Table of Contents
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Matches have produced a long and competitive history across Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). Sri Lanka have generally dominated the overall rivalry, particularly in Test cricket and ODIs, but Zimbabwe have also created some memorable upsets and historic series victories.
The two teams have played each other regularly since Zimbabwe emerged as an international cricket nation. Their rivalry has included World Cup encounters, bilateral series, triangular tournaments and T20 World Cup matches. Sri Lanka have won the majority of their meetings, but Zimbabwe’s historic ODI series victory in Sri Lanka in 2017 remains one of the biggest moments in the rivalry.
More recently, the teams met in a two-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe in 2025. Sri Lanka won both ODIs and took the T20I series 2-1. Zimbabwe then produced another major result against Sri Lanka at the 2026 T20 World Cup, defeating them by six wickets in Colombo.
This article covers the history of Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Matches, including head-to-head records, important World Cup games, memorable series, major victories, key players and recent results.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka have a clear advantage over Zimbabwe across the major international formats.
In Test cricket, the teams have played 20 matches. Sri Lanka have won 14, Zimbabwe have never won a Test against Sri Lanka, and six matches have ended in draws. The last Test meeting came in January 2020, when the second Test in Harare ended in a draw.
In ODIs, the teams have played 66 matches, with Sri Lanka winning 51 and Zimbabwe winning 12. Three matches ended without a result.
The T20I rivalry is comparatively closer. Current records list 12 T20I meetings, with Sri Lanka winning eight and Zimbabwe winning four.
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Zimbabwe Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 draws |
| ODIs | 66 | 51 | 12 | 3 no results |
| T20Is | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Overall | 98 | 73 | 16 | 9 |
The overall record shows Sri Lanka’s long-term dominance, but Zimbabwe have occasionally produced outstanding performances, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
Early History of Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Matches
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe began developing their international rivalry during the period when Zimbabwe was establishing itself in international cricket.
Zimbabwe toured Sri Lanka in December 1983 and played limited-overs matches against Sri Lankan sides. At that stage Zimbabwe had not yet achieved Test status, while Sri Lanka had only recently become a Test nation.
The rivalry became much more significant after Zimbabwe gained Test status in 1992. Their first Test series against Sri Lanka eventually took place in 1994-95, beginning a long Test relationship between the two nations.
The first Test series demonstrated the difference in experience between the teams, but Zimbabwe gradually developed players capable of competing strongly against Sri Lanka, including the Flower brothers and other talented batsmen.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Test Cricket Rivalry
Test cricket has been one of the most one-sided areas of Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Matches.
Sri Lanka have never lost a Test to Zimbabwe. Across 20 Test matches, Sri Lanka have recorded 14 victories and six draws.
One of the most remarkable performances in the rivalry came from Muttiah Muralitharan. The legendary Sri Lankan spinner repeatedly troubled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup and recorded nine wickets in an innings and 13 wickets in a match against Zimbabwe.
Sri Lanka also produced some enormous totals. Their highest Test total against Zimbabwe is 713 for three declared, scored at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo in 2004. Kumar Sangakkara scored 270 in that match, while Marvan Atapattu made 249.
| Test Record | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Matches | 20 |
| Wins | 14 |
| Losses | 0 |
| Draws | 6 |
| Highest total | 713/3 declared |
| Highest individual score | Kumar Sangakkara 270 |
| Best innings bowling | Muttiah Muralitharan 9/51 |
The last Test series between the sides was played in Zimbabwe in January 2020. Sri Lanka won the first Test by 10 wickets, while the second ended in a draw.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe in ODI Cricket
ODI cricket has produced far more matches between the two nations than Test cricket.
Sri Lanka have won 51 of their 66 ODI meetings with Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe have won 12. Three matches ended without a result.
Sri Lanka’s dominance has included victories in World Cups, bilateral series and triangular tournaments. However, Zimbabwe produced one of their most memorable ODI achievements in 2017.
Before discussing that historic series, several earlier World Cup meetings helped establish Sri Lanka as the stronger ODI side.
1999 World Cup Meeting
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe met during the 1999 Cricket World Cup in England. The match was played at Worcester on 22 May 1999.
The World Cup was important for both teams because Zimbabwe were becoming increasingly competitive in international cricket, while Sri Lanka were defending their status as one of the world’s leading limited-overs teams after winning the 1996 World Cup.
The two teams continued to meet regularly in bilateral cricket after the 1999 tournament.
2011 World Cup: One of Sri Lanka’s Biggest Wins
One of the most memorable Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Matches came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka faced Zimbabwe at Pallekele on 10 March 2011. Sri Lanka scored 327 for six, powered by an extraordinary opening partnership between Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga.
Dilshan scored 144 and Tharanga made 133. Their partnership of 282 runs became the first double-century opening partnership in World Cup history at that time. Sri Lanka eventually bowled Zimbabwe out for 188 and won by 139 runs.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 327/6 | Sri Lanka won |
| Zimbabwe | 188 all out | Sri Lanka won by 139 runs |
Dilshan also contributed with the ball, taking four wickets for only four runs. It was one of the finest all-round performances of the tournament.
2016: Sri Lanka Continue Their Dominance
The teams met several times in 2016, including Test and limited-overs cricket.
Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by 257 runs in the second Test at Harare in November 2016. Sri Lanka scored 504 in their first innings and then declared on 258 for nine in the second innings. Zimbabwe were dismissed for 272 and 233.
The same year also produced a limited-overs contest in the Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series. Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe in the final by six wickets after Zimbabwe were bowled out for 160.
These results showed how strongly Sri Lanka were performing against Zimbabwe at the time.
Zimbabwe’s Historic 2017 ODI Series Victory
The biggest turning point in the modern Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Matches history came in 2017.
Zimbabwe toured Sri Lanka for a five-match ODI series. Sri Lanka were expected to be favourites, but Zimbabwe produced one of the most memorable away-series victories in their history.
Zimbabwe won the series 3-2. It was Zimbabwe’s first-ever bilateral ODI series victory in Sri Lanka and their first away series win against a Test nation since 2001.
2017 ODI Series Results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets |
| 2nd ODI | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets |
| 4th ODI | Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets |
| 5th ODI | Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets |
| Series | Zimbabwe won 3-2 |
Zimbabwe’s victory in the first ODI immediately showed that the series would be competitive. Sri Lanka responded by winning the second and third matches, taking a 2-1 lead.
Zimbabwe then levelled the series in the fourth ODI. Craig Ervine scored an unbeaten 69 from 55 balls in a rain-shortened chase, allowing Zimbabwe to reach the revised target with 10 balls remaining.
The fifth ODI became the decider. Zimbabwe bowled Sri Lanka out for 203 for eight and chased the revised target successfully. Sikandar Raza remained unbeaten on 27 and also took three wickets for 21 runs. Zimbabwe won by three wickets and secured a historic 3-2 series victory.
2017 Test Match: Sri Lanka Respond
Although Zimbabwe won the ODI series in 2017, Sri Lanka finished the tour with a victory in the one-off Test.
Sri Lanka won the Test by four wickets, preventing Zimbabwe from completing a clean sweep of the tour.
Rangana Herath was Sri Lanka’s leading bowler during the Test, while Asela Gunaratne was Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in the match and Craig Ervine was Zimbabwe’s top run-scorer during the Test series.
The contrasting results demonstrated the different strengths of the two sides: Zimbabwe were highly competitive in the shorter format, while Sri Lanka retained a significant advantage in Test cricket.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe T20I Matches
T20 cricket has produced another interesting chapter in the rivalry.
Sri Lanka currently lead Zimbabwe 8-4 in the 12 recorded T20I meetings.
The first T20 World Cup meeting between the teams came in 2012. Sri Lanka produced a dominant performance, scoring 182 for four and bowling Zimbabwe out for 100 to win by 82 runs.
Sri Lanka have generally been the stronger T20 side, but Zimbabwe have increasingly challenged them as their white-ball team has improved.
2024 Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Series
Sri Lanka hosted Zimbabwe in January 2024 for three ODIs and three T20Is.
The first ODI was affected by rain and ended without a result. Sri Lanka had scored 273 for nine before Zimbabwe reached 12 for two in four overs when the match was abandoned.
Sri Lanka then won the second ODI by two wickets and the third ODI by eight wickets under the DLS method. Janith Liyanage was named Player of the Series after scoring 119 runs.
2024 ODI Series
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st ODI | No result |
| 2nd ODI | Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets |
| Series | Sri Lanka won 2-0 |
The T20I series was much closer. Sri Lanka won the first match by three wickets, Zimbabwe won the second by four wickets, and Sri Lanka won the third by nine wickets. Sri Lanka therefore won the series 2-1.
2024 T20I Series
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets |
| Series | Sri Lanka won 2-1 |
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Matches in 2025
The rivalry continued in 2025 when Sri Lanka toured Zimbabwe for two ODIs and three T20Is.
Sri Lanka won both ODIs. The first was a close seven-run victory, while the second was won by five wickets.
2025 ODI Results
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 29 August 2025 | 1st ODI | Sri Lanka won by 7 runs |
| 31 August 2025 | 2nd ODI | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets |
| Series | — | Sri Lanka won 2-0 |
The first ODI was especially close. Sri Lanka scored 298 for six, while Zimbabwe reached 291 for eight. The seven-run margin showed how competitive Zimbabwe had become in home conditions.
In the second ODI, Zimbabwe made 277 for seven, but Sri Lanka chased the target with five wickets remaining.
2025 T20I Series
The T20I series in September 2025 was another competitive contest.
Sri Lanka won the opening T20I by four wickets after chasing Zimbabwe’s 175 for seven. Zimbabwe responded in the second match by defeating Sri Lanka by five wickets after Sri Lanka were dismissed for only 80.
Sri Lanka then bounced back strongly in the deciding third T20I, scoring 193 for two to chase Zimbabwe’s 191 for eight with 14 balls remaining.
| T20I | Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 175/7 | 177/6 | Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets |
| 2nd | 84/5 | 80 | Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets |
| 3rd | 191/8 | 193/2 | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets |
| Series | — | — | Sri Lanka won 2-1 |
The deciding match highlighted Sri Lanka’s batting strength, as they reached 193 for two in only 17.4 overs.
Zimbabwe’s 2025 T20I Victory in Pakistan
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe met again in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series in November 2025.
Zimbabwe produced a major 67-run victory on 20 November. Zimbabwe scored 162 for eight, with Sikandar Raza making 47 from 32 balls. Sri Lanka were then bowled out for 95. Raza was named Player of the Match.
A few days later, Sri Lanka responded with a nine-wicket victory. Sri Lanka scored 148 for one while chasing Zimbabwe’s 146 for five.
These matches demonstrated how the T20I rivalry had become more unpredictable.
2026 T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe Beat Sri Lanka
One of the latest chapters in Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Matches came at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka scored 178 for seven at Colombo on 19 February 2026. Zimbabwe chased the target successfully, reaching 182 for four in 19.3 overs and winning by six wickets.
Sikandar Raza was named Player of the Match. Pathum Nissanka top-scored for Sri Lanka with 62 from 41 balls, but Zimbabwe’s chase proved successful.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 178/7 | — |
| Zimbabwe | 182/4 | Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets |
The result was another reminder that Zimbabwe can challenge Sri Lanka in T20 cricket despite Sri Lanka’s stronger overall historical record.
Memorable Players in Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Matches
Muttiah Muralitharan has been one of the most dominant bowlers in the Test rivalry. His nine-wicket innings and 13-wicket match haul against Zimbabwe remain among the standout bowling performances in this matchup.
Kumar Sangakkara produced one of the greatest batting performances in the Test rivalry when he scored 270 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2004.
Tillakaratne Dilshan was central to Sri Lanka’s 2011 World Cup victory, scoring 144 and taking four wickets for four runs.
Upul Tharanga scored 133 in the same 2011 World Cup match and shared a record-setting 282-run opening partnership with Dilshan.
Sikandar Raza has played several important roles for Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka. In the 2017 ODI series decider, he took three wickets and scored an unbeaten 27 to help Zimbabwe secure their historic series win.
Biggest Wins in Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Matches
Sri Lanka have recorded several large victories over Zimbabwe.
In the 2011 World Cup, Sri Lanka won by 139 runs after scoring 327 for six. In Test cricket, Sri Lanka have also produced huge victories, including a 257-run win in Harare in 2016.
Zimbabwe’s most memorable victories have generally come in ODI and T20 cricket, with the 2017 ODI series win standing above all others.
| Team | Format | Major Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | ODI | Won by 139 runs, 2011 |
| Sri Lanka | Test | Won by 257 runs, 2016 |
| Zimbabwe | ODI | Won series 3-2, 2017 |
| Zimbabwe | T20I | Won by 67 runs, 2025 |
| Zimbabwe | T20I | Won by 6 wickets, 2026 |
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Match Timeline
| Year | Competition | Major Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | World Cup | Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe met in group stage |
| 2011 | World Cup | Sri Lanka won by 139 runs |
| 2012 | T20 World Cup | Sri Lanka won by 82 runs |
| 2016 | Test Series | Sri Lanka won both Tests |
| 2017 | ODI Series | Zimbabwe won 3-2 |
| 2017 | Test | Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets |
| 2020 | Test Series | Sri Lanka won 1-0 |
| 2024 | ODI Series | Sri Lanka won 2-0 |
| 2024 | T20I Series | Sri Lanka won 2-1 |
| 2025 | ODI Series | Sri Lanka won 2-0 |
| 2025 | T20I Series | Sri Lanka won 2-1 |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup | Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets |
Why Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Matches Are Important
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Matches are important because they combine a historically dominant side with a team that has repeatedly shown the ability to produce unexpected results.
Sri Lanka have been stronger across Tests and ODIs, but Zimbabwe’s 2017 ODI series victory proved that the gap can disappear when Zimbabwe’s batting and bowling click together.
T20 cricket has also made the rivalry more unpredictable. Zimbabwe’s victories in 2025 and 2026 demonstrate that their shorter-format team has developed significantly.
For Sri Lanka, these matches provide opportunities to test their batting depth, spin bowling and younger players. For Zimbabwe, defeating Sri Lanka represents an important achievement against a more established international side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ODI matches have Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe played?
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have played 66 ODI matches. Sri Lanka have won 51, Zimbabwe have won 12, and three matches ended without a result.
Who has the better Test record between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?
Sri Lanka have a completely dominant Test record. They have won 14 of the 20 Tests between the teams, while Zimbabwe have never won a Test. Six matches have been drawn.
Has Zimbabwe ever beaten Sri Lanka in an ODI series?
Yes. Zimbabwe famously defeated Sri Lanka 3-2 in a five-match ODI series in Sri Lanka in 2017. It was Zimbabwe’s first bilateral series victory in Sri Lanka.
Who won the 2011 World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?
Sri Lanka won by 139 runs. Sri Lanka scored 327 for six before bowling Zimbabwe out for 188. Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 144 and Upul Tharanga made 133.
Who won the 2025 ODI series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?
Sri Lanka won the two-match ODI series 2-0. They won the first ODI by seven runs and the second by five wickets.
Who won the 2025 T20I series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?
Sri Lanka won the three-match T20I series 2-1. Zimbabwe won the second T20I, while Sri Lanka won the first and third matches.
Who won the latest Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe match?
Zimbabwe won the latest completed match between the teams, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo. Zimbabwe chased Sri Lanka’s 178 for seven by reaching 182 for four.
Who has scored the highest Test score in Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe matches?
Kumar Sangakkara holds the highest individual Test score in the rivalry, with 270 for Sri Lanka in Bulawayo in 2004.
What was Zimbabwe’s biggest achievement against Sri Lanka?
Zimbabwe’s 3-2 ODI series victory in Sri Lanka in 2017 is one of their biggest achievements in the rivalry. It was their first ODI series win in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Matches have a rich history stretching across several decades and all three major international formats.
Sri Lanka have dominated the overall rivalry, particularly in Test cricket. They have won 14 of 20 Tests against Zimbabwe without suffering a single defeat. Their ODI record is similarly strong, with 51 victories from 66 meetings.
However, Zimbabwe have produced some unforgettable moments. Their 3-2 ODI series victory in Sri Lanka in 2017 remains a landmark achievement, while their victories in T20 cricket during 2025 and 2026 demonstrate the growing competitiveness of the Zimbabwean side.
The latest T20 World Cup meeting in February 2026 added another memorable chapter, with Zimbabwe chasing 179 successfully to defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets.
The historical record therefore favours Sri Lanka, but recent results show that Zimbabwe remain a dangerous limited-overs opponent. Future Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Matches should continue to offer competitive cricket, particularly in the fast-changing T20 format.
