SL vs ZIM: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

• Fixture: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group B
• Match: 38th Match, Group B
• Date & Time: 19 February 2026, 3:00 PM IST
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Match Preview

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B concluded with an intriguing match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Colombo. Sri Lanka are in great form in Group B with three wins from three matches, including a comprehensive victory over Australia where Pathum Nissanka scored a brilliant century to seal the victory. Their balanced batting and effective bowling have secured the top spot and qualified them for the Super Eight stage with maximum points.

Zimbabwe also had a successful group campaign to advance to the Super Eight stage for the first time in their tournament history after confirming their qualification in a crucial rain-affected match against Ireland. They have shown patience and quality, especially by defeating Australia early in the competition, with a 23-run victory powered by Blessing Muzarabani’s bowling and Brian Bennett’s batting contribution.

This match is important for both sides to maintain confidence and momentum, even though their progress has already been confirmed and both teams have moved on regardless of the outcome.

SL vs ZIM – Head to Head (T20Is)

Note: Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have played 11 T20 International matches against each other. Sri Lanka have won 8, while Zimbabwe have won 3.

SL vs ZIM – Squad List

Pitch Report – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Team Analysis

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka are unbeaten in Group B, having dominated three out of three matches. Strong batting performances from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have laid the foundation for victory in each match. They have a balanced bowling unit with effective pace from Chameera and quality spin options to control the middle overs.

Their concern is consistency in the death bowling against a strong batting attack that can quickly gain momentum in the closing overs.

Key players to watch out for: Pathum Nissanka who is in exceptional form as a top-order batsman and a century-scorer. Kusal Mendis provides reliable run-scoring at the top three positions. Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana are the leading bowlers who provide success early with pace and variety.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe have made history by qualifying for the Super Eights, including their famous upset win over Australia that shocked the tournament. Captains Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett have played a vital role in providing experience and aggression through the batting throughout the campaign. Their bowling, led by Blessing Muzarabani, has been effective in all phases of the match.

Their concern is to maintain the momentum on home soil against quality opponents like Sri Lanka, who have less top order depth than the Super Eight qualified teams.

Key players to watch include Brian Bennett who is a leading run scorer in every innings and a real match impact player. Sikandar Raza brings experienced middle-order power that can change games in a few overs. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans are strike bowlers who take important wickets.

Toss Prediction

Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium offers a batting-friendly wicket with consistent bounce and pace. The captain who wins the toss may choose to bat first and take advantage of the favourable morning conditions. Setting a competitive score puts scoreboard pressure on the chasing team during their innings. Both captains will want to use the first wicket.

Cricbites Match Prediction

Cricbites Prediction: Sri Lanka will win due to their unbeaten group run and strong batting line-up, but Zimbabwe are strong and will be able to challenge the hosts with confidence from recent results.

Final Thoughts

The final Group B match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Colombo will last for forty overs with both teams playing strong batting and crucial bowling. Sri Lanka will look to end the group stage with another positive result and enter the Super Eights with a full record of confidence.

Zimbabwe will look to continue their impressive form in the tournament and create another upset against the home team. Expect aggressive shots in the powerplay overs. Spin contributions in the crucial middle overs will set the pace. Tactical bowling variations in the death overs will shape the final score and chase strategies.

With both teams already qualified, expect fearless cricket from players who are more confident and less under pressure than in previous knockout scenarios in the group stage.

Next Read: WI vs ITA: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

Disclaimer

This preview and prediction is based on verified match information, current group standings, recent performances and expected pitch behaviour at R Premadasa Stadium. Cricket outcomes are inherently unpredictable and final results may vary due to toss decisions, weather conditions and individual talent of any team on match day.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is the captain of Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

Sri Lanka’s captain in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Dasun Shanaka.

Q2. Who is the captain of Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

Zimbabwe’s captain in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Sikandar Raza.

Q3. When and at what time will Sri Lanka vs ZIM be played?

Sri Lanka will face Zimbabwe on 19 February 2026. This match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM.

Q4. Where is the match being played?

The Sri Lanka vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Q5. What is the match number of SL vs ZIM in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

This match is the 38th match of the Group B stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.