SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction: 5th T20I – Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 | Fantasy Tips, Playing 11 & Match Preview
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe lock horns in the 5th T20I of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series on 25 November 2025 at Rawalpindi. Sri Lanka will aim to recover momentum after earlier losses, while Zimbabwe will look to build on their recent form and clinch a strong result. Fantasy players must focus on top-order batters, spin threats and wicket-taking bowlers in this high-stakes encounter.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe |
| Tournament | Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| Match Number | 5th T20I |
| Date | 25 November 2025 |
| Format | T20 International |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
Pitch Report
Surface Behaviour
- The Rawalpindi surface provides decent pace and bounce early on but tends to slow slightly, giving spinners a role in middle overs.
- Chasing side may have slight advantage under lights.
- Batters who are set tend to dominate.
Expected Score
- First innings total expected in the range of 160-180 runs given conditions and team strengths.
Fantasy Impact
- Openers with strike-rate impact are must-buys.
- Leg-spinners and pace bowlers who can bowl in 17-20 overs will have high value.
- All-rounders who contribute with bat and ball are key differentiators.
Team Preview: Sri Lanka (SL)
Strengths
- Strong batting lineup with talented batters who can accelerate quickly.
- Experience in sub-continental conditions.
Weaknesses
- Bowling attack lacks consistent wicket-taking threat in T20s.
- Middle-order collapse risk if early wickets fall.
Probable Playing 11
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Pathum Nissanka |
| Opener | Kusal Mendis (WK) |
| Batter | Kusal Perera |
| Batter | Janith Liyanage |
| All-rounder | Dasun Shanaka (C) |
| All-rounder | Kamindu Mendis |
| Spinner | Wanindu Hasaranga |
| Spinner | Maheesh Theekshana |
| Pacer | Dushmantha Chameera |
| Pacer | Eshan Malinga |
| Utility | Vijayakanth Viyaskanth |
Team Preview: Zimbabwe (ZIM)
Strengths
- Balanced squad with several all-rounders and a wicket-keeper-batter.
- Good recent form of key players offering value.
Weaknesses
- Top-order occasionally brittle under pressure.
- Depth in bowling options may be out-matched by big hitters.
Probable Playing 11
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Tadiwanashe Marumani |
| Opener | Dion Myers |
| Wicket-keeper | Clive Madande |
| Batter | Brian Bennett |
| All-rounder | Sikandar Raza (C) |
| All-rounder | Tony Munyonga |
| Spinner | Graeme Cremer |
| Pacer | Richard Ngarava |
| Pacer | Brad Evans |
| Pacer | Tinotenda Maposa |
| Utility | Wellington Masakadza |
Head-to-Head & Form
- In this series, Sri Lanka have been winless so far; Zimbabwe hold momentum.
- Key battle will be Sri Lanka’s batting vs Zimbabwe’s bowling.
Top Fantasy Picks
Best Batting Picks
- Pathum Nissanka (SL) — aggressive opener.
- Brian Bennett (ZIM) — consistent run scorer.
- Kusal Mendis (SL) — keeper-batter value.
Best All-Rounder Picks
- Sikandar Raza (ZIM) — dual role pick, high upside.
- Dasun Shanaka (SL) — captain & all-round option.
- Kamindu Mendis (SL) — batting and some bowling.
Best Bowlers
- Richard Ngarava (ZIM) — pace wicket-taker.
- Maheesh Theekshana (SL) — spin specialist in middle overs.
- Brad Evans (ZIM) — value pace option.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
Safe (Small League)
- Kusal Mendis (C)
- Brian Bennett (VC)
- Pathum Nissanka
Risky (Grand League)
- Sikandar Raza (C)
- Dasun Shanaka (VC)
- Richard Ngarava (C)
Dream11 Team Strategy
Small League Strategy
- Slight lean towards Zimbabwe given current form.
- 6–7 players from ZIM, 3–4 from SL for balance.
- Choose C/VC from Bennett, Mendis or Raza.
Grand League Strategy
- Balanced mix across both teams.
- Use one differential pick (e.g., Tony Munyonga or Vijayakanth Viyaskanth) for upside.
- Prioritise spinner + pace bowler combo for value.
- Composition: 1 WK, 3–4 Batters, 2 All-rounders, 3 Bowlers.
Match Prediction
Zimbabwe appear slightly stronger given form and team balance.
Predicted Winner: Zimbabwe
Conclusion
The 5th T20I of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe is set to be a competitive contest filled with big-hit potential, spin-matchups and fantasy gold. While Sri Lanka will look to break their losing streak, Zimbabwe enter with confidence and a balanced squad. For fantasy players, priority should be openers, all-rounders and wicket-buying bowlers. Finalise your Dream11 cricket team only after the toss and confirmed playing XI. All the best!
