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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is witnessing a thrilling contest for the top spot in Group B, and the 38th match of the tournament promises to be a cracker. On Thursday, 19th February 2026, the tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka will lock horns with a confident Zimbabwe side at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
As we analyze this SL vs ZIM 38th T20 match prediction, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. Sri Lanka, riding high on home support and a wave of momentum, are currently sitting at the top of the Group B points table with an impressive record of three wins and just one loss. Their latest victory was a statement win against the mighty Australians, where they chased down 181 with ease, thanks to a magnificent century from Pathum Nissanka. With the bat firing and the spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga in sublime form, they look like genuine title contenders.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe has been the surprise package of the tournament. Placed second in the group with two wins and one no-result, they have already proven their mettle by defeating Australia in a historic 23-run victory. Led by the inspirational Sikandar Raza and powered by the pace of Blessing Muzarabani, who has taken 7 wickets, they are brimming with confidence. Their last outing against Ireland was washed out, but they will be eager to get back on the field and secure a win that would cement their place in the Super 8s. This Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe clash is a fascinating battle between the hosts’ spin mastery and the visitors’ pace attack, set against the backdrop of a passionate Colombo crowd.
Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | SL vs ZIM, 38th T20 Match, Group B |
| Date | Thursday, February 19th, 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM Local Time |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium, Colombo |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
Team Preview
Sri Lanka Team Preview
The Sri Lankan cricket team has been a revelation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, living up to their billing as one of the tournament favorites, especially on home soil. With three commanding wins from four matches, they sit proudly at the top of Group B and are on the verge of securing a top-two finish. Their success has been built on a perfect blend of explosive top-order batting and a world-class spin attack that thrives on the slow, turning tracks of Colombo. The batting lineup has been headlined by the sensational Kusal Mendis, who has been the team’s leading run-scorer with a staggering 168 runs. His aggressive stroke play at the top has given Sri Lanka flying starts. However, the standout performance came from Pathum Nissanka in the previous match against Australia. His magnificent 100 off just 52 balls was a knock of pure class, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate at will. With the experienced Dasun Shanaka leading the side and Charith Asalanka providing stability in the middle order, the batting unit looks well-oiled and deep.
If the batting is impressive, the bowling attack is simply lethal, particularly on home conditions. Maheesh Theekshana has been unplayable with his mystery spin, picking up 6 wickets and maintaining a stranglehold in the middle overs. Alongside him, the return of Wanindu Hasaranga adds another world-class spinner to the mix, making Sri Lanka’s spin attack the envy of the tournament. The pace department, led by the raw speed of Matheesha Pathirana and the experience of Dushmantha Chameera, provides the perfect foil. For this crucial match against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka will be wary of the threat posed by Blessing Muzarabani. They will look to neutralize his pace early on and then target the Zimbabwean spinners. With home crowd support at the Premadasa, they will be confident of extending their winning run.
Zimbabwe Team Preview
Zimbabwe has been the story of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, defying expectations and capturing the hearts of neutrals with their fearless brand of cricket. Sitting second in Group B with two wins and one no-result, they are on the cusp of qualifying for the Super 8s, and a win here would seal their place in emphatic style. Their campaign has been defined by a historic 23-run victory over Australia, a game where they showcased their ability to compete with and beat the best. The batting has been anchored by the young sensation Brian Bennett, who has been the team’s leading run-scorer with 112 runs. His composed 64* against Australia, where he anchored the innings, demonstrated maturity beyond his years. Captain Sikandar Raza, the heart and soul of this team, provides the X-factor with his all-round abilities, contributing crucial runs and wickets. The middle order, featuring the explosive Ryan Burl, adds the firepower needed to accelerate at the death.
However, Zimbabwe’s biggest weapon has been their pace attack, spearheaded by the towering Blessing Muzarabani. With 7 wickets to his name, he has been unplayable at times, using his height and bounce to dismantle top orders. His spell against Australia, where he picked up 4 wickets, effectively won the game for his side. He is well-supported by the left-arm pace of Richard Ngarava. The spin department, led by Graeme Cremer and Wellington Masakadza, will be tested against a strong Sri Lankan batting lineup on a turning track. This match is a massive opportunity for Zimbabwe to announce themselves as genuine contenders. They will need to handle the pressure of playing in front of a hostile Colombo crowd and find a way to counter Sri Lanka’s spinners. If Muzarabani can strike early and Raza can marshal his troops effectively, another upset is on the cards.
Team Squad
Sri Lanka Squad:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
Zimbabwe Squad:
Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande (wk), Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage.
Zimbabwe Probable Playing XI:
Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.
Fantasy Team XI
| Role | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Wicket-Keeper | Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka |
| Wicket-Keeper | Tadiwanashe Marumani | Zimbabwe |
| Batter | Pathum Nissanka | Sri Lanka |
| Batter | Brian Bennett | Zimbabwe |
| Batter | Charith Asalanka | Sri Lanka |
| All-Rounder | Sikandar Raza | Zimbabwe |
| All-Rounder | Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka |
| All-Rounder | Dasun Shanaka | Sri Lanka |
| Bowler | Blessing Muzarabani | Zimbabwe |
| Bowler | Maheesh Theekshana | Sri Lanka |
| Bowler | Richard Ngarava | Zimbabwe |
Building a winning fantasy XI for this SL vs ZIM clash requires a balanced approach, recognizing the match-winning potential from both sides. We start with the wicket-keepers. Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis is an automatic pick as the team’s leading run-scorer with 168 runs, providing explosive starts . Zimbabwe’s Tadiwanashe Marumani is an aggressive opener capable of capitalizing in the powerplay.
The batting lineup features Sri Lanka’s centurion Pathum Nissanka, who is in the form of his life after a breathtaking 100 against Australia . Zimbabwe’s young sensation Brian Bennett is their leading run-scorer and a reliable anchor. Charith Asalanka adds stability to the Sri Lankan middle order with his classy stroke play.
The all-rounder department is the strongest suit of this XI. Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza is the heartbeat of his team, contributing with bat, ball, and in the field. Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga is a world-class spinner and a dangerous lower-order hitter. Captain Dasun Shanaka provides leadership, power-hitting, and medium pace, offering immense fantasy value.
The bowling attack is a mix of pace and spin. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani is the tournament’s joint-leading wicket-taker with 7 scalps and a prime captaincy candidate. Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been unplayable in the middle overs with 6 wickets. Zimbabwe’s left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava provides the new-ball threat with his swing and bounce.
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:
- Captain: Pathum Nissanka (In sublime touch, fresh off a century, likely to be the top scorer).
- Vice-Captain: Blessing Muzarabani (Leading wicket-taker, capable of destroying Sri Lanka’s top order).
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team:
- Kusal Perera (SL): Batting lower down the order, his role might not guarantee enough balls to score big fantasy points. He is a high-risk pick.
- Ryan Burl (ZIM): While a explosive hitter, he has been inconsistent. On a turning track against quality spinners, he might struggle to make a significant impact.
Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is a spin bowler’s paradise. The pitch is slow and tends to grip, offering significant turn as the game progresses. Pacers need to rely on variations and cutters to be effective. Boundaries are reasonably sized, and scoring can be difficult in the middle overs. Batting first and posting a score around 150-160 is considered par.
Weather Report
Colombo will experience warm and humid conditions with clear skies. There is no forecast of rain, ensuring a full 20-over contest. Temperatures will be around 30°C with high humidity.
Toss Prediction
Given the spin-friendly nature of the Premadasa track, captains winning the toss prefer to bat first to utilize the best batting conditions before the pitch slows down. We predict Sri Lanka will win the toss and bat first.
Probable Best Batter & Bowler
Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Pathum Nissanka is in the form of his life, fresh off a magnificent century against Australia. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate at will makes him the most dangerous batter in this contest. On a pitch where stroke play requires patience, his class and technique will be vital for Sri Lanka.
Probable Best Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)
Maheesh Theekshana has been unplayable on the slow tracks of Colombo. His mystery spin and ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs make him a constant threat. Against a Zimbabwean lineup that has shown vulnerability against quality spin, he is primed to pick up multiple wickets.
Match Prediction
This is a tightly contested match between two in-form sides. Sri Lanka, with home advantage and a world-class spin attack, have a slight edge. However, Zimbabwe’s pace battery and confidence from beating Australia make them dangerous. Expect a low-scoring, tense battle where Sri Lanka’s familiarity with the conditions might just see them through.
Our Winner: Sri Lanka Will Win
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