Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Sri Lankan national cricket team, known as the Lions, are set to arrive in Zimbabwe today for a highly anticipated limited-overs series against the Chevrons. With five days to acclimatise and prepare, the squad will be raring to go for the first One Day International (ODI) at Harare Sports Club on Friday.
The tour begins with a two-match ODI series scheduled for Friday, August 29 and Sunday, August 31. The action then shifts to the shorter format with three T20 Internationals on 3, 6, and 7 September. These T20 fixtures will serve as vital preparation for Sri Lanka ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE, which kicks off on 9 September.
To sharpen their bowling attack, the Lions have enlisted the expertise of legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who will work with seamers Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and all-rounder Milan Rathnayake.
Sri Lanka arrives with a dynamic mix of fresh talent and returning players. Twenty-two-year-old Pavan Rathnayake is an uncapped batter to watch, while Nuwanidu Fernando, 25, returns to the squad following an impressive performance against Australia A last month, where he scored 122 runs, including a match-winning 82. Sadeera Samarawickrama also re-joins the squad, having last played an ODI in 2024. However, the team will be without key players Avishka Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Bangladesh.
This series marks the first 50-over contest between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka since their three-match series in Colombo in January 2024, which the Lions won 2–0. Historically, Sri Lanka has dominated the head-to-head record, winning 49 of the 64 ODIs played between the two sides since 1992, while Zimbabwe has claimed victory in just 12. In T20 Internationals, the Chevrons have managed only one win in six encounters. Zimbabwe Cricket is yet to announce its squad for the series.
Meanwhile, domestic cricket continues with the seventh round of the 2025 National Premier League (NPL). Defending champions Takashinga Patriots 1, currently second on the log, will face Westside Cricket Club at Masvingo Sports Club. Methane Lions are set to take on Rimuka Cricket Club in Kadoma.
In Bulawayo, a local derby will see Queens Sports Club host Amakhosi Cricket Club 2 at Bulawayo Athletic Club, while Amakhosi 1 will play Alexandra Sports Club in Kwekwe. Eastern Titans will meet Mbizo Cricket Club at Old Hararians Sports Club.
On Sunday, log leaders and the season’s only undefeated side, SOGO Rangers, will aim to maintain their perfect record against bottom-placed Chiredzi Cricket Club at Masvingo Sports Club. Gladiators Cricket Club will also be in action, taking on Takashinga 2 at Old Hararians Sports Club.
Sri Lanka’s ODI squad:
Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera. – @brandon_malvin
Peter Tanyanyiwa