The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will bring an exciting clash to Colombo with Sri Lanka set to square off against Zimbabwe in the thirty-eighth match at R. Premadasa Stadium on 19th February at 3:00 PM IST.
Get the best SL vs ZIM Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 38th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Expert analysis and more.
Also Read: Salman Ali Agha abuses himself after dismissal, demotes Babar Azam and clashes with Mike Hesson
SL vs ZIM Match Preview:
A high-quality contest will unfold in Colombo when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe in the thirty-eighth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Moreover, this final Group B fixture will begin at 3:00 PM IST, and both teams will enter with confidence after officially booking their places in the Super 8 stage. The Premadasa pitch usually grips and turns, which often brings spinners into the contest as the innings progresses. Therefore, the captain who wins the toss may prefer to bat first, especially since evening dew can make defending totals more difficult on a slowing surface.
Sri Lanka currently sit at the top of the Group B points table with six points from three matches, and they have maintained a perfect record so far. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe hold second place with five points after winning two matches and collecting one point from a washout. Furthermore, Sri Lanka come into this fixture after beating Australia by eight wickets, chasing down 182 with two overs remaining. On the other hand, Zimbabwe arrive after their match against Ireland ended without play due to persistent rain in Pallekele. Consequently, this match will decide the group leader, as Zimbabwe can overtake Sri Lanka with a win.
Pathum Nissanka produced a stunning unbeaten 100 off 52 balls against Australia and became the first centurion of the tournament. Additionally, Kusal Mendis strengthened the chase with a fluent 51, while Dushan Hemantha delivered 3 for 37 to break Australia’s middle order earlier. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe last completed a memorable 23-run win over Australia, where Brian Bennett played a steady half-century and Blessing Muzarabani ripped through the chase with 4 for 17. Sri Lanka dominate the head-to-head with six wins in seven T20Is, yet Zimbabwe have gained major momentum in this World Cup. Therefore, despite Sri Lanka’s home advantage, Zimbabwe possess enough belief to challenge for the top spot.
SL vs ZIM Head-to-Head Record:
|
Teams |
Matches Won |
|
Sri Lanka |
6 |
|
Zimbabwe |
1 |
SL vs ZIM Weather & Pitch Report:
|
Temperature |
31°C |
|
Weather Forecast |
Cloudy |
|
Pitch Behaviour |
Batting-friendly |
|
Best Suited To |
Spin |
|
Average 1st innings score |
160 |
Record of chasing teams:
|
Records |
Good |
|
Winning % |
60% |
SL vs ZIM Playing 11s (Predicted):
Sri Lanka Playing 11:
1) Pathum Nissanka
2) Kusal Perera
3) Kusal Mendis
4) Pavan Rathnayake
5) Kamindu Mendis
6) Dasun Shanaka
7) Dushan Hemantha
8) Dunith Wellalage
9) Dushmantha Chameera
10) Maheesh Theekshana
11) Matheesha Pathirana
Zimbabwe Playing 11:
1) Brian Bennett
2) Tadiwanashe Marumani
3) Ryan Burl
4) Sikandar Raza
5) Dion Myers
6) Tony Munyonga
7) Tashinga Musekiwa
8) Brad Evans
9) Wellington Masakadza
10) Graeme Cremer
11) Blessing Muzarabani
Hot Picks for SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
|
Kusal Mendis – Showcasing classy top-order control for Sri Lanka, he is a right-handed batter who has hammered 168 runs in this tournament so far with consistent run-making impact. |
|
Pathum Nissanka – Delivering strong consistency for Sri Lanka, he is a right-handed batsman who has smashed 137 runs in this tournament so far with confident stroke selection. |
Top Picks:
|
Brian Bennett – Emerging as a bright opening batter for Zimbabwe, he has added 112 runs in this tournament so far with fearless intent and fluent timing. |
|
Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe’s experienced right-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler has scored 30 runs and taken 1 wicket in this tournament so far, contributing valuable all-round impact. |
Budget Picks:
|
Graeme Cremer – Zimbabwe’s experienced right-arm leg-break bowler offers smart flight and sharp turn, regularly creating breakthroughs with his attacking mindset. |
|
Maheesh Theekshana – Sri Lanka’s crafty right-arm off-break bowler brings excellent control and sharp variations, making him a constant wicket-taking threat in crucial overs. |
SL vs ZIM ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
|
Captain |
Pathum Nissanka & Kusal Mendis |
|
Vice-Captain |
Brian Bennett & Sikandar Raza |
SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keeper – Kusal Mendis
- Batters – Pathum Nissanka ©, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Pavan Rathnayake
- All-rounders – Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Kamindu Mendis, Brad Evans, Brian Bennett (vc)
- Bowlers – Dushmantha Chameera, Blessing Muzarabani
SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keeper – Kusal Mendis ©
- Batters – Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake
- All-rounders – Sikandar Raza (vc), Ryan Burl, Kamindu Mendis, Brad Evans, Brian Bennett
- Bowlers – Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Maheesh Theekshana
SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Today Match 38 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
Players |
Dream11 Credits |
Dream11 Points (Last match) |
|
Charith Asalanka |
8.0 credits |
NA |
|
Tony Munyonga |
6.5 credits |
NA |
SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Today Match 38 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Expert Advice:
|
SL Captaincy Choice |
Pathum Nissanka |
|
GL Captaincy Choice |
Kusal Mendis |
|
Punt Picks |
Maheesh Theekshana and Graeme Cremer |
|
Dream11 Combination |
1-3-5-2 |
SL vs ZIM Match Winner Prediction:
As Sri Lanka will carry better recent form, they will be expected to outplay their opponents and win this match.
from Cricket Addictor https://ift.tt/IsdLmPK
