Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 turned out to be a game-changer in Harare, where the hosts delivered a crushing blow to the visitors. On September 6, 2025, Zimbabwe skittled Sri Lanka for a mere 80 runs – their second-lowest T20I total ever – and chased it down with five wickets in hand and plenty of overs to spare. This epic turnaround not only leveled the three-match series at 1-1 but also boosted Zimbabwe’s confidence ahead of the decider. Sikandar Raza’s all-round masterclass earned him the Player of the Match, highlighting why he’s a cornerstone of Zimbabwean cricket.
If you’re a cricket fan wondering how Zimbabwe pulled off this stunning upset, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll dive deep into the match recap, key highlights, full scorecard, player performances, and more. Did Raza’s spell shift the momentum? Let’s break it down step by step.
A Thrilling Turnaround in Harare
The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 was played under clear skies at the iconic Harare Sports Club, a venue known for its passionate crowds and unpredictable pitches. Sri Lanka, fresh from a narrow four-wicket win in the first T20I thanks to Kamindu Mendis’ heroics, looked to seal the series. However, Zimbabwe had other plans. Captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends as his bowlers dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
This series is part of Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe 2025, which has already seen intense battles in the ODIs where Sri Lanka dominated. Historically, Zimbabwe has struggled against full-member nations like Sri Lanka in T20Is, with a win-loss record of 1-6 before this match. But on this day, they played like champions, reminiscent of their famous upset over Australia in 2007. Raza, who now holds a record 18 Player of the Match awards in T20Is (surpassing Virat Kohli’s 15), was the star, proving once again why he’s Zimbabwe’s greatest all-rounder.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) were buzzing with excitement. One post from @crikistaan called it a “historic night in Harare,” praising Raza’s leadership. Another user, @MidnightMusinng, highlighted Sri Lanka’s collapse to their second-lowest T20I total. The win sent shockwaves through the cricket world, with experts noting it as a morale booster for Zimbabwe cricket, which has faced challenges in recent years.
What made this victory special? It wasn’t just the result but the clinical execution. Zimbabwe’s bowlers exploited the conditions perfectly, while their batters showed resilience despite early wobbles. As we head into the third T20I on September 7, the series is wide open. Share your predictions in the comments – who wins the decider?
ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025 Match Overview: Series Level at 1-1
The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 kicked off at 1:30 PM local time (11:30 AM GMT) on Saturday, September 6. Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl, citing dew factors and a pitch that assists seamers early on. The venue, Harare Sports Club, has a capacity of 10,000 and has hosted 67 T20Is, with teams batting first winning 37 times. The average first-innings score here is 154, but this match defied norms with low totals.
Toss and Team Lineups
Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza: “We want to bowl first. The pitch looks good, but we expect some help for pacers.” Sri Lanka made changes, resting Kusal Perera and Nuwan Thushara due to minor niggles, as reported by CricketTimes. Zimbabwe stuck with their winning combination from the ODIs.
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando.
Zimbabwe XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
In the broader series context, Sri Lanka led 1-0 after the first T20I, where Pathum Nissanka’s 55 and Kamindu Mendis’ unbeaten 41 off 16 balls stole the show. Zimbabwe, however, had been competitive in the ODIs, losing narrowly. This win marks their 12th T20I victory at Harare, improving their record.
How did the pitch play a role? Let’s explore.
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report for ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025: A Bowler’s Paradise
The Harare Sports Club pitch for Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 lived up to its reputation as a balanced surface but tilted towards bowlers on this day. With ends named City End and Club House End, the ground has seen high scores like Australia’s 229/2, but also lows like Sri Lanka’s 80 here – tying their second-lowest T20I total after 77 vs South Africa in 2016.
Pitch Conditions and Stats
The pitch offered bounce and seam movement early, aiding pacers like Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans. As the game progressed, spinners like Raza found turn and grip, making scoring tough. The average run rate in T20Is here is around 7.5, but Sri Lanka managed only 4.53.
Key Venue Records:
- Highest Team Total: 229/2 (Australia vs Zimbabwe, 2018)
- Lowest Team Total: 80 (Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2025)
- Most Wickets: Sikandar Raza (50+ in T20Is at Harare)
- Best Bowling: 5/20 by Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2010)
Was the pitch the real MVP? It certainly favored disciplined bowling, as seen in Raza’s economical spell. For more on Harare’s history, check out ESPNcricinfo’s venue guide.
Sri Lanka’s Dismal Batting in ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025: Collapsed to 80 All Out
Sri Lanka’s innings in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 was a nightmare from the start. Asked to bat, they lost wickets in clusters and never recovered, folding for 80 in 17.4 overs.
Powerplay Woes
It began poorly. Kusal Mendis edged a wide bouncer from Muzarabani to third man for 1. Pathum Nissanka, attempting a pull off Evans, was caught at deep square for 8. Nuwanidu Fernando miscued to mid-off for 1, and Kamil Mishara’s stumps were rattled by Evans’ yorker for 20 (highest score). At 37/4 after six overs, the powerplay was disastrous.
Middle-Order Meltdown
Kamindu Mendis, the first game’s hero, was lbw to Raza for a duck. Asalanka (18) and Shanaka (13) added 26 runs in 37 balls – too slow. Shanaka fell accelerating, caught off Williams. Raza then struck twice: bowling Asalanka and trapping Chameera lbw for 0. The tail added little, with Theekshana holing out for 6.
Sri Lanka’s batting stats were grim: only 6 fours, no sixes. Asalanka later said, “We lost too many in the powerplay; 80 isn’t enough.”
Could they have reached 130? Poor shot selection and pressure from Zimbabwe’s attack say no.
ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025 Highlights: Sri Lanka’s Key Moments and Failures
The highlights of Sri Lanka’s innings in Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 were few, but the failures were plenty. Watch full highlights on FanCode or YouTube channels like Cricbuzz.
Standout Performances
- Kamil Mishara’s 20: Four crisp boundaries before Evans’ yorker ended his stay.
- Asalanka-Shanaka Stand: 26 runs, but labored with multiple close calls.
- Muzarabani’s Early Strike: Dismissing Mendis off a poor ball set the tone.
Turning Points
Evans’ double strike in the powerplay and Raza’s middle-overs rampage (3/11, no boundaries conceded) were pivotal. One X user called Raza’s spell “unplayable.” What went wrong for SL’s top order? Over-aggression on a tricky pitch.
For video highlights, search “Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20 Highlights 2025” on YouTube.
Zimbabwe’s Dominant Bowling in ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025: Raza and Evans Star
Zimbabwe’s bowling was the highlight of the match, restricting Sri Lanka to 80 with shared wickets and tight economies.
Raza’s Middle-Overs Magic
Sikandar Raza’s 3/11 in four overs was masterful. He trapped Kamindu lbw, bowled Asalanka, and got Chameera – all without a boundary. Raza’s T20I wickets now exceed 50, and his 18 POTM awards are a record.
Zimbabwe Bowling Stats:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Ngarava | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Blessing Muzarabani | 3 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 4.70 |
| Brad Evans | 2.4 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 5.60 |
| Sikandar Raza | 4 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 2.80 |
| Tinotenda Maposa | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 3.50 |
| Sean Williams | 4 | 0 | 17 | 1 | 4.20 |
Evans (3/15) bossed the powerplay, while Muzarabani (2/14) provided bounce. Is Raza Zimbabwe’s best ever? His Wikipedia page details his journey from Pakistan to Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s Chase in ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025: From 29/3 to Victory
Chasing 81, Zimbabwe faced early trouble but steadied to win in 14.2 overs.
Early Stumbles
Marumani (17, three fours) started well but was caught behind off Chameera. Williams was bowled for 0, and Raza dragged on for 2 – 29/3 after powerplay.
Finishing Strong
Bennett (19) and Burl (20*) added 26. Munyonga fell lbw for 3, but Musekiwa’s 21* off 14 (three fours) sealed it with Burl. Partnerships:
- Bennett-Burl: 26 runs
- Burl-Musekiwa: 23* runs
Did Chameera (3/19) almost turn it? A dropped catch off Musekiwa was costly.
ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025 Highlights: Zimbabwe’s Resilient Chase
Highlights from Zimbabwe’s innings focused on recovery and aggression.
Crucial Partnerships
- Marumani’s boundaries in the second over.
- Chameera’s double strike in the fourth over.
- Musekiwa’s blitz: Back-to-back fours to finish.
Unsung hero? Musekiwa’s cameo. Check FanCode for top spells like Evans’ 3/15.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Fightback in ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025: Chameera Shines in Vain
Sri Lanka’s bowlers tried hard but defended too few runs.
Chameera’s Early Strikes
Dushmantha Chameera’s 3/19 included Marumani, Williams (off stump knocked), and Raza. His career vs Zimbabwe: 6 wickets at 18.50 avg.
Sri Lanka Bowling Stats:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binura Fernando | 3 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 4.70 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 4 | 0 | 28 | 1 | 7.00 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 4 | 0 | 19 | 3 | 4.80 |
| Dushan Hemantha | 3.2 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 6.90 |
Theekshana (1/28) got Munyonga, but leaks cost them. Could they defend 80? Not with the total so low.
Sikandar Raza: Player of the Match in ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025
Sikandar Raza’s 3/11 and leadership earned him POTM. “We were clinical today,” he said in the interview.
Key Performances:
- Raza: 3/11, POTM
- Evans: 3/15
- Chameera: 3/19
- Musekiwa: 21*
Best performer? Vote in comments!
Post-Match Reactions from ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025: Captains Speak
Asalanka’s Reflections
Charith Asalanka: “When I was batting, I thought 130-140 would be good. 80 is not enough.”
Raza: “Nice to be on the other side of the result. We give everything tomorrow.”
Fan reactions on X: @Yolacricket called it “unbelievable scenes,” while @Cricbuzz celebrated the “famous win.” Agree with the captains? Comment below!
ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025 Stats: Records Broken in Harare
This match saw several milestones.
Key Milestones
- SL’s 80: 2nd-lowest T20I total.
- Raza’s 18 POTM: Record in T20Is.
- ZIM’s chase: 2nd-fastest vs SL.
Partnerships (SL):
| Partnership | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Nissanka-Mendis | 4 | 7 |
| Nissanka-Mishara | 13 | 14 |
Full stats via NDTV Sports.
Surprising stat? ZIM’s fielding sharpness.
ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025 Full Scorecard: Detailed Breakdown
Sri Lanka Innings
| Batter | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | c Munyonga b Evans | 8 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Kusal Mendis | c Ngarava b Muzarabani | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Kamil Mishara | b Evans | 20 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Nuwanidu Fernando | c Raza b Muzarabani | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Charith Asalanka | b Raza | 18 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 78.26 |
| Kamindu Mendis | lbw b Raza | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Dasun Shanaka | c Maposa b Williams | 13 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 61.90 |
| Dushan Hemantha | run out | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 70.00 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | lbw b Raza | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | c Raza b Evans | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Binura Fernando | not out | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | 6 (b3, lb2, nb1) | |||||
| Total | 80/10 (17.4 ov, RR: 4.53) |
Fall of Wickets: 4/1 (1.1), 17/2 (3.3), etc.
Zimbabwe Innings
| Batter | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Bennett | c&b B Fernando | 19 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 82.61 |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani | c Mendis b Chameera | 17 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 141.67 |
| Sean Williams | b Chameera | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Sikandar Raza | b Chameera | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28.57 |
| Ryan Burl | not out | 20 | 22 | 2 | 0 | 90.91 |
| Tony Munyonga | lbw b Theekshana | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Tashinga Musekiwa | not out | 21 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 150.00 |
| Extras | 2 (w2) | |||||
| Total | 84/5 (14.2 ov, RR: 5.86) |
Spot the turning point? Raza’s double blow.
Tactical Breakdown of ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025: Lessons for the Decider
Tactically, Zimbabwe’s decision to bowl first exploited the pitch. Their seam-spin mix was perfect, while SL’s aggressive approach backfired.
Strategies and Errors
SL erred in powerplay aggression; ZIM’s field placements were spot-on. For the decider on Sep 7, expect SL to bat better. Preview: ZIM might recall spinners; SL could bring back Thushara.
Who wins the series? Vote now!
ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025 Wrap-Up: A Boost for Zimbabwe Cricket
This Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 victory is a massive boost for Zimbabwe, proving they can compete. Series tied 1-1, the finale promises fireworks. Subscribe for updates on the third T20I!
For more, read “Sikandar Raza Career Highlights” or “Harare T20I Records” on our site.
FAQs: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025
1. What happened in the Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 match?
The Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 saw Zimbabwe secure a stunning 5-wicket victory on September 6, 2025, at Harare Sports Club. Sri Lanka collapsed to 80 all out, their second-lowest T20I total, and Zimbabwe chased it in 14.2 overs. Read the full ZIM vs SL match recap for details.
2. Who was the Player of the Match in ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025?
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 Sikandar Raza was named Player of the Match for his exceptional 3/11, dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting. His Sikandar Raza performance included dismissing key players like Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka, earning his record 18th T20I POTM award. Check his stats on ESPNcricinfo.
3. What were the key highlights of ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025?
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 Key ZIM vs SL highlights include Sri Lanka’s collapse to 37/4 in the powerplay, Raza’s economical spell, and Tashinga Musekiwa’s 21* off 14 balls to seal the chase. Watch full ZIM vs SL highlights on FanCode.
4. Where can I find the ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025 full scorecard?
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 The ZIM vs SL full scorecard is available in our article, detailing Sri Lanka’s 80/10 (17.4 overs) and Zimbabwe’s 84/5 (14.2 overs). Kamil Mishara (20) and Ryan Burl (20*) were notable performers. See the complete scorecard.
5. How did the Harare Sports Club pitch affect the ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025?
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 The Harare Sports Club pitch report highlights a bowler-friendly surface with seam and spin assistance. It led to Sri Lanka’s low total of 80, favoring pacers like Blessing Muzarabani and spinners like Raza. Explore more pitch insights.
6. What was Dushmantha Chameera’s role in ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025?
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 Dushmantha Chameera’s stats of 3/19 were outstanding, dismissing Marumani, Williams, and Raza early. Despite his efforts, Sri Lanka couldn’t defend 80. Learn more about his performance on Cricbuzz.
7. Why did Sri Lanka collapse in the 2nd T20I 2025 against Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 Sri Lanka’s batting collapse in Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 was due to poor shot selection and Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling. Losing 4 wickets in the powerplay set the tone. Read the batting analysis.
8. How does the ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025 impact the Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025?
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 The 5-wicket win leveled the Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 T20I series at 1-1, setting up a thrilling decider on September 7. Zimbabwe’s morale is high after this upset. Preview the finale.
9. What records were broken in ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025?
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 Sri Lanka’s 80 was their second-lowest T20I total, and Raza’s 18th POTM award set a record. Zimbabwe’s chase was their second-fastest against Sri Lanka. Check all stats.
10. Where can I watch ZIM vs SL 2nd T20I 2025 highlights and live updates?
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I 2025 Catch ZIM vs SL highlights on FanCode or YouTube channels like NDTV Sports. For live updates on the series, follow IPL Star. Share your thoughts on the match in the comments!