Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka are back at Harare for the second T20I on Saturday, September 6, and there’s a little more riding on this one than usual. Zimbabwe are desperate to show they can compete against a higher-ranked side, while Sri Lanka, still juggling their combinations before the World Cup, will want to avoid a slip-up.
It’s not just another fixture. For bettors, it’s a chance to spot value in markets like top run-scorer, toss prediciton, live score and betting tips and over/under runs. For fans, it’s an evening of unpredictable cricket — and at Harare, there’s usually a twist or two.
Match Details
- Match: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I
- Date: Saturday, September 06, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM IST
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Umpires: Langton Rusere, Inknow Chabi
- Match Referee: Jeff Crowe
Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, has home benefit and crowd support. However, Sri Lanka’s blend of experience and emerging skill makes them a tough opponent. The match is expected to be a challenge for both sides, especially given the tough pitch conditions.
Pitch and Weather Report – Harare Sports Club
The Harare Sports Club is known for its balanced surfaces. Batting is easier during the day, while the ball grips more under lights, benefiting spinners. Seamers who use variations can also find success.
- Average T20 Score: 155–165
- Best Strategy: Bat first, aim for a score over 160, and let the bowlers control the chase.
- Weather: Clear skies with mild evening conditions, ideal for T20 cricket.
Betting Tip: Teams winning the toss should choose to bat first. Historically, defending a total above 160 here has given teams the upper hand.
Zimbabwe – Fighting Spirit at Home
Zimbabwe don’t have a lineup full of stars, but one thing they do have is fight. Sikandar Raza, their captain, carries much of the burden, but the supporting cast is slowly learning their roles.
Names to note:
- Sikandar Raza: Runs, wickets, leadership – he rarely has a quiet night.
- Sean Williams: Mr. Reliable. A steady middle-order presence.
- Blessing Muzarabani: Tall pacer who can bang it in and extract bounce.
- Ryan Burl: An unpredictable finisher – when he gets going, he’s hard to stop.
Value market: Raza to contribute in both innings. Back him for runs and at least one wicket.
Sri Lanka – Strong, but Still Unsettled
Sri Lanka always look good on paper. The question is whether they deliver. Kusal Mendis leads a team that’s dangerous but still inconsistent. That makes them exciting to watch but tricky to back blindly.
Key threats:
- Kusal Mendis: If he gets going, Sri Lanka can fly in the powerplay.
- Charith Asalanka: The calmer head in the middle overs.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: The game-breaker. Zimbabwe will know one bad over against him could decide the match.
- Dushmantha Chameera: Brings raw pace, but it’s his yorkers at the death that make him valuable.
Safe bet: Hasaranga to be Sri Lanka’s top wicket-taker. The Harare track suits his style perfectly.
Head-to-Head – Numbers Say It All
Here’s how the rivalry looks so far in T20 internationals:
| Matches Played | Sri Lanka Wins | Zimbabwe Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Probable Playing XIs
Zimbabwe XI: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Dion Myers.
Sri Lanka XI: Kusal Mendis (c, wk), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne.
Toss – Worth Keeping an Eye On
The toss at Harare isn’t just a formality. Captains usually prefer to bat first, and the numbers back that up. Runs on the board count here because chasing under lights can be tricky.
Toss tip: Back the toss winner to bat first.
Live Cricket Betting Tips – Markets to Watch
- Top Batter Picks
- Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis to cross 25+ runs.
- Zimbabwe: Sean Williams is consistent enough to back.
- Top Bowler Picks
- Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga.
- Zimbabwe: Blessing Muzarabani.
- Total Runs Bets
- Powerplay: 40–45 runs is likely, but with wickets.
- First innings: 155–165 looks the range.
- All-Rounder Bets
- Sikandar Raza to shine in both innings.
- Dasun Shanaka for a sneaky late cameo.
Match Prediction – Who Holds the Edge?
Sri Lanka’s balance gives them the edge, but cricket in Zimbabwe doesn’t always follow the script. If Raza has one of those nights and Muzarabani knocks over the top order, the game could swing.
| Outcome | Probability |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka to Win | 60% |
| Zimbabwe to Win | 35% |
| Tie / Super Over | 5% |
Call: Sri Lanka are favorites, but Zimbabwe at home are never a bad outside bet.
Final Word
This second T20I has all the makings of a tight game. Sri Lanka, with their superior record, should be expected to take it, but Zimbabwe’s energy at home can make things messy for the visitors. For punters, the smart plays are simple: follow the toss, trust Hasaranga in the wickets market, and never ignore Raza’s all-round influence.
For more Live cricket betting tips, detailed match predictions, and expert toss analysis, check out Daily Match Prediction – a trusted source for bettors who want more than just guesswork.