Madushanka’s Hat-trick Seals Sri Lanka ODI Win
Sri Lanka edged out Zimbabwe by seven runs in a thrilling first ODI at Harare Sports Club on Friday, thanks to a dramatic final over from fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka. His hat-trick in the last over sealed the game and gave Sri Lanka a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.
Batting first, Sri Lanka looked in trouble after slipping to 161 for 5. However, Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis rescued the innings with a remarkable sixth-wicket stand. Liyanage smashed an unbeaten 70 off just 47 balls, while Mendis played a quickfire 57 from 36 deliveries. Their 137-run partnership helped Sri Lanka post a competitive 298 for 6 in 50 overs.
Zimbabwe’s Chase
Zimbabwe’s reply began shakily, losing two early wickets, but Sean Williams and Ben Curran steadied the innings with a solid 118-run partnership. Later, Sikandar Raza took charge with a fluent 92 from 87 balls, and alongside Tony Munyonga, who stayed unbeaten on 43, guided Zimbabwe close to victory. The pair added 128 runs, setting up a tense finish.
Final Over Drama
Needing 10 runs in the final over, Zimbabwe looked favorites. But Madushanka dismissed Raza, Brad Evans, and Richard Ngarava in three successive balls to complete a stunning hat-trick. He conceded just two runs in the over, ending with 4 for 62 and earning the Player of the Match award.
Series Outlook
Sri Lanka’s narrow win sets up an exciting second ODI, scheduled for August 31, before the teams move on to a three-match T20 series.
