The Pakistan T20I Tri-Series continues with a crucial encounter as an improving Sri Lanka side face the resilient Zimbabwe at the lively Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on 25 November. Scheduled for 13:00 UK, the match begins in prime evening viewing for Indian fans at 18:30 IST. With both teams searching for vital points to stay competitive in the tri-series standings, this clash promises tempo, tactical depth, and high-calibre T20 cricket.
Form Guide
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have shown steady progress across the series, blending youthful energy with experienced campaigners. Their top order has become more assertive, while the middle order has offered improved stability. Their bowling group, particularly their spinners, has been central to key phases, consistently producing control through the middle overs. However, death-overs bowling still requires refinement to compete with higher-scoring opponents.
- Top order showing increased intent and cleaner powerplay hitting.
- Spinners providing crucial control and wicket pressure in middle overs.
- Death bowling improving but still searching for greater consistency.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe enter this fixture with encouraging signs despite mixed results. Their senior players have stepped up, especially in the middle overs, where they have built meaningful partnerships. Their bowling unit relies heavily on disciplined spin and tall seamers capable of extracting bounce. Improving their early powerplay batting remains a key focus as they look to challenge more consistently.
- Middle-order partnerships providing stability and scoring rhythm.
- Seamers utilising bounce and length effectively in Rawalpindi conditions.
- Spin attack offering economical overs and timely breakthroughs.
Key Players
Sri Lanka
- Kusal Mendis – Aggressive top-order scorer capable of setting the tone early.
- Wanindu Hasaranga – Premier leg-spinner and impactful lower-order striker.
- Dilshan Madushanka – Left-arm quick providing early movement and wicket-taking threat.
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe’s talismanic all-rounder offering big hitting and incisive off-spin.
- Sean Williams – Experienced left-hander capable of steadying innings under pressure.
- Blessing Muzarabani – Tall pacer whose bounce and seam movement trouble top orders.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Rawalpindi provides a fast, true surface ideally suited for strokeplay. Seamers enjoy early assistance in the form of seam movement and carry, while spinners must rely on accuracy and subtle changes rather than large turn. Once set, batters can score heavily square of the wicket. Weather is forecast to be cool and dry at around 22°C, providing excellent conditions for a full T20 contest. A competitive score sits in the 170–185 range.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Prediction
Zimbabwe’s experienced core—anchored by Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams—make them dangerous in key phases, but Sri Lanka appear to hold greater balance. If Kusal Mendis provides a strong start and Wanindu Hasaranga controls the middle overs, Sri Lanka should command the match. Zimbabwe need early wickets through Blessing Muzarabani to disrupt Sri Lanka’s rhythm. Expect a competitive contest, but Sri Lanka are slight favourites—likely winning by 15–25 runs or 6–7 wickets depending on the chase.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Sikandar Raza – A reliable all-rounder offering strong multi-discipline fantasy value.
- Kusal Mendis – Impactful opener with high-scoring potential.
- Wanindu Hasaranga – Elite wicket-taker with bonus hitting upside.
