Sri Lanka Clash with Zimbabwe as Shanaka Takes Charge

The second match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 will see Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe on Today, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The contest begins at 6:30 PM IST, with both sides searching for momentum early in the three-team tournament.

Sri Lanka Adjust to Leadership Change

Sri Lanka are forced into a sudden leadership shift as full-time white-ball captain Charith Asalanka misses the series opener due to illness. In his absence, senior all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will lead the side.

Sri Lanka’s last major 20-over assignment was the Asia Cup, where they topped their group but failed to progress beyond the Super Four stage. With a refreshed squad and an interim captain, they will be eyeing a strong start to this series.

Zimbabwe Look to Bounce Back

Zimbabwe come into this fixture after a five-wicket loss to Pakistan in the opening match of the tournament. Despite a spirited effort, they were unable to defend their total and now seek a turnaround against a reshuffled Sri Lankan outfit.

Predicted XIs for the Clash

Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.

Zimbabwe:
Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Clive Madande, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava.

Key Player Stats and Storylines

• Pathum Nissanka enters the series needing just 65 runs to surpass Kusal Perera and become Sri Lanka’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer.
• Kusal Mendis continues to be a reliable performer, with 2,198 runs in 90 T20Is at an average of 25.55, including 17 half-centuries.
• Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza remains the backbone of their batting unit, having amassed 2,776 runs in 124 T20Is, with 1 hundred and 16 fifties.
• Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett, who scored 49 in the first match, recently became the 5th Zimbabwean to cross 1,500 T20I runs, now tallying 1,504 at 32.00.

Rawalpindi is set for another intense evening of T20 cricket as both sides aim to seize the early advantage.