Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 5th Match

The Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe encounter in the 5th Match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium promises an intriguing contest. Sri Lanka enters this fixture with a relatively stronger recent form, having won three of their last five T20 matches, showing stability in both batting and bowling departments. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, has been inconsistent, winning just two out of their last five games, but their improved death bowling and aggressive middle order pose significant challenges. Historically, Sri Lanka has dominated head-to-head encounters with Zimbabwe, leveraging their experience and depth across all departments. Key performers for Sri Lanka include the explosive opener Charith Asalanka, who has been in majestic form lately, coupled with the spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga who consistently picks wickets at crucial moments. Zimbabwe’s hopes rely heavily on Luke Jongwe with the ball and Craig Ervine anchoring the innings. Strategy-wise, Sri Lanka will aim to capitalize on the powerplay by targeting Zimbabwe’s relatively inexperienced bowling attack and then rely on Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera to contain runs and take early wickets. Zimbabwe, conversely, will look to build partnerships upfront and use their spinners to choke innings while depending on lower-order hitters to finish strong. Given Sri Lanka’s current form and balanced side, they start as firm favorites in this clash. #### AI suggested match winner Sri Lanka: 62%, Zimbabwe: 38%

If Sri Lanka wins the toss and bats first, they are likely to post a competitive total of around 165-175 runs. Their batting depth and ability to accelerate in the middle overs can exploit any softness in the pitch early on. Conversely, if Zimbabwe bats first, given their middle-order firepower but vulnerability to quality spin, a total in the range of 150-160 seems probable. The Rawalpindi pitch traditionally offers some assistance to spinners initially but tends to even out, making hitting in the last 5 overs crucial for both teams.

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch is known for being a balanced surface with a slight bias towards spin, especially in T20 matches. Historically, the average first-innings score here is around 160 runs. Teams chasing have a win ratio of approximately 52%, indicating a fairly even contest between setting and chasing totals. Weather forecasts for match day predict clear skies with minimal chance of rain and temperatures hovering around 22°C at match time, ideal for cricket. Best bowler on the ground among these two teams: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) with multiple 3+ wicket hauls. Best batsman: Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) known for consistent high scores here. Ground record highlight: Sri Lanka’s 185/5 in a prior T20I against Zimbabwe remains the highest team score between these two sides at Rawalpindi.

Matches Played	Sri Lanka Won	Zimbabwe Won
14	11	3

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
Sri Lanka	W W L W L
Zimbabwe	L W L W L

Charith Asalanka: The stylish Sri Lankan opener has been scoring consistently, providing quick starts and anchoring the innings effectively in recent games.

Wanindu Hasaranga: A leading spinner for Sri Lanka, Hasaranga has picked vital wickets in the middle overs, often turning matches in favor of his team.

Dushmantha Chameera: His pace and variations in the death overs make him a significant threat to Zimbabwe’s lower order.

Craig Ervine: Zimbabwe’s dependable middle-order batsman has been pivotal in constructing innings and stabilizing the batting line-up recently.

Luke Jongwe: An impactful all-rounder who can swing the ball and bowl tight overs, Jongwe has been their leading wicket-taker in recent matches.

Sean Williams: Experienced in both batting and bowling, Williams provides balance and has played crucial roles with resilient innings under pressure.