SL vs ZIM Prediction Match 38- Who Will Win Today? ICC T20 World Cup 2026

SL vs ZIM match prediction [Source: X]

Sri Lanka are all set to face Zimbabwe. Both teams have qualified for the Super 8 stage and will meet in a dead-rubber fixture in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday, February 19. The match will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and will go live from 3:00 PM IST. 

Both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have won the required number of matches to secure qualification for the next round. After an abandoned match against Ireland, Zimbabwe were awarded one point, which led to Australia’s elimination, as Zimbabwe qualified by winning two of their three matches. 

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have won all three matches they have played. In this edition, therefore, both teams will field confident lineups and, despite it being a dead rubber, they are expected to produce an exciting contest as they fight for pride.

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe current form (last 5 matches)

SL vs ZIM: Key player battles

Pathum Nissanka vs Blessing Muzarabani

Sri Lanka's reliable opener Pathum Nissanka has been in fine form, anchoring innings well. Up against Zimbabwe's towering pacemaker Blessing Muzarabani, who extracts steep bounce and seams the ball sharply, this new-ball duel will be crucial. If Nissanka negotiates the early swing and bounce, Sri Lanka could build a solid foundation. A breakthrough here would expose the middle order early.

Sikandar Raza vs Maheesh Theekshana

Zimbabwe's captain and talisman Sikandar Raza thrives in the middle overs, using his experience to rotate strike and accelerate. Facing Sri Lanka's mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana, whose carrom balls and subtle variations trouble right-handers, this could define Zimbabwe's innings. 

Matheesha Pathirana vs Sikandar Raza

In the death overs, Sri Lanka's slingy sensation Matheesha Pathirana unleashes pinpoint yorkers and unpredictable pace changes with his unique action. Raza, often the finisher for Zimbabwe, will need to counter this express threat to maximize late runs. Pathirana's ability to dismantle lower orders makes this a high-stakes clash, one that could swing momentum decisively.

SL vs ZIM top performers

Most runs for SL vs ZIM

Pathum Nissanka (236), Kusal Mendis (154)

Most wickets for SL vs ZIM

Dushmantha Chameera (12), Maheesh Theekshana (11)

Most runs for ZIM vs SL

Brian Bennett (260), Sikandar Raza (222)

Most wickets for ZIM vs SL

Brad Evans (9), Sikandar Raza (9)

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe toss prediction

The average score at the R Premadasa Stadium this T20 World Cup 2026 is 150. With a fair balance between the bat and the ball, expect a fiery contest where teams have won 4 out of 4 matches by batting first this edition. 

Pacers have found help here with spinners getting assists in the middle overs too. Hence, without a change and following the trend, the captain winning the toss might opt to bat here too.

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 1st innings score prediction

Powerplay: 45/1

Final score: 170

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay: 45/2

Final score: 165

SL vs ZIM top players prediction

SL's top players

Probable best batters

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis

Probable best bowlers

Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera

ZIM’s top players

Probable best batters

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett

Probable best bowlers

Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans

Who will hit the most sixes in the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Match 38?

Pathum Nissanka

Who will hit the most fours in the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Match 38?

Ryan Burl

SL vs ZIM Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Win Match 38?

Sri Lanka have held the upper hand in head-to-head T20I encounters against Zimbabwe. Out of 11 matches played between the two teams, Sri Lanka have won eight, while Zimbabwe have won three. 

As the head-to-head record clearly favours Sri Lanka, they will once again have the advantage of playing at home with strong crowd support. Hence, Sri Lanka remain the favourites to win the clash against Zimbabwe in this dead-rubber fixture.