When Sri Lanka took the field on November 20, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, they didn’t just lose a match—they lost their grip on the tournament. Bowled out for 95 chasing 162, their collapse wasn’t just poor batting; it was a systemic unraveling. Now, with just one game left in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025Rawalpindi, Sri Lanka must beat Zimbabwe on Wednesday, November 25, at 6:30 PM IST, or their entire tour collapses into irrelevance. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, riding a wave of momentum, is one win away from completing a stunning series sweep—and possibly handing Sri Lanka their worst T20I campaign in over a decade.
How Sri Lanka Lost Their Way
It started with a toss. Sri Lanka won it on November 20, elected to field, and watched helplessly as Zimbabwe’s top order—led by opener Brian Bennett (37 off 28) and captain Sikandar Raza (12 off 19, but crucial in the middle overs)—built a foundation. By the 10th over, Zimbabwe were 71/2. Sri Lanka’s bowling? Fragile. Their fielding? Erratic. And when the innings ended at 162/8, it felt like a par score. Then came the batting collapse.
Sri Lanka lost their first two wickets inside the Powerplay. By the 10th over, they were 45/4. MD Shanaka, their captain, managed just 12. PHKD Mendis, their designated finisher, was out for 7. The innings ended at 95 all out in 17.4 overs. ESPN called it “one of the great Zimbabwe T20I performances.” Hindustan Times noted the contrast: Zimbabwe’s recent form read “WLLLLW,” while Sri Lanka’s was just “L.”
Zimbabwe’s Rise: A Team Reborn
It’s easy to forget Zimbabwe once struggled to qualify for global events. But this squad—coached by former captain Brendan Taylor and led by the ever-reliable Sikandar Raza—has found cohesion. Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans have been devastating with the new ball. In the November 20 match, Ngarava took 2/21 in 4 overs; Evans finished with 3/23. Their pace attack didn’t just bowl well—it attacked. Sri Lanka’s batters looked out of sync, unsure whether to attack or defend.
Even their lower order held firm. Tinotenda Maposa and Wellington Masakadza added 21 runs in the final four overs, turning a decent total into a match-winning one. And when the review came at 18.6—Sri Lanka challenging a dismissal of AG Cremer—the umpire’s decision stood. No drama. No controversy. Just Zimbabwe executing, and Sri Lanka crumbling.
Why This Match Matters More Than the Scoreboard
Pakistan already qualified after beating Zimbabwe on November 23. That means this match isn’t just about who plays in the final—it’s about dignity. Sri Lanka have zero points. Zimbabwe have two. A win for Zimbabwe means they finish the series undefeated against two Test-playing nations. For Sri Lanka? A loss means their 2025 campaign ends with three defeats, no wins, and questions about leadership, selection, and mental toughness.
Indian Express called it “a must-win match on Tuesday,” but it’s Wednesday. And it’s not just about staying alive—it’s about whether Sri Lanka’s core players still belong in international cricket. Dasun Shanaka hasn’t led a winning side since the 2024 Asia Cup. Charith Asalanka, their No. 3, has averaged 18 in his last 10 T20Is. The bowling attack? No one has taken more than 3 wickets in a match this series.
The Bigger Picture: A Nation in Crisis
Sri Lanka’s cricket has been in freefall since the 2022 World Cup final. Their domestic structure is underfunded. Their players are overworked. And their coaching setup lacks direction. This tour of Pakistan has been a mirror: no fight, no resilience, no identity. Even their fans have stopped watching. Social media buzz? Barely a whisper.
Zimbabwe, by contrast, is quietly rebuilding. Their players are young, hungry, and unafraid. Tadiwanashe Marumani, just 21, has looked composed at the crease. Ryan Burl, the all-rounder, has become their X-factor. They’re not just beating Sri Lanka—they’re out-thinking them.
What’s Next?
If Zimbabwe wins, they’ll face Pakistan in the final on November 27. If Sri Lanka wins? They’ll still need Pakistan to lose to Zimbabwe in the final group match to even have a chance at the final—something that’s statistically near-impossible given Pakistan’s form. So realistically, this match is Sri Lanka’s funeral.
And yet… cricket is cricket. One night, one spark, one partnership can change everything. If Avishka Fernando or Pathum Nissanka can bat for 15 overs, if Matheesha Pathirana can return with fire, maybe—just maybe—there’s hope. But hope doesn’t win matches. Execution does. And right now, Zimbabwe are the ones executing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sri Lanka still reach the final if they beat Zimbabwe?
Technically yes—but only if Pakistan loses to Zimbabwe in the final group match on November 27. Even then, Sri Lanka would need to finish with a better net run rate than Zimbabwe. Given Sri Lanka’s current NRR of -1.72 and Zimbabwe’s +0.91, that scenario is mathematically implausible. A win on November 25 keeps them alive on paper, but not in reality.
Who are Zimbabwe’s key players to watch in this match?
Captain Sikandar Raza remains the heartbeat—his 36-ball 41 against Pakistan showed he can anchor. But the real danger lies with Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans, whose pace and swing have dismantled Sri Lanka twice. Brian Bennett at the top has been explosive, averaging 54 in the series. If they get a strong Powerplay, Sri Lanka’s top order won’t survive.
Why has Sri Lanka’s batting collapsed so badly?
Three reasons: poor shot selection, lack of adaptation to pace, and mental fragility. Against Zimbabwe, they played 17 dot balls in the first 8 overs. Against Pakistan, they lost 4 wickets in the Powerplay. Their top order has no consistent scorer. No one has passed 40 in the last three innings. The problem isn’t skill—it’s confidence. And that’s harder to fix than technique.
Where can fans in India watch the match live?
The match will be broadcast live in India on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. Coverage begins at 6:00 PM IST. For viewers outside India, the match will be available on Willow TV (North America) and SuperSport (Africa). No official free streaming has been confirmed.
How does this series compare to Zimbabwe’s past performances against Sri Lanka?
Zimbabwe haven’t beaten Sri Lanka in a T20I series since 2018. But this is different. In September 2025, they won 2-1 in a home series. Now, they’ve won both matches in Pakistan by margins of 5 and 67 runs. Their average score in these two games: 162. Sri Lanka’s: 111. That’s not luck—it’s a shift in power. Zimbabwe are no longer the underdogs. They’re the team Sri Lanka fears.
What’s at stake for Zimbabwe beyond the final?
A series sweep would be Zimbabwe’s first in a three-team T20I tournament since 2017. It would also boost their ICC rankings, which are currently 10th. More importantly, it sends a message: they’re not just rebuilding—they’re rising. For a team that once missed World Cups, this is a statement. And for a cricketing world that underestimates them? It’s a wake-up call.
