SL vs ZIM: Zimbabwe Cricket has suffered a major blow as their veteran skipper Craig Ervine has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a calf injury.
The setback comes just ahead of the first match of the two-match series at the Harare Sports Club, leaving Zimbabwe lacking leadership at a crucial juncture.
MRI scan confirms the injury.
According to Zimbabwe Cricket, medical tests conducted on Thursday revealed that Ervine has a Grade II injury to his left calf and a Grade I injury to his right calf, which has now partially healed.
The 40-year-old Ervine has been ruled out of the entire series due to the ailment. In his absence, Zimbabwe will have to rely on other senior players to stabilise their batting order and get the experienced players on the field.
Ervine’s injury comes at a time when Zimbabwe was desperate for a strong comeback in ODI cricket after winning recent Test series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Given his recent form and ability to handle innings in home conditions, his ouster is a big blow.
Sean Williams to captain Zimbabwe
In the absence of Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced all-rounders, will lead the side in the series.
Williams has previously captained Zimbabwe in limited-overs cricket and is seen as a natural choice who will bring calm and balance to the team.
Williams’ leadership experience and his all-round contribution with both bat and ball will be crucial for Zimbabwe against a strong team like Sri Lanka.
The two-match ODI series will not only test Zimbabwe’s depth but will also give the young players a chance to showcase their talent under pressure.
Brendan Taylor’s return to international cricket
The series also marks the much-awaited comeback of Brendan Taylor, former Zimbabwe captain and one of the country’s most successful batsmen. Taylor last played international cricket in September 2021 against Ireland and has been out of the national team since then.
His return adds much-needed stability and experience to Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, especially in the absence of Craig Ervine.
After nearly four years away from the international stage, fans will be eager to see Taylor perform. His presence could boost the morale of both the team and the fans.
SL vs ZIM: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka: ODI Series Schedule
The two teams will play a short but competitive series in Harare:
1st ODI: August 29, 2025 – Harare Sports Club
2nd ODI: August 31, 2025 – Harare Sports Club
After the ODIs, the focus will shift to the three-match T20 series, where Zimbabwe will be keen to test their young talent against the in-form Sri Lankan side.
Significance of the series
For Zimbabwe, this series is not just about results but also about building momentum and rhythm ahead of the upcoming ICC events.
With players like Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe still have a strong core that can challenge Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka will look to continue their rise in white-ball cricket. After some impressive performances in recent months, they will be looking to win the series away from home to improve their ODI ranking and boost confidence ahead of Asia Cup 2025.
Craig Ervine’s injury is undoubtedly a setback for Zimbabwe, but it also opens the door for new heroes to emerge.
Sean Williams’ leadership and Brendan Taylor’s return add excitement to the contest, making this series worth watching for fans of both countries.
In the ODIs starting in Harare, Zimbabwe will look to overcome adversity while Sri Lanka will look to take advantage of the hosts’ weak leadership.
Either way, cricket fans will be in for a thrilling encounter between two fiercely competitive teams.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka Announce 16-Member Squad, Star All-Rounder Wanindu Hasaranga Returns