The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo hosts a Group B dead rubber of rare quality; a clash between two Super 8-bound sides playing for momentum, pride, and psychological advantage ahead of the next stage. Sri Lanka has been transformed. After a shaky start to the year, they’ve won three consecutive matches, culminating in a stunning demolition of Australia where they hunted down 182 with two overs to spare. Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 100 off 52 announced his return to form in the loudest possible way. Zimbabwe, too, has exceeded all expectations. Their victory over Australia, arguably the upset of the tournament, announced them as genuine contenders, and Ireland’s abandonment confirmed their Super 8 berth. This is a dead rubber in name only. Both sides want to carry momentum forward. Both want to test themselves against quality opposition. On a Colombo surface that has traditionally favored spin, with two in-form batting lineups and world-class bowling attacks, this promises to be a dress rehearsal for the battles to come.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
SL vs ZIM, Group B T20 World Cup 2026 38th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 38th Match, Group B |
| Date | Thursday, February 19, 2026 |
| Time | 03:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
SL vs ZIM Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka are in sublime touch (W, W, W, L, L), with three dominant tournament wins. Their key strength is a red-hot top order. Kusal Mendis is the tournament’s leading scorer for Sri Lanka (168 runs, strike rate 134). Pathum Nissanka announced his return with a breathtaking 100* off 52 against Australia. The middle order, featuring Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis, provides explosive depth. The bowling attack is spin-dominant and lethal, with Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage combining for 9 wickets. The psychological edge is immense; they’ve just beaten Australia.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe are flying high (W, W, L, L, L), with two tournament wins including the historic defeat of Australia. Their key strength is a fearless, intelligent batting approach. Brian Bennett leads with 112 runs, including a match-defining 64 off 56 against Australia. Ryan Burl and captain Sikandar Raza anchor the middle order. The bowling attack is pace-led and potent, with Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans combining for 13 wickets. Their psychological edge is the confidence of having beaten one giant; they believe they can beat another.
SL vs ZIM Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka Probable XI-
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan.
Zimbabwe Probable XI-
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.
SL vs ZIM Head-to-Head Record (Last 8 Matches)
| Total Match Played | 08 |
| SL Won | 05 |
| ZIM Won | 03 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
SL vs ZIM Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium surface typically supports scores around 160-170, with conditions getting tougher for batters as matches progress. No team has passed Australia’s 182-6 in the last eight T20Is here. The surface offers significant turn for spinners and becomes progressively slower. Sri Lanka, batting first, will target 180-190. Zimbabwe would consider 170 a competitive total.
SL vs ZIM Weather Report
The forecast is unsettled. Expect warm, humid conditions with temperatures near the low 30s °C. There is a good chance of cloud cover and scattered thunderstorms around the 3 PM start, with periodic rain possible. Interruptions are likely.
SL vs ZIM Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first. Rain is on the cards, and cloud cover is expected to help seamers get early movement. If DLS comes into play, teams batting second usually find the chase easier to manage.
SL vs ZIM Match Prediction
This is a dress rehearsal between two in-form sides, but home conditions give the hosts a decisive edge.
Sri Lanka’s case: They are playing at home on a surface that suits their strengths. Their spin attack; Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage is tournament-best and perfectly suited to these conditions. Their batting is in red-hot form, with Nissanka and Mendis firing in unison. They have the confidence of beating Australia comprehensively and the momentum of three consecutive wins.
Zimbabwe’s case: They have Brian Bennett, a genuine match-winner who has already taken down Australia. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans form a lethal pace partnership. They have the confidence of knowing they can beat top-tier opposition. They have nothing to lose, which can be dangerous.
However, Sri Lanka’s spinners on this surface are a different proposition. Zimbabwe’s batters, while talented, have not faced an attack of this quality in these conditions. Theekshana and Wellalage will ask questions that Bennett and Raza haven’t yet answered.
Expect a tense, high-quality contest where Sri Lanka’s spin dominance proves decisive. Zimbabwe will compete Bennett may produce another masterclass, Muzarabani may take wickets but Sri Lanka’s superior adaptability to these conditions, their world-class spin attack, and home advantage should see them secure a vital victory and carry perfect momentum into the Super 8.
SL vs ZIM Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis, Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl
- All-rounders: Dasun Shanaka, Sikandar Raza, Kamindu Mendis
- Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Blessing Muzarabani, Dunith Wellalage
Captain (C) Pick: Pathum Nissanka, Blessing Muzarabani.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza.
