Match 38
ICC T20 World Cup 2026
February 19, 2026, 3:00 pm
Sri Lanka Logo
Sri Lanka
Odds » 1.33
VS.
Zimbabwe Logo
Zimbabwe
Odds » 3.35
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

SL vs ZIM Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Match 38, February 19

Published on: Feb 18, 2026 3:05 pm IST | Updated on: Feb 18, 2026 2:08 pm IST

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Super 8 bound from Group C, Zimbabwe, and co-hosts Sri Lanka are all set to collide in match 38 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka are the current group leader, whereas Zimbabwe are right behind them in second place. Both teams are undefeated in this tournament so far, and one can expect a pulsating clash between the top-of-the-table teams. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 38th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Win Probability: SL vs ZIM

Both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have played brilliant cricket in this World Cup thus far. Having not dropped a single game speaks volumes for their flawless show so far. This game has no significant weightage, as both teams are already semifinal-bound. However, a win for either side in this game will keep their momentum running before entering the Super 8s. As of now, with the home crowd backing them, expect the win probability meter to lean in Sri Lanka’s favor. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 38th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

SL: 64% win chance
ZIM: 36% win chance

  • Sri Lanka has won 3 games on the trot in this World Cup.
  • Zimbabwe has two wins and a no-result game in their kitty after playing 3 games in this World Cup.
  • Zimbabwe’s twin wins against Sri Lanka in T20Is came last year in September.

Cricket Betting Tips for SL vs ZIM- Match 38

Tadiwanashe Marumani to score Over 16.5

Tadiwanashe Marumani made a valuable contribution alongside Bennett in the clash against Australia. The opening pair has already combined for eight century partnerships. Expect Marumani to give Zimbabwe a quick start.

Brian Bennett to score Over 23.5

Brian, the standout performer with the bat in the game against Australia, will be eager to deliver another impactful innings and guide his team towards posting a competitive total.

Pathum Nissanka to score Over 24.5

After playing one of the best knocks of ICC T20 World Cup history in the game against Australia, Nissanka will be eager to continue from where he left off in the last game.

Kusal Mendis to score Over 24.5

With 3 fifties in as many games, Kusal Mendis is on the top of his game. Expect him to continue his rich vein of form in this game as well.

SL vs ZIM Today’s Match Prediction

Check out our prediction for the SL vs ZIM 38th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Zimbabwe will look to celebrate their Super 8 entry with a win over the co-hosts

Zimbabwe will aim to mark their Super 8 qualification in style when they take on co-hosts Sri Lanka in match 38 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Both sides have been flawless so far, with Sri Lanka leading Group C and Zimbabwe close behind in second place. This clash promises to be a high-voltage contest between two unbeaten teams, each eager to carry momentum into the next stage.

For Zimbabwe, the Super 8 berth is already a historic achievement, but they will be determined to prove they belong among the elite by toppling the hosts. Their batting unit has shown depth and resilience, while the bowling attack has thrived under pressure. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to assert dominance at home, relying on their experienced campaigners and crowd support to maintain their winning streak.

With both teams evenly matched, the encounter is set to deliver fireworks. Zimbabwe’s hunger to celebrate their qualification with a statement win meets Sri Lanka’s drive to protect their fortress, making this a must-watch battle at the top of the table.

Sri Lanka will look to end the group stage on top and undefeated

Sri Lanka will look to wrap up the group stage on a perfect note as they aim to finish on top and undefeated in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Their emphatic 8-wicket victory over Australia not only sealed their Super 8 berth but also sent a strong message to the rest of the competition.

Batting has been their biggest strength, with top-order consistency ensuring smooth chases, while the middle order has provided stability when required. The bowling attack, despite injury concerns, has kept opposition lineups in check, striking at crucial moments. With home support behind them, Sri Lanka will be eager to maintain their winning streak and carry maximum confidence into the next stage.

Ending the group stage unbeaten would underline their dominance and set the tone for tougher battles ahead. For the fans, it’s not just about victories; it’s about watching their team rise to the occasion and prove they are genuine contenders for the title. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.

SL vs ZIM Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 9
SL won: 7
ZIM won: 2
No Result: 0
Tied: 0
RECENT form SRI LANKA: L L W W W
RECENT form ZIMBABWE: L L W W AB

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have collided 9 times in T20Is. Sri Lanka has had the sheer upper hand, winning 7 contests, whereas Zimbabwe has won the remaining two fixtures. 

Team Analysis: Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe

How will the two teams, i.e., Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, fare in the 32nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Let’s take a look.

Sri Lanka (SL)

  • After Matheesha Pathirana limped off the ground in the game against Australia due to a calf strain, he has been unfortunately ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
  • There is no replacement named yet for Pathirana.
  • With Pramod Madushan available in the squad, he should replace Pathirana in the eleven.
  • Despite a failure in the last game, Kusal Perera is expected to get one more chance in this game.

Expected Starting 11

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan

Zimbabwe (ZIM)

  • Ben Curran has joined the squad as an injury replacement for senior batter Brendan Taylor, who has been ruled out of the tournament.
  • There could be a toss-up between Richard Ngarava and Graeme Cremer.
  • Sikandar Raza should have recovered now from a calf strain and should continue in the eleven.

Expected Starting 11

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer/Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Weather Conditions and Pitch Report

Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 38th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo:

Pitch ReportWeather Report
The R. Premadasa surface is traditionally spin-friendly, offering slow bounce and turn as the game progresses.Temperature: ~86°F (30°C), feels like 32°C.
Batters need patience and skill to build innings; stroke play is harder on this track compared to flat venues.Conditions: Hot and humid, with partly cloudy skies.
Seamers may find swing early due to moisture, but spinners dominate the middle overs.Rain Probability: ~20%, with brief showers possible.
Average first-innings score in T20Is here is around 150–160, making it a competitive venue.Humidity: ~74%, which could test player stamina.
Teams often prefer batting first, as chasing becomes tricky when the pitch slows down.Wind: Light breeze ~10 km/h. Visibility good.

Toss Prediction

With the pitch expected to assist spinners as the game progresses, batting first could be advantageous. The team winning the toss may look to set a total and defend it. Sri Lanka would prefer to post runs on the board and get Zimbabwe under pressure when they come out to chase.

Where to Watch Today’s Match

The online live streaming of the 38th Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will take place on Star Sports Network channels.

SL vs ZIM: Today’s Match Predictions

The current table toppers and co-hosts, Sri Lanka, will start as the favorites in this game. Both teams are undefeated in the tournament so far and have already made it to the Super 8s. Sri Lanka have the home advantage backing them along with the head-to-head record against Zimbabwe. Therefore, the 2014 champions should start as the favorites. For now, as per our prediction, Sri Lanka is expected to win the SL vs ZIM, 38th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Want more Cricket Betting Tips like this for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Click here

Sri Lanka Logo
Odds » 1.33
VS.
Zimbabwe Logo
Odds » 3.35