SL vs ZIM: Shanaka Opts to Bat First in Colombo; Madushanka Returns for Lions

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe in their final Group B match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Shanaka cited the stadium's trend in this tournament, where the team batting first has won all four matches played so far, as the primary reason for his decision. 

Sri Lanka has made two changes to their side, bringing in seamers Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan as Matheesha Pathirana is sidelined. Zimbabwe remains largely unchanged as they look to maintain their unbeaten streak heading into the Super 8s.

Sri Lanka Playing XI: 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka

Zimbabwe Playing XI: 

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani