Table of Contents
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Stats show a clear advantage for Sri Lanka across their overall men’s international head-to-head record. The two teams have faced each other in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, producing a mixture of one-sided results, close finishes and memorable individual performances.
Sri Lanka have dominated the Test and ODI contests between the sides, while their T20I record is also in their favour. In the latest T20I meeting, however, Zimbabwe produced an important six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo. Zimbabwe chased down Sri Lanka’s 178/7 by reaching 182/4 in 19.3 overs.
The overall statistics also feature some outstanding individual records. Marvan Atapattu is Sri Lanka’s leading Test run-scorer against Zimbabwe, Muttiah Muralitharan is the leading Test wicket-taker, and Pathum Nissanka is currently the leading Sri Lankan run-scorer in T20Is against Zimbabwe.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head Stats
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe first met in men’s international cricket in the early 1990s in ODIs. Their Test rivalry began in 1994, while their T20I meetings began in 2008.
Across the three formats, Sri Lanka have generally enjoyed the stronger record.
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Zimbabwe Wins | Draw/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 draws |
| ODIs | 66 | 51 | 12 | 3 NR |
| T20Is | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 98 | 73 | 16 | 9 |
The Test figures cover matches through January 2020, the ODI figures through August 2025, and the T20I figures through February 19, 2026. The records therefore represent the completed men’s internationals between the teams up to their latest recorded meeting.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Test Stats
Sri Lanka have had a particularly dominant record in Test cricket against Zimbabwe. The teams have played 20 Tests, with Sri Lanka winning 14 and six ending in draws. Zimbabwe have never defeated Sri Lanka in a Test match.
One of the biggest statistical highlights came in 2004 when Sri Lanka scored 713/3 declared at Bulawayo. That remains their highest Test total against Zimbabwe.
Kumar Sangakkara produced one of the greatest individual innings in this rivalry, scoring 270. Marvan Atapattu also made 249 in the same match, forming part of a massive second-wicket partnership.
| Test Record | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches | 20 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 14 |
| Zimbabwe wins | 0 |
| Draws | 6 |
| Sri Lanka highest total | 713/3 declared |
| Zimbabwe highest total | 462/9 declared |
| Sri Lanka lowest all out | 218 |
| Zimbabwe lowest all out | 79 |
| Sri Lanka highest individual score | Kumar Sangakkara – 270 |
| Zimbabwe highest individual score | Dave Houghton – 266 |
| Best Sri Lanka bowling | Muttiah Muralitharan – 9/51 |
| Best match bowling | Muttiah Muralitharan – 13/115 |
Muttiah Muralitharan is the leading wicket-taker in the Test rivalry, with 87 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 16.86. Marvan Atapattu leads Sri Lanka’s Test batting statistics against Zimbabwe with 1,145 runs at an extraordinary average of 95.41.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe ODI Stats
The ODI head-to-head record is considerably larger than the Test record. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have played 66 ODIs, with Sri Lanka winning 51 and Zimbabwe winning 12. Three matches ended without a result.
Sri Lanka’s dominance in this format has been particularly noticeable over the years, although Zimbabwe have produced several memorable victories.
| ODI Record | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches | 66 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 51 |
| Zimbabwe wins | 12 |
| No Results | 3 |
| Ties | 0 |
| Sri Lanka highest total | 327/6 |
| Sri Lanka lowest all out | 152 |
| Sri Lanka highest individual score | Tillakaratne Dilshan – 144 |
| Zimbabwe highest individual score | Records include major innings from Zimbabwe’s leading batters |
| Sri Lanka leading run-scorer | Marvan Atapattu – 906 |
| Sri Lanka leading wicket-taker | Muttiah Muralitharan – 59 |
Sri Lanka’s highest ODI total against Zimbabwe is 327/6, scored at Pallekele in 2011. In that match, Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 144 and Upul Tharanga made 133, combining for a huge 282-run opening partnership.
Marvan Atapattu is Sri Lanka’s leading ODI run-scorer against Zimbabwe, with 906 runs from 28 matches. Muralitharan leads the bowling statistics with 59 wickets in 30 matches.
Recent ODI Meetings Between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe
The more recent ODI contests have generally continued Sri Lanka’s advantage.
In August 2025, Sri Lanka toured Zimbabwe for a two-match ODI series. Sri Lanka won the first ODI at Harare by seven runs after posting 298/6 and restricting Zimbabwe to 291/8. Dilshan Madushanka produced a dramatic final over, taking a hat-trick and finishing with 4/62.
Sri Lanka also won the second ODI by five wickets, completing a 2-0 series victory.
| 2025 ODI Series | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Sri Lanka won by 7 runs |
| 2nd ODI | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets |
| Series | Sri Lanka won 2-0 |
The series included strong performances from both teams. Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett was among their leading performers during the wider tour, while Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera was the leading wicket-taker in the tour statistics.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe T20I Stats
The T20I rivalry has been more competitive than the Test and ODI contests. The teams have played 12 T20Is, with Sri Lanka winning eight and Zimbabwe four. There have been no ties or no-results in the completed record.
| T20I Record | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches | 12 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 8 |
| Zimbabwe wins | 4 |
| No Results | 0 |
| Ties | 0 |
| Sri Lanka highest total | 193/2 |
| Sri Lanka lowest total | 80 |
| Sri Lanka leading run-scorer | Pathum Nissanka – 298 |
| Leading wicket-takers | Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga – 12 each |
Pathum Nissanka has scored 298 runs in nine T20I innings against Zimbabwe, averaging 42.57. Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga are among Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-takers in this format, with 12 wickets each in the head-to-head record.
Latest Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe T20I Match
The latest completed T20I between the teams took place on February 19, 2026, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Sri Lanka batted first and scored 178/7 from their 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka led the scoring with 62 from 41 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed a quick 44 from 25 deliveries.
Zimbabwe chased the target successfully, reaching 182/4 in 19.3 overs and winning by six wickets.
Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 63 from 48 balls, while captain Sikandar Raza made 45 from 26 deliveries. Tadiwanashe Marumani also scored 34, helping Zimbabwe build a successful chase.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 178/7 (20 overs) | Lost |
| Zimbabwe | 182/4 (19.3 overs) | Won by 6 wickets |
Sikandar Raza was named Player of the Match after contributing 45 runs and taking a wicket.
Top Individual Batting Stats
Several legendary Sri Lankan and Zimbabwean players have produced major performances in this rivalry.
Test Batting Records
Marvan Atapattu is Sri Lanka’s leading Test run-scorer against Zimbabwe with 1,145 runs. Kumar Sangakkara holds the highest individual score for Sri Lanka, with 270.
For Zimbabwe, Andy Flower scored 778 Test runs against Sri Lanka, while Dave Houghton holds Zimbabwe’s highest individual score with 266.
| Player | Team | Format | Runs/Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvan Atapattu | Sri Lanka | Tests | 1,145 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | Tests | 270 |
| Andy Flower | Zimbabwe | Tests | 778 |
| Dave Houghton | Zimbabwe | Tests | 266 |
| Marvan Atapattu | Sri Lanka | ODIs | 906 |
| Tillakaratne Dilshan | Sri Lanka | ODIs | 144 |
| Pathum Nissanka | Sri Lanka | T20Is | 298 |
Top Individual Bowling Stats
Sri Lanka’s dominance is also visible in the bowling records.
Muttiah Muralitharan is the standout bowler in the Test and ODI rivalry. He took 87 Test wickets against Zimbabwe and 59 ODI wickets. His best Test innings figures were 9/51, while his best match figures were 13/115.
In T20Is, Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga have both taken 12 wickets in the head-to-head record.
| Bowler | Team | Format | Wickets | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | Tests | 87 | 9/51 |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | ODIs | 59 | 5/23 |
| Heath Streak | Zimbabwe | Tests | 33 | 4/79 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Sri Lanka | T20Is | 12 | 3/19 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | T20Is | 12 | 4/15 |
Biggest Partnerships in Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Matches
The rivalry has produced several huge partnerships, especially in Test cricket.
Sri Lanka’s biggest Test partnership against Zimbabwe was the remarkable 438-run second-wicket stand between Marvan Atapattu and Kumar Sangakkara in Bulawayo in 2004. Atapattu scored 249 while Sangakkara made 270.
In ODIs, Dilshan and Tharanga combined for 282 runs for the first wicket at Pallekele in 2011. Dilshan scored 144 and Tharanga 133.
These partnerships remain some of the most memorable statistical highlights in the history of Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe cricket.
Memorable Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Matches
One of the most significant Test performances came in 2004, when Sri Lanka posted 713/3 declared at Bulawayo. The innings featured enormous contributions from Atapattu and Sangakkara.
The 2011 ODI at Pallekele was another major performance. Sri Lanka scored 327/6, powered by a 282-run opening partnership between Tharanga and Dilshan.
More recently, Zimbabwe’s 2026 T20 World Cup victory over Sri Lanka showed that the shorter format can produce very different results. Zimbabwe successfully chased 179 and won by six wickets in Colombo.
Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe Stats Summary
The overall numbers underline Sri Lanka’s historical dominance.
| Category | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Test wins | 14 | 0 |
| ODI wins | 51 | 12 |
| T20I wins | 8 | 4 |
| Total wins | 73 | 16 |
| Test highest total | 713/3d | 462/9d |
| ODI highest Sri Lanka total | 327/6 | — |
| T20I highest Sri Lanka total | 193/2 | — |
| Latest T20I result | Lost | Won by 6 wickets |
Sri Lanka have won 73 of the 98 completed men’s internationals between the sides, while Zimbabwe have won 16. The remaining matches comprise Test draws and ODI no-results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times have Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe played each other in cricket?
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have played 98 completed men’s international matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is: 20 Tests, 66 ODIs and 12 T20Is.
Who has won more matches between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?
Sri Lanka have the stronger overall record, winning 73 of the 98 completed men’s internationals compared with Zimbabwe’s 16 victories.
Has Zimbabwe ever beaten Sri Lanka in a Test match?
No. Zimbabwe have played 20 Tests against Sri Lanka and have not won any. Sri Lanka have won 14, with six matches ending in draws.
Who has scored the most Test runs in Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe matches?
Marvan Atapattu is Sri Lanka’s leading Test run-scorer against Zimbabwe with 1,145 runs at an average of 95.41.
Who has taken the most Test wickets in Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe matches?
Muttiah Muralitharan is the leading wicket-taker, with 87 wickets in 14 Tests against Zimbabwe.
Who has scored the most ODI runs for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe?
Marvan Atapattu leads Sri Lanka’s ODI batting statistics against Zimbabwe with 906 runs.
Who has taken the most ODI wickets for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe?
Muttiah Muralitharan leads the Sri Lankan ODI bowling record against Zimbabwe with 59 wickets.
Who is Sri Lanka’s leading T20I run-scorer against Zimbabwe?
Pathum Nissanka leads Sri Lanka’s T20I batting record against Zimbabwe with 298 runs from nine innings.
Who won the latest Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe T20I?
Zimbabwe won the latest completed T20I by six wickets on February 19, 2026. Sri Lanka scored 178/7, while Zimbabwe reached 182/4 in 19.3 overs.
What was the result of the 2025 Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI series?
Sri Lanka won the two-match ODI series 2-0 in Zimbabwe. They won the first ODI by seven runs and the second by five wickets.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Stats clearly show Sri Lanka’s long-term superiority across men’s international cricket. Sri Lanka have won 14 of 20 Tests without losing one, while they have won 51 of 66 ODIs against Zimbabwe.
The T20I rivalry has been more competitive, with Sri Lanka holding an 8-4 advantage. Zimbabwe’s latest victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup demonstrates that the shorter format can still produce surprises despite Sri Lanka’s stronger historical record.
Individual records make the rivalry even more interesting. Marvan Atapattu’s 1,145 Test runs, Muttiah Muralitharan’s 87 Test wickets, Dilshan’s 144 in ODIs and Pathum Nissanka’s 298 T20I runs are among the standout statistics.
From the huge Test partnerships of Atapattu and Sangakkara to Zimbabwe’s recent T20I success, the Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe rivalry has produced plenty of memorable cricket and remains an interesting head-to-head matchup across all three formats.