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Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have shared a long history in international cricket, with their rivalry covering Test matches, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals. The two teams have met in bilateral series as well as major international tournaments. Sri Lanka have traditionally held the advantage in this matchup, particularly in Test and ODI cricket, although Zimbabwe have produced several memorable performances and important victories over the years.
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats show a clear difference between the teams in their overall head to head record. In Test cricket, Sri Lanka have won 14 of the 20 completed matches, while Zimbabwe are yet to register a Test victory and six matches have ended in draws. In ODIs, the teams have met 66 times, with Sri Lanka winning 51 matches and Zimbabwe winning 12, while three matches produced no result. T20I cricket has been more competitive, with Sri Lanka winning eight of the 12 meetings and Zimbabwe winning four.
The rivalry has also produced several high scoring games, individual milestones and memorable victories, particularly in limited overs cricket.
Overall Head To Head Record
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have played each other across all three major men’s international formats. Sri Lanka have the stronger overall record, but Zimbabwe have shown that they can compete successfully, especially in T20I cricket.
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Zimbabwe Wins | Draws | No Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| ODIs | 66 | 51 | 12 | 0 | 3 |
| T20Is | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Overall | 98 | 73 | 16 | 6 | 3 |
The Test rivalry began in 1994, while their ODI history goes back to the 1992 World Cup. T20I meetings began in 2008. The latest T20I encounter came during the 2026 T20 World Cup, when Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in Colombo.
The overall numbers show Sri Lanka’s historical dominance, but the four Zimbabwe T20I victories demonstrate that the shorter format has produced a more competitive contest.
Test Head To Head Statistics
Sri Lanka have dominated the Test rivalry against Zimbabwe. The teams have played 20 Tests, with Sri Lanka winning 14 and six matches ending in draws. Zimbabwe have not yet won a Test against Sri Lanka.
| Test Statistic | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 20 | 20 |
| Wins | 14 | 0 |
| Losses | 0 | 14 |
| Draws | 6 | 6 |
| Highest Team Total | 713/3 declared | 462/9 declared |
| Lowest Team Total | 218 | 79 |
Their first Test series took place in Zimbabwe during the 1994-95 season. All three Tests ended in draws. Sri Lanka then won both Tests when Zimbabwe toured Sri Lanka in 1996.
The pattern continued in later series. Sri Lanka won both Tests in 1998, and they also won both matches in the 2016 series in Zimbabwe. The 2017 one-off Test in Colombo was another Sri Lankan victory.
The 2019-20 series produced one Sri Lankan win and one draw. Overall, Zimbabwe’s six drawn Tests represent their most successful outcomes in the format against Sri Lanka because they have yet to complete a winning Test performance.
Highest Test Scores And Individual Performances
The Test rivalry has produced several major batting performances. Sri Lanka’s highest team total against Zimbabwe is 713 for 3 declared, while Zimbabwe’s highest is 462 for 9 declared.
| Record | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Team Total | 713/3 declared | 462/9 declared |
| Lowest Team Total | 218 | 79 |
| Highest Individual Score | Kumar Sangakkara 270 | Dave Houghton 266 |
| Best Known Bowling Performance | Muttiah Muralitharan 9/51 | Sikandar Raza 7/113 |
Kumar Sangakkara’s 270 remains one of the outstanding batting performances in the Test rivalry. Zimbabwe’s Dave Houghton also produced a memorable 266, showing that the matchup has featured major individual achievements from both sides.
Sri Lankan spin has historically played a major role in this rivalry. Muttiah Muralitharan’s nine-wicket innings haul is one of the most notable bowling performances in the series.
Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza has also produced an impressive seven-wicket innings performance, demonstrating the value of his all-round abilities in the longer format.
ODI Head To Head Statistics
The ODI rivalry between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka began during the 1992 World Cup. Since then, the teams have met 66 times. Sri Lanka have won 51 matches, Zimbabwe have won 12 and three matches have ended without a result.
| ODI Statistic | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 66 | 66 |
| Wins | 51 | 12 |
| Losses | 12 | 51 |
| No Results | 3 | 3 |
| Highest Team Total | 327/6 | 322/4 |
| Lowest Team Total | 152 | 35 |
Sri Lanka’s strong ODI record has been built over several decades. They have won most bilateral series between the sides and have also dominated many tournament meetings.
However, Zimbabwe have produced some important ODI victories, including a memorable series win in Sri Lanka in 2017. That achievement remains one of the most significant results in the modern history of the rivalry.
The teams have also regularly produced competitive ODI matches in Zimbabwe, where home conditions have given Zimbabwe opportunities to challenge Sri Lanka.
Recent ODI Matches
The most recent ODI series between the teams took place in Zimbabwe in August 2025. Sri Lanka won both completed matches.
| Match | Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 291/8 | 298/6 | Sri Lanka won by 7 runs |
| 2nd ODI | 277/7 | 278/5 | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets |
The first ODI was a close contest. Zimbabwe scored 291 for 8, but Sri Lanka successfully chased the target by reaching 298 for 6. The seven-run margin showed how competitive the match remained until the final stages.
The second ODI was another high scoring contest. Zimbabwe posted 277 for 7, but Sri Lanka reached 278 for 5 to win by five wickets.
These matches continued the recent pattern of Sri Lanka maintaining their advantage while Zimbabwe remained capable of producing substantial totals.
T20I Head To Head Statistics
T20I cricket has provided a considerably closer rivalry. Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have played 12 T20Is, with Sri Lanka winning eight and Zimbabwe winning four. Neither side has recorded a tied match or no result in the current 12-match record.
| T20I Statistic | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 12 | 12 |
| Wins | 8 | 4 |
| Losses | 4 | 8 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| No Results | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Score | 193/2 | 191/8 |
| Lowest Score | 80 | 82 |
The format has allowed Zimbabwe to challenge Sri Lanka more effectively. Their four T20I victories include several recent successes.
Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka in the second T20I of their September 2025 series and again in November 2025. They then produced their most recent T20I victory during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The T20I record therefore represents a more competitive side of the rivalry than the Test and ODI statistics.
Recent T20I Matches
The teams have met several times in T20I cricket during 2025 and 2026, producing a mixture of close finishes and convincing victories.
| Date | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | 178/7 | 182/4 | Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets |
| November 2025 | 148/1 | 146/5 | Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets |
| November 2025 | 95 | 162/8 | Zimbabwe won by 67 runs |
| September 2025 | 193/2 | 191/8 | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets |
| September 2025 | 80 | 84/5 | Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets |
| September 2025 | 177/6 | 175/7 | Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets |
The latest meeting was played on February 19, 2026, during the T20 World Cup in Colombo. Sri Lanka scored 178 for 7, but Zimbabwe chased the target successfully, reaching 182 for 4 in 19.3 overs and winning by six wickets. Sikandar Raza was named Player of the Match after scoring 45 from 26 balls and contributing with the ball.
Zimbabwe’s 67-run victory in November 2025 was another notable result. They scored 162 for 8 before dismissing Sri Lanka for 95.
Highest Team Scores
Both teams have recorded substantial scores against each other, particularly in limited overs cricket.
| Format | Sri Lanka Highest | Zimbabwe Highest |
|---|---|---|
| Tests | 713/3 declared | 462/9 declared |
| ODIs | 327/6 | 322/4 |
| T20Is | 193/2 | 191/8 |
Sri Lanka’s 713 for 3 declared is the highest team total in the Test rivalry. In ODIs, their highest total is 327 for 6, while Zimbabwe have reached 322 for 4.
T20I cricket has also produced high scores. Sri Lanka’s 193 for 2 came during the 2025 series, while Zimbabwe’s 191 for 8 came in the same contest.
The narrow difference between the highest T20I scores highlights the batting potential of both sides in the shortest format.
Biggest Wins
The rivalry has produced substantial victories in all three formats. Sri Lanka have recorded the majority of the biggest wins, particularly in Test cricket.
| Format | Winning Team | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Test | Sri Lanka | 257 runs |
| Test | Sri Lanka | 225 runs |
| Test | Sri Lanka | Innings and 77 runs |
| ODI | Sri Lanka | 9 wickets |
| T20I | Zimbabwe | 67 runs |
| T20I | Zimbabwe | 6 wickets |
Sri Lanka’s 257-run Test victory in 2016 was one of their largest wins against Zimbabwe. They scored 504 for 4 declared in the first innings and eventually dismissed Zimbabwe for 233 in their second innings.
Zimbabwe’s 67-run T20I victory in November 2025 was one of their largest recent wins against Sri Lanka. The result demonstrated how quickly the balance can change in the shortest format.
Key Players And Records
The rivalry has featured several outstanding players from both countries. Sri Lanka have had legendary performers such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, while Zimbabwe have produced players including Andy Flower, Dave Houghton and Sikandar Raza.
| Category | Player | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Major Sri Lanka Test batting performance | Kumar Sangakkara | 270 |
| Major Zimbabwe Test batting performance | Dave Houghton | 266 |
| Sri Lanka Test bowling | Muttiah Muralitharan | 9/51 |
| Zimbabwe Test bowling | Sikandar Raza | 7/113 |
| Zimbabwe recent T20I standout | Sikandar Raza | 45 in 2026 |
| Sri Lanka ODI leading run contributor | Historical leaders include major top-order batters | — |
Andy Flower has also been one of Zimbabwe’s most productive batsmen in the ODI rivalry. Muralitharan remains one of Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-takers against Zimbabwe in both Tests and ODIs.
In recent T20I cricket, Sikandar Raza has become an important player for Zimbabwe. His all-round contribution in the 2026 T20 World Cup victory was particularly significant.
ICC Tournament Record
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have also met in major ICC tournaments. Sri Lanka have historically dominated these encounters.
| Tournament | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Zimbabwe Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICC Cricket World Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| ICC T20 World Cup | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Overall Listed ICC Meetings | 4 | 4 | 0 |
The teams have therefore met four times in the major ICC tournament record, with Sri Lanka winning all four listed encounters. Zimbabwe’s strongest successes against Sri Lanka have generally come in bilateral cricket rather than major ICC tournaments.
Their tournament meetings have included the 1992 World Cup and T20 World Cup encounters, providing additional context to the overall rivalry.
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka rivalry has produced 98 recorded men’s international matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Sri Lanka have won 14 of the 20 Tests, with six draws and no Zimbabwe Test victory. In ODIs, Sri Lanka lead 51 to 12, with three matches ending without a result. T20I cricket has been more competitive, with Sri Lanka winning eight and Zimbabwe four from 12 matches. Recent results have included Sri Lanka’s two ODI victories in 2025 and Zimbabwe’s six-wicket T20 World Cup victory in 2026. The statistics show Sri Lanka’s long-term dominance while also highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing competitiveness in T20 cricket.
FAQs
1. How many times have Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka played each other in international cricket?
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have played 98 recorded men’s international matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, including 20 Tests, 66 ODIs and 12 T20Is.
2. Has Zimbabwe ever defeated Sri Lanka in Test cricket?
No. Zimbabwe have not yet recorded a Test victory against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka have won 14 of their 20 Tests, while six have ended in draws.
3. Who has won more ODIs between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka have won more ODI matches. They have 51 victories from 66 meetings, while Zimbabwe have won 12 and three matches have ended without a result.
4. Who has the better T20I record between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka have the overall advantage, winning eight of the 12 T20I meetings. Zimbabwe have won four.
5. What happened in the latest Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka T20I?
In the latest meeting on February 19, 2026, Sri Lanka scored 178 for 7, while Zimbabwe chased the target by reaching 182 for 4 in 19.3 overs. Zimbabwe won by six wickets, with Sikandar Raza making 45 from 26 balls.