Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Prediction: Bennett key to Chevrons saving the series

Saturday's second T20I in Harare (12:30 BST) is a must-win fixture for Zimbabwe, who trail 1-0 in the three-match series after Sri Lanka's four-wicket win at the same venue on Wednesday. The visitors, who have now won six of their seven previous T20 matches against the Chavrons, are looking to seal the series ahead of the Asia Cup.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are desperate to snap a five-match losing streak in the format and build momentum for the African T20 World Cup qualifiers. Sri Lanka's balance and batting depth give them the edge heading into Saturday's clash, but Zimbabwe have taken their last three white-ball meetings down to the final over and have enough firepower to force a decider if their top order clicks.

Below are Simon Barlow's Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka predictions, complete with updated team news and match odds.

Cricket Odds

Team News

Zimbabwe coach Justin Sammons praised his batters in the aftermath of Wednesday's defeat and pinned the blame on one expensive over near the end of Sri Lanka's run chase.

Tinotenda Maposa, who had bowled well until that stage, could be replaced by the more experienced Trevor Gwandu in the attack after going for 26 in that key 18th over.

Rising star Brian Bennett will keep his place at the top of the order after a sparkling 81, while Zimbabwe will want to build more partnerships after, other than Bennett, only captain Sikandar Raza faced more than 20 balls on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka look set to remain unchanged after their successful chase. Kamindu Mendis, who smashed 41 off 16 balls, was named Player of the Match and continues to contribute useful overs of spin too.

Charith Asalanka captains the side and, with Kusal Mendis keeping wicket while opening alongside Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka have the top-order power to exploit the powerplay overs.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Odds

Sri Lanka are even hotter favourites this time, priced at 1/3 to win the second T20I, while Zimbabwe are 9/4 to pull off a home upset.

The visitors are 8/13 to establish the highest opening partnership again, with Zimbabwe 6/5 to put on the most runs with their first-wicket pair.

The Harare pitch is expected to play true, with minimal lateral movement and a fast outfield. Chasing remains the preferred option, especially with dew likely in the evening session.

Brian Bennett to be Zimbabwe's top batter @ 10/3

Bennett's aggressive intent and clean striking gave Zimbabwe early momentum in the first T20I.

Although his knock of 81 off 57 balls began with some lucky edges through deep third, the 21-year-old powered Zimbabwe through to an impressive powerplay total of 59.

Bennett also reverse-swept the spinners behind square on the offside and his ability to take on the slower bowlers and pace alike makes him a strong candidate to top the scoring charts again.

He has 333 runs in his last 11 T20Is at a strike rate of just under 118 and is one of the few Zimbabwe batters showing consistent form in 2025.

Dushmantha Chameera to be Sri Lanka's top bowler @ 10/3

Chameera was Sri Lanka's standout bowler in the series opener, returning figures of 3/30 with a display that blended raw pace and tactical precision.

He made an early breakthrough in the powerplay, then returned at the death with a barrage of pinpoint yorkers that proved near-impossible to counter.

Twice, Zimbabwe batters shuffled across their stumps to target the leg side — only to be undone by searing deliveries that crashed into the base of the stumps.

Chameera's ability to read intent and adjust his length mid-run-up makes him a lethal option in both phases of the innings.

With Harare's surface offering just enough bounce and pace, he's well-positioned to lead the wicket column again in the second T20I.