In what could be a perfect preparation for both the teams ahead of the Super 8 stage, Sri Lanka (SL) are set to take on Zimbabwe (ZIM) on February 18 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. 

Having already qualified for the next stage of the competition, both teams would want to finish the group stage on a high. Co-hosts Sri Lanka are sitting at the top of the Group B table with three consecutive wins.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe made history by qualifying for the Super 8 stage after their absence in the 2024 edition. They have also beaten Australia en route to their qualification. As the tournament enters its decisive stage. the upcoming clash becomes even more critical for them as they will be tested by an all-round and in-form Lankan side. 

R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Pitch Report

The iconic stadium from Sri Lanka has hosted four matches so far in the tournament. Interestingly, all of the four matches have been won by the teams batting fiirst. So, it will be interesting to see what the toss-winning captain will decide on this tricky pitch. 

SL vs ZIM Head to Head Record in T20s

SL vs ZIM Predicted Playing XIs Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (w), Dion Myers,Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani. 

Sri Lanka's young sensation Pathum Nissanka will be the batter to watch out for in this contest. He will be coming off after playing a sensational knock of 113 against Australia and will hope to replicate the same against Zimbabwe. 

Blessing Muzarabani will be the bowler to watch out for in this contest. The Zimbabwe pacer has been brilliant throughout the tournament, picking up nine wickets in three matches, including a match-winning four-wicket haul against Australia.