The Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI series begins today, August 29, 2025, at the Harare Sports Club, with both sides announcing their full squads and probable playing elevens in anticipation of a tightly contested series[1].
Zimbabwe, led by Craig Ervine, has opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The team is bolstered by the return of Brendan Taylor and a pace attack featuring Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava. The experienced Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams are expected to play key roles. Despite a recent loss in the Test series and inconsistency in white-ball matches, Zimbabwe aims to use home advantage to challenge their higher-ranked visitors[2].
Sri Lanka, currently ranked fourth in the ICC ODI rankings, arrive with confidence, boasting a strong batting lineup led by Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, with Charith Asalanka as captain. Their bowling attack includes mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana and pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando. The team is carrying momentum from back-to-back home series victories over Australia and Bangladesh[5].
The predicted score for the first ODI is around 240-245 in the first innings and 245-250 in the second, with Sri Lanka widely seen as favorites to win, given their superior quality and depth. However, Zimbabwe’s experienced lineup and local support may help them spring a surprise[2].
The ODI series will be followed by three T20Is, with all matches held at Harare. Fans in India can watch the games live via streaming on the FanCode app and website, as there will be no TV telecast in India[6]. The two teams have not met since January 2024, when Sri Lanka won 2-0 at home, but Zimbabwe will hope to turn the tables on familiar ground[3].