Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head in ODI is a rivalry in which Sri Lanka have enjoyed a clear historical advantage. The two teams have faced each other 66 times in ODI cricket, with Sri Lanka winning 51 matches and Zimbabwe winning 12. Three matches ended without a result, while no ODI between the sides has ended in a tie.
The rivalry has produced competitive contests over the years, particularly when Zimbabwe have played at home. However, Sri Lanka’s consistency with both bat and ball has allowed them to maintain a substantial lead in the overall head-to-head record.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Total matches | 66 | 66 |
| Wins | 51 | 12 |
| Losses | 12 | 51 |
| No Result | 3 | 3 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| Home wins | 14 | 3 |
| Away wins | 22 | 4 |
| Neutral-venue wins | 15 | 5 |
The statistics demonstrate just how dominant Sri Lanka have been. Their 51 victories represent more than four times Zimbabwe’s 12 wins. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head in ODI
A Long-Standing ODI Rivalry
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have been playing international cricket against each other for decades. Their ODI meetings have taken place in bilateral series, ICC tournaments and World Cup competitions.
Sri Lanka have generally entered these matches with greater experience and depth. Over different generations, the island nation has produced outstanding batsmen, fast bowlers, spinners and all-rounders. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have often relied on talented individuals and home conditions to challenge stronger opponents.
Despite the difference in the overall record, Zimbabwe have never been an opponent that Sri Lanka can completely underestimate. Zimbabwe’s best performances have often come when their top order provides a strong foundation and their bowlers take wickets during the middle overs.
Recent Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI Results
The latest ODI series between the two teams was played in Harare in August 2025. Sri Lanka won both matches and completed a 2-0 series victory.
1st ODI – 29 August 2025
Zimbabwe scored 291/8 in their 50 overs. Sri Lanka responded with 298/6, winning the match by 7 runs.
The contest was closely fought throughout. Zimbabwe’s batting unit produced a strong total, but Sri Lanka’s chase eventually gave them a narrow victory.
2nd ODI – 31 August 2025
Zimbabwe again produced a competitive score, making 277/7 in 50 overs. Sri Lanka successfully chased the target, reaching 278/5 in 49.3 overs to win by 5 wickets.
These two matches showed that although Sri Lanka have the superior historical record, Zimbabwe can still produce competitive performances with the bat.
Sri Lanka’s Historical Advantage
Sri Lanka’s dominance in this head-to-head record is built on several factors.
1. Strong Batting Depth
Sri Lanka have traditionally possessed a strong ODI batting lineup. From the era of Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu to more recent generations, Sri Lankan cricket has regularly produced technically sound and aggressive batsmen.
Against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka’s batting depth has frequently allowed them to recover from difficult situations and chase challenging totals.
2. Quality Spin Bowling
Spin has historically been one of Sri Lanka’s greatest strengths. The country has produced world-class spinners capable of controlling the middle overs and taking important wickets.
On turning pitches, Sri Lankan spinners have often created significant problems for Zimbabwe’s batsmen.
3. Experience in Major Tournaments
Sri Lanka have enjoyed a much stronger record in major international tournaments, including the Cricket World Cup. Their experience in high-pressure matches has helped them maintain composure against Zimbabwe.
4. Strong Away Record
One particularly impressive aspect of Sri Lanka’s record is their performance outside home conditions. According to the available head-to-head statistics, Sri Lanka have won 22 matches away from home, compared with four Zimbabwe victories.
That away success has played an important role in creating the large overall gap between the two teams.
Zimbabwe’s ODI Record Against Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe’s 12 victories should not be overlooked. Although they have lost considerably more matches than they have won, the Chevrons have produced several strong performances against Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe are capable of putting pressure on Sri Lanka when their opening batsmen provide a solid start. Their bowling attack can also be dangerous when conditions offer assistance to seamers.
Playing at home has traditionally given Zimbabwe additional confidence. However, the overall numbers show that they have struggled to convert competitive performances into victories against Sri Lanka.
2024 ODI Series
The teams also met in Sri Lanka in January 2024. The three-match series produced one no-result and two Sri Lankan victories.
The opening ODI on 6 January 2024 was abandoned without a result after Zimbabwe reached 12/2 and Sri Lanka had earlier posted 273/9.
Sri Lanka then won the second ODI on 8 January, chasing Zimbabwe’s 208 all out to reach 211/8 and win by two wickets.
In the third ODI on 11 January, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 96. Sri Lanka reached 97/2 and won by eight wickets under the DLS method.
The results once again highlighted Sri Lanka’s ability to control the series.
2023 World Cup Qualifier Meeting
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe also met during the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe. In the Super Six stage, Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets.
Zimbabwe were dismissed for 165, while Sri Lanka reached 169/1 to complete a comfortable victory.
That match was another example of Sri Lanka’s ability to perform strongly against Zimbabwe in an important tournament environment.
Home and Away Comparison
Venue has played an interesting role in this rivalry.
Sri Lanka have recorded 14 home victories, while Zimbabwe have won three matches in Sri Lanka. In Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka have won 22 matches compared with four Zimbabwe victories. At neutral venues, Sri Lanka have won 15 times, while Zimbabwe have won five.
This demonstrates that Sri Lanka’s advantage is not limited to home conditions. They have also been highly successful when playing in Zimbabwe and at neutral venues.
Key Players and Match-Winning Performances
Over the history of this rivalry, several Sri Lankan players have made major contributions. Sri Lanka’s success has come from a combination of powerful opening batsmen, technically strong middle-order players and experienced bowlers.
Zimbabwe have also produced match-winners such as Sikandar Raza, who has been an important all-round presence for the team. During the 2025 ODI series, Raza was Zimbabwe’s leading run-scorer with 151 runs, while Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka led the series with 198 runs. Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka took five wickets each for Sri Lanka during the series.
These performances demonstrate the importance of individual players in what can otherwise be a difficult matchup for Zimbabwe.
Who Has the Better ODI Record?
There is little doubt that Sri Lanka have the better ODI record.
With 51 victories from 66 meetings, Sri Lanka have won roughly 77% of all matches in the overall record when measured against the total number of encounters. Zimbabwe’s 12 victories represent a much smaller share.
The three no-results also slightly reduce the number of matches in which a winner was decided, but they do not change the overall picture.
What Makes This Rivalry Interesting?
Although the statistics strongly favour Sri Lanka, the rivalry remains interesting because Zimbabwe can compete when conditions suit them.
Zimbabwe’s best chance generally comes from:
- Building a large first-innings total.
- Getting early wickets with the new ball.
- Controlling Sri Lanka’s middle order.
- Using home conditions effectively.
- Producing disciplined performances in the field.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have the advantage of greater historical consistency and a stronger record across different venues.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI head-to-head record heavily favours Sri Lanka. In 66 matches, Sri Lanka have won 51, while Zimbabwe have won 12, with three matches ending without a result.
The latest ODI series in August 2025 further strengthened Sri Lanka’s dominance. Sri Lanka won the first match by seven runs and the second by five wickets, completing a 2-0 series sweep in Harare.
Zimbabwe have produced memorable victories and remain capable of challenging Sri Lanka, particularly in favourable home conditions. Nevertheless, the overall record, recent results and consistency across venues make Sri Lanka the clear leader in this ODI rivalry.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many ODIs have Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe played?
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have played 66 ODI matches against each other.
2. Who has won more ODIs between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?
Sri Lanka have the clear advantage, winning 51 matches, while Zimbabwe have won 12.
3. How many Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODIs ended without a result?
Three matches between the teams have ended without a result. There has been no tied ODI between them.
4. Who won the most recent Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI series?
Sri Lanka won the most recent ODI series 2-0 in August 2025. They won the first ODI by seven runs and the second by five wickets.
5. Which team has the better overall ODI head-to-head record?
Sri Lanka have the better overall record by a significant margin, with 51 wins compared with Zimbabwe’s 12 victories from 66 meetings.