The stage is perfectly set for the second and final ODI of the Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025, as Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka lock horns once again at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday (August 31). The series has already delivered high drama, with the opening game turning into a classic that went right down to the last over. Sri Lanka’s narrow 7-run win means they head into this fixture with the chance to wrap up the series in style.
In contrast, Zimbabwe will be under pressure to bounce back. Despite Sikandar Raza‘s heroic 92 in the first ODI, the hosts fell agonizingly short after Dilshan Madushanka’s sensational last-over hat-trick flipped the game on its head. For Zimbabwe, this is now a do-or-die battle — not just to level the ODI series but also to carry momentum into the T20I leg that follows. Their batting showed promise in the first game, but finishing strong will be the key this time around.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will aim to build on the confidence of their opening victory. Contributions from Pathum Nissanka, Janith Liyanage, and Kamindu Mendis gave their batting a solid look, while their bowlers delivered under pressure when it mattered most. With a 2-0 whitewash in sight, the Islanders will be eager to continue their winning momentum, while the hosts will fight tooth and nail to avoid a series defeat in front of their home fans.
ZIM vs SL, 2nd ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: August 31; 1:00 pm IST/ 7:30 am GMT/ 9:30 am local
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
ZIM vs SL: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Matches played: 65 | Zimbabwe won: 12 | Sri Lanka won: 50 | No result: 03
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report
The Harare Sports Club is renowned for offering a fair contest between bat and ball, with its surface gradually changing character throughout a one-day match. It’s the kind of venue where the balance of play can swing in an instant, making every passage of the game significant. In the early stages, a touch of moisture lingers on the wicket, assisting seamers with movement off the deck and a hint of variable bounce, which often troubles the top order. Opening bowlers usually dictate the rhythm here, as quick breakthroughs can heavily influence the course of the innings. Once the initial movement fades, batting becomes smoother. The ball starts to come onto the bat more consistently, giving stroke-players the freedom to find their timing and accelerate. This is typically the stage when sides aim to stitch meaningful partnerships and lift the scoring rate.
ZIM vs SL, 2nd ODI: Predicted XI of both teams
Zimbabwe: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams (c), Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
ZIM vs SL, 2nd ODI: Today’s Match Prediction:
Case 1:
- Zimbabwe wins the toss and bats first
- ZIM powerplay score: 70-80
- ZIM total score: 250-260
Case 2:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bats first
- SL powerplay score: 80-90
- SL total score: 270-290
Match result: Team batting first to win the contest.
