ZIM vs SL 1st ODI Playing XI: Zimbabwe will take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the two-match series at the Harare Sports Club, Harare.
The hosts are keen to deliver a strong performance at home, led by senior players such as Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, and Craig Ervine. Zimbabwe will depend on their batting lineup to provide consistent runs, while Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will lead the pace attack.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka enters this series with solid recent form, having won three of their last five ODIs. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis serve as the mainstays of their batting lineup, while Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay offer strong spin options during the middle overs. With a better balance across all departments, Sri Lanka is confident about taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
This promises to be a competitive clash between two sides aiming to start the series on a winning note.
Let’s look at the ZIM vs SL 1st ODI Match Playing XI, key players, team news, and full squads.
ZIM vs SL 1st ODI Match Playing XI- Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025
| Zimbabwe Playing XI | Sri Lanka Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Clive Madande (wk) | Pathum Nissanka |
| Ben Curran | Pavan Rathnayake |
| Brian Bennett | Kusal Mendis |
| Craig Ervine (c) | Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk) |
| Sean Williams | Charith Asalanka (c) |
| Brendan Taylor | Dunith Wellalage |
| Sikandar Raza | Jeffrey Vandersay |
| Tony Munyonga | Maheesh Theekshana |
| Jonathan Campbell | Dilshan Madushanka |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Asitha Fernando |
| Richard Ngarava | Dushmantha Chameera |
Key Players to Watch
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe’s best all-rounder, capable of winning games with both bat and ball.
- Sean Williams – Experienced left-hander who anchors the middle order.
- Blessing Muzarabani – Strike pacer who can trouble batters with bounce and pace.
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka – ODI specialist, known for building big innings at the top.
- Kusal Mendis – Reliable batter and key in the middle order.
- Maheesh Theekshana – Mystery spinner who controls the game in the middle overs.
ZIM vs SL 1st ODI Match Team News
Zimbabwe is relying on its best all-rounder, Sikander Raza, Williams, and Ervine. Brendan Taylor’s return boosts their middle order, but bowling depth beyond Muzarabani and Ngarava could be a concern.
Sri Lanka looks balanced and experienced squad compared to Zimbabwe. This is Sri Lanka’s preparation for the Asia Cup. In the current squad, there are no injuries in either team.
ZIM vs SL Teams Full Squads
Zimbabwe Squad: Clive Madande (wk), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Tony Munyonga, Jonathan Campbell, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera.
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ZIM vs SL 1st ODI Match Preview & Prediction – Who Will Win?
