Is Zimbabwe Ready to Welcome Sri Lanka for a Thrilling White-Ball Series?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Zimbabwe will host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series.
- Two ODIs are scheduled for August 29 and 31.
- Three T20Is will follow on September 3, 6, and 7.
- These matches are essential for preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers.
- Zimbabwe aims to improve its standing in international cricket.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has officially confirmed that the Sri Lanka men’s team will be touring Zimbabwe for a highly anticipated white-ball series, set to take place at the Harare Sports Club.
According to the schedule, the two nations will clash in two ODIs on August 29 and 31, followed by three T20Is on September 3, 6, and 7. The T20I matches are crucial for Zimbabwe as they gear up to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final from September 19 to October 4.
This regional event will determine the final two African qualifiers for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. “We are thrilled to announce the visit of Sri Lanka, and we anticipate an exciting and competitive series,” stated Givemore Makoni, the Managing Director of ZC.
“Matches between our countries have consistently provided gripping cricket, and this tour is pivotal for our team's preparations for the T20 World Cup qualifying campaign,” he added.
In the last Africa leg of the qualifiers for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe fell short of qualification, missing out to Uganda and Namibia, who secured the two available spots.
Previously, Zimbabwe participated in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia but exited at the preliminary stage. Due to a poor performance in qualifying events, they were absent from the subsequent tournament in the West Indies and USA, and they also missed qualifying for the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups.
Failing to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup, hosted by India, also meant Zimbabwe lost the chance to compete in the 2025 Champions Trophy.