Published on: Aug 28, 2025 1:01 pm IST | Updated on: Aug 28, 2025 1:01 pm IST
Zimbabwe’s busy international calendar’s next stop is a white-ball series comprising 2 ODIs and 3 T20Is against Sri Lanka. First up is the 2-match ODI series starting on 29th August, with the second game scheduled to take place on Sunday, 31st August. All the games in this white-ball series will be played at the iconic Harare Sports Club in Harare. This would be a dress rehearsal for Sri Lanka before they get their preparations going for the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st ZIM vs SL ODI at Harare Sports Club, Harare.
Despite playing at home, the hosts, Zimbabwe, won’t start as favorites. The Sri Lankans have had a terrific run in ODI cricket in recent times, as they have won their last 4 ODIs out of 5. Meanwhile, the hosts, Zimbabwe, have only won two of their last 5 ODIs. Therefore, going by the current form of the two sides and knowing the fact of how Sri Lanka has been playing ODI cricket, the win probability meter will definitely favor the hosts, Sri Lanka. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the ZIM vs SL 1st ODI at Harare.
SL: 82% win chance ZIM: 18% win chance
The Zimbabwean opener has been in decent touch in recent times. He has scored 327 runs in the last 9 matches at an average of 36.33.
The Zimbabwe skipper has 224 runs in the last 10 matches at an average of 28. He will be a key bet in the middle order.
Mendis is fresh off a ton in the last ODi he played against Bangladesh. In the last 9 matches, Mendis has scored 477 runs at a staggering average of 59.63.
The Lankan skipper has been in great form in ODI cricket recently. In the last 10 ODIs he has 392 runs at a brilliant average of 49.
Check out our prediction for the ZIM vs SL 1st ODI at Harare.
This year has been great so far for Zimbabwe in terms of hosting many Test cricket-playing nations. However, they should feel low in the sense that they haven’t been able to win a single series or a game in recent times across formats. Apart from winning the ODI and T20I series against Ireland, Zimbabwe has lost home series against notable teams such as South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.
Playing yet another white-ball series at home, Zimbabwe will look to take advantage of familiar conditions. Sri Lanka, in recent times, particularly in ODI cricket, has been an unstoppable force. However, their recent wins have come at home, which means they can be tackled away from home. If Zimbabwe somehow pulls off a win in the first ODI, they will then enter the second game with utmost confidence and set the tone for the T20I series, which will follow after the ODIs.
The Sri Lankans are in the middle of a terrific run in ODI cricket. Having won their last two ODI series handsomely at home against Australia and Bangladesh, the Lankan Lions will be eager to complete a hat-trick of ODI series wins. The Lankan Lions are wary of the fact that they have to play the Asia Cup 2025 right after this series, and its preparations will start from here.
Some injury concerns have jolted Sri Lanka’s preparations for this series. The biggest one is their star spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, who will be missing the ODI series due to a hamstring injury. Hasaranga would have been a potent member of this squad on the sluggish Harare wicket. That being said, Sri Lanka still looks like a promising unit and strong enough to beat Zimbabwe in their own den. Expect the visitors to take a 1-0 lead at the end of this game. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 64 SL won: 49 ZIM won: 12 No Result: 3 RECENT form ZIMBABWE: L L W L W RECENT form SRI LANKA: W W W L W
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have locked horns 64 times in ODI cricket. Sri Lanka has dominated the head-to-head battle with 49 wins, whereas Zimbabwe has won only 12 contests. Three matches between these two sides ended without a result.
How will the two teams, i.e., Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, fare in the 1st ODI? Let’s take a look.
Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madhushka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando
Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (C), Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans, Clive Madande (WK), Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at Harare:
With Harare’s surface offering early seam movement and a slight chasing advantage, the toss winner is likely to bowl first. Sri Lanka may back their in-form top order to chase confidently, while Zimbabwe could rely on home familiarity and strike bowling to defend. Expect a tactical toss with momentum at stake.
Where to Watch Today’s Match
The online live streaming of the 1st ODI match of the Sri Lanka Tour of Zimbabwe will take place live on the FanCode App. There’s no TV streaming available for this series in India.
Sri Lanka will start as the favorites not only in this match but in the series as well. Sri Lanka leads the head-to-head battle against Zimbabwe and has also won the last 4 completed ODI fixtures against Zimbabwe. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, Sri Lanka, are expected to win the 1st ZIM vs SL Dream11 Prediction ODI match.