It also offered golf, tennis, rugby and several other sporting amenities. Over the years cricket gradually became the most popular sport among the local people, leading the venue to focus mainly on cricket matches while still keeping other sports facilities available.

The extent of cricket’s popularity in those days can be understood from the 1956 tour match against South Africa. At that time the stadium had permanent seating for only around five thousand people, yet on the match day a massive crowd of twenty six thousand turned up. The organisers had to arrange temporary stands and also open the grass banks to standing spectators to accommodate the numbers. Notably, Zimbabwe’s later famous outfielder Colin Bland played in that match. Though he was in the playing eleven as a substitute, he scored nineteen and thirty eight runs in the two innings, making him one of the highest scorers for his side in that game.

All Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe Match:

• SL vs ZIM 2025 2nd ODI – Can Zimbabwe Turn Close Numbers into a Winning Chance?
• SL vs ZIM 2025 1st T20I – Two sides with a similar style but who looks more suited to HSC?
• SL vs ZIM 2025 2nd T20I – Are both teams facing trouble with their spin attack?
• SL vs ZIM 2025 3rd T20I – Spin bowling numbers tell the story