Sri Lanka faces Zimbabwe in Pakistan tri-series opener, Shanaka’s men field first at Rawalpindi

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By: Michael Brown

Sri Lanka takes on Zimbabwe in the second match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series on Thursday, November 20. The clash happens at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Dasun Shanaka captains Sri Lanka after Charith Asalanka was ruled out. The tournament runs through November 29.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • Match Date: November 20, 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
  • Teams: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe in 2nd Match of tri-series
  • Captain: Dasun Shanaka leads Sri Lanka; Zimbabwe won opening match vs Pakistan
  • Tournament Dates: November 18-29, 2025 in Rawalpindi
  • Missing Players: Charith Asalanka ruled out; Asitha Fernando also unavailable

What Happened: Zimbabwe Takes Opener in Rawalpindi

Pakistan and Zimbabwe kicked off the tri-series on November 18. Zimbabwe pulled off an upset victory. Pakistan won by 5 wickets, according to official scorecards.

Now Sri Lanka enters the tournament facing Zimbabwe in the second fixture. Shanaka takes charge with a fresh squad. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hosts all 7 matches through November 29.

Why This Matters: Shanaka’s Big Opportunity

Dasun Shanaka serves as interim captain while Asalanka recovers. This tournament gives Sri Lanka valuable T20I preparation time. Three teams compete for supremacy in November.

For Zimbabwe, beating Pakistan in the opener sends a strong message. They’ll test Sri Lanka‘s depth and planning. The tri-series format ensures intense cricket daily.

Tournament Schedule and Match Details

The Pakistan T20I Tri-Series runs from November 18 through November 29. Each team plays others, culminating in finals. Here’s what comes next:

Match Date Venue
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe November 18 Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe November 20 Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka November 22 Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe (2) November 23 Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe (2) November 25 Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

What to Watch For: Key Performances

Watch how Shanaka directs Sri Lanka‘s attack and field placement. Zimbabwe‘s opening upset shows they won’t back down. Look for standout individual performances that could shift momentum.

  • Batting depth from both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe squads
  • Pace bowling performance in Rawalpindi‘s conditions
  • How spinners adapt to the pitch and match situations
  • Fielding standards and execution under pressure
  • Momentum swings that determine tri-series outcomes

Can Sri Lanka Control Their Opener Without Asalanka?

Sri Lanka faces a test right away against Zimbabwe. Losing Asalanka and Fernando impacts their squad balance. Shanaka must rally the team and establish early tournament dominance.

Zimbabwe‘s victory over Pakistan adds pressure for Sri Lanka. A loss puts them behind early. Winners of today’s match gain confidence heading forward through November 29.

Sources

  • ESPNcricinfo – Live scores and match schedules for Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025
  • Cricket.com – Tournament details and team information
  • Pakistan Cricket Board – Official tri-series announcements and schedules

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