ICC 2026 Men’s T20 WC | Match 38: SL vs ZIM | Preview and Prediction

Hosts Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be looking to finish atop the group as they both lock horns after sealing their respective spots in the Super 8 stage in an exciting Match Number 38 of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Here is our Preview and Prediction for the game.

ICC 2026 Men’s T20 WC | Match 38: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | 15:00, 19 February

Sri Lanka Cricket is slowly and steadily showing signs of roaring back to life, and their fans are falling in love with their side and with their cricket once again. The co-hosts entered this tournament on the back of a rather chaotic few weeks, and a T20 series loss against England, but have massively raised their game in the group stages of the tournament.

They managed to get the better of Ireland in a clash that was too close for comfort in a couple of situations, but the heroics of Wanindu Hasaranga got them past the finish line as they ended the Irish fightback in the latter stages of the game. 

However, it was their thrilling and absolutely comprehensive victory against Australia in Pallekelle that has propelled them to a side that cannot be taken lightly at all. After being taken to the cleaners early on, Sri Lanka first bounced back in brilliant fashion with the ball to restrict the Australians to just 181, before Pathum Nissanka razzled and dazzled the place with his otherworldly batting to register the tournament’s first century as the overhauled the target with consummate ease.

Sri Lanka have the quality and the home advantage in this tournament. Coached by the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya, the Lankans have been doing their bit while constantly flying under the radar. But the win against Australia has now catapulted them in the public eye. The game against Zimbabwe will be a good start for them to prepare for the upcoming Super 8 stages as the fans will be expecting nothing less than a semifinal appearance from their home side.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have managed to tick a huge box in their check-list. By qualifying for the Super 8, not only have they managed to qualify to the knockout stages of this tournament, but have also sealed their qualification for the next T20 World Cup that will be held in 2028. A massive achievement for a side who failed to qualify for the 2024 edition. Add to that a rather dominant win against Australia where they looked like the better side throughout the contest, it is one heck of an upturn in fortunes.

Led by Sikandar Raza, they have been robust, determined, and well-drilled. Blessing Muzarazbani has been a sensation with the ball, and the likes of Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, and Graeme Cremer have all had vital and crucial contributions in the Zimbabwe bandwagon.

Raza said that qualifying for the Super 8’s is just part of the tick that they have achieved and that there is more work to be done. The game against Sri Lanka will be the perfect opportunity for them to get some valuable practice as they look forward to the knockouts.

Although this game is a dead rubber with not much riding on it for both sides, we expect the 2014 Champions Sri Lanka to emerge victorious and finish the group on top.

Fantasy 11: Pathum Nissanka ( c ), Kusal Mendis (wk), Ryan Burl, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.

Winners Prediction: Sri Lanka

Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.