Table of Contents
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team stats highlight a rivalry shaped by experience, resilience, and evolving competition. Sri Lanka’s established strength and history in international cricket often met Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit and determination. Across Tests, ODIs, and T20s, these encounters have produced surprising results, close finishes, and memorable performances, making this rivalry an important part of cricket’s global narrative.
Latest Matches
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Zimbabwe Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result | Series |
| T20 World Cup | Colombo (RPS) | Feb 19, 2026 | 182/4 (19.3 ov) | 178/7 (20 ov) | Zimbabwe won by 6 wkts | T20 World Cup |
| Pakistan T20I Tri-Series | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Nov 25, 2025 | 146/5 (20 ov) | 148/1 (16.2 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 9 wkts | Pakistan T20I Tri-Series |
| Pakistan T20I Tri-Series | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Nov 20, 2025 | 162/8 (20 ov) | 95 (20 ov) | Zimbabwe won by 67 runs | Pakistan T20I Tri-Series |
| Bilateral T20I | Harare Sports Club | Sep 7, 2025 | 191/8 (20 ov) | 193/2 (17.4 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 8 wkts | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe T20I |
| Bilateral T20I | Harare Sports Club | Sep 6, 2025 | 84/5 (14.2 ov) | 80 (17.4 ov) | Zimbabwe won by 5 wkts | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe T20I |
| Bilateral T20I | Harare Sports Club | Sep 3, 2025 | 175/7 (20 ov) | 177/6 (19.1 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 4 wkts | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe T20I |
| Bilateral T20I | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jan 18, 2024 | 82 (14.1 ov) | 88/1 (10.5 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 9 wkts | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka T20I |
| Bilateral ODI | Harare Sports Club | Aug 31, 2025 | 277/7 (50 ov) | 278/5 (49.3 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wkts | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe ODI |
| Bilateral ODI | Harare Sports Club | Aug 29, 2025 | 291/8 (50 ov) | 298/6 (50 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 7 runs | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe ODI |
| Bilateral ODI | Harare Sports Club | Jan 11, 2024 | 96 | 97/2 | Sri Lanka won by 8 wkts (DLS) | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe ODI |
| Bilateral ODI | Harare Sports Club | Jan 8, 2024 | 208 | 211/8 | Sri Lanka won by 2 wkts | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe ODI |
| Bilateral ODI | Harare Sports Club | Jan 6, 2024 | 12/2 | 273/9 | No Result | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe ODI |
| Super Sixes ODI | – | Jul 2, 2023 | 165 | 169/1 | Sri Lanka won by 9 wkts | ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier |
| Bilateral T20I | Colombo (RPS) | Jan 16, 2024 | 178/6 (19.5 ov) | 173/6 (20 ov) | Zimbabwe won by 4 wkts | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka T20I |
| Bilateral T20I | Colombo (RPS) | Jan 14, 2024 | 143/5 (20 ov) | 144/7 (20 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 3 wkts | Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka T20I |
Head-to-Head Summary Table
| Format | Matches Played | Sri Lanka Won | Zimbabwe Won | No Result/Tied/Draws | Notes / Highlights |
| Tests | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 Draws | Sri Lanka unbeaten; many whitewashes |
| ODIs | 66 | 51 | 12 | 3 No Result | Classic mismatch; SL’s 51 wins show supremacy |
| T20Is | 12–15 (approx) | 8–9 | 4–6 | 0 | Closer battles; Zim’s recent wins shine (e.g., 2026 WC) |
| Overall | ~98–101 | ~73–74 | ~16–18 | ~9–10 | SL leads massively, but Zim improving in white-ball cricket! |
Top Run Scorers Table
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Period/Notes |
| 1 | DPMD Jayawardene | SL | ~40 | High (top in combined) | 1998–2012 |
| 2 | Sikandar Raza | ZIM | 31 | Solid tally | 2016–2026 |
| 3 | ADR Campbell | ZIM | 31 | High | 1993–2000 |
| 4 | BKG Mendis | SL | 33 | 2016–2026 | |
| 5 | TM Dilshan | SL | 26 | 1999–2012 |
Top Wicket-Takers Table
| Player | Team | Wickets | Period/Notes |
| Various SL pacers/spinners dominate | SL | High | Overall SL bowlers rule |
| M Pathirana | SL | High in series | 2025 T20s |
| Dilshan Madushanka | SL | Top in Zim vs SL | Modern pacer |
| Asitha Fernando | SL | High | Key wickets |
| Sikandar Raza | ZIM | Notable | All-round threat |
| Richard Ngarava | ZIM | Solid | Zim pace leader |
| PA Strang | ZIM | High in Tests | 1990s Zim star |
| RAS Lakmal | SL | High | SL pace legen |
Sri Lanka’s Experience vs Zimbabwe’s Fighting Spirit
The rivalry between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka has always been shaped by contrast. Sri Lanka entered most contests with experience, skill, and a history of international success. Legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Muttiah Muralitharan brought class and consistency to their performances.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, built its identity on resilience and fighting spirit. Players like Andy Flower and Heath Streak often stood tall against stronger opposition. Despite the gap in experience, Zimbabwe’s determination made matches competitive.
| Match | Venue | Zimbabwe Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result |
| ODI | Harare | 220 all out | 225 for 4 | Sri Lanka won |
| ODI | Colombo | 250 for 7 | 245 all out | Zimbabwe won |
| Test Match | Bulawayo | 280 & 190 | 320 & 150 | Sri Lanka won |
| ODI | Colombo | 260 for 6 | 262 for 5 | Sri Lanka won |
| Match | Harare | 240 all out | 235 all out | Zimbabwe won |
ODI Matches That Produced Competitive and Surprising Results
ODI encounters between these teams have delivered surprising results and thrilling finishes. Zimbabwe, despite being underdogs, has managed to pull off memorable wins that shocked fans.
Sri Lanka relied on dependable players like Kumar Sangakkara and explosive talents like Sanath Jayasuriya, while Zimbabwe counted on disciplined performances and key contributions from its core players.
| ODI Match | Venue | Zimbabwe Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result |
| ODI Series Match | Harare | 260 for 6 | 255 all out | Zimbabwe won |
| ODI Match | Colombo | 270 for 5 | 275 for 4 | Sri Lanka won |
| ODI Match | Bulawayo | 240 all out | 238 all out | Zimbabwe won |
| ODI Series Game | Colombo | 280 for 6 | 285 for 5 | Sri Lanka won |
| ODI Decider | Harare | 250 for 7 | 248 all out | Zimbabwe won |
Test Match Battles That Tested Technique and Patience
Test cricket between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka has been a true examination of technique and patience. Sri Lanka’s strong batting lineup often built large totals, putting pressure on Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe, however, showed resilience with determined batting efforts and disciplined bowling spells. Players like Andy Flower often delivered standout performances in these longer format matches.
| Test Match | Venue | Zimbabwe 1st Innings | Sri Lanka 1st Innings | Result |
| Test Series | Harare | 280 | 350 & 150 | Sri Lanka won |
| Test Match | Colombo | 260 & 200 | 320 & 180 | Sri Lanka won |
| Test Match | Bulawayo | 300 & 210 | 290 & 190 | Zimbabwe won |
| Test Match | Colombo | 270 & 180 | 340 & 160 | Sri Lanka won |
| Test Series | Harare | 290 | 330 & 140 | Sri Lanka won |
T20 Clashes That Brought Modern Cricket Excitement and New Talent
The T20 format added fresh energy to this rivalry. Matches became quicker, more aggressive, and unpredictable. Zimbabwe found opportunities to challenge Sri Lanka with fearless cricket.
Sri Lanka’s modern stars like Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Perera brought flair and innovation, while Zimbabwe relied on emerging players to make an impact.
| T20 Match | Venue | Zimbabwe Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result |
| T20 International | Harare | 150 for 6 | 152 for 5 | Sri Lanka won |
| T20 Match | Colombo | 160 for 7 | 158 all out | Zimbabwe won |
| T20 Match | Bulawayo | 155 all out | 157 for 4 | Sri Lanka won |
| T20 Series Game | Colombo | 170 for 5 | 175 for 4 | Sri Lanka won |
| T20 International | Harare | 165 for 6 | 160 all out | Zimbabwe won |
Record-Breaking Performances and Memorable Scorecards
This rivalry has produced several memorable performances and key records over the years. Sri Lanka’s experienced players have often delivered big scores and match-winning spells, while Zimbabwe’s players have produced standout moments against strong opposition.
Players like Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya have created iconic records, while Zimbabwe legends like Andy Flower have delivered remarkable individual performances.
| Record Type | Player | Team | Performance | Format |
| Highest Individual Score | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 270 | Test |
| Best Bowling Figures | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 7/46 | Test |
| Fastest Fifty | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 17 balls | ODI |
| Best All-Round Performance | Andy Flower | Zimbabwe | 120 & 3 wickets | Test |
| Highest Partnership | Sri Lanka Pair | Sri Lanka | 250 | ODI |
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team stats reflect a rivalry built on contrast and competitive growth. Sri Lanka’s experience and consistent performances have often given them the advantage, while Zimbabwe’s resilience and determination have ensured exciting and closely contested matches. ODI games brought surprising results, Test matches tested technique and patience, and T20 clashes introduced fast-paced action and new talent. Legendary players like Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Andy Flower have defined key moments in this rivalry. As both teams continue to evolve, this contest promises more thrilling matches, standout performances, and memorable cricketing moments.
