Dilshan Madushanka delivered a breathtaking final-over hat-trick to hand Sri Lanka a dramatic 7-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI, despite Sikandar Raza’s heroic 92 that nearly pulled off a famous chase in Harare.
Sri Lanka 298 for 6 (Nissanka 76, Liyanage 70*, Kamindu 57, Ngarava 2-34) beat Zimbabwe 291 for 8 (Raza 92, Curran 70, Williams 57, Madushanka 4-62, Fernando 3-50) by seven runs
A spectacular last-over hat-trick from Dilshan Madushanka turned the first ODI in Harare on its head, as Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling 7-run win over Zimbabwe. The match had seemed destined for a home triumph with Sikandar Raza leading the chase, but Madushanka’s pace and precision crushed Zimbabwe’s hopes in dramatic fashion.
Raza had Zimbabwe within touching distance of what could have been a famous victory. Needing just 10 runs off the final over, he was unbeaten on a sublime 92 off 86 balls, partnered by Tony Munyonga in a superb 128-run stand. But Madushanka backed his speed, bowled full and straight, and ripped out Raza’s middle stump with a searing delivery when he attempted a scoop shot over fine leg.
Zimbabwe still had a chance with 10 required off five balls, but Madushanka continued to strike. Brad Evans attempted a scoop only to give a catch to short fine leg, and Richard Ngarava followed next ball, his stumps shattered by another pinpoint yorker. The final three balls allowed just two runs as Madushanka finished with 4 for 62, sealing the game in stunning fashion. Asitha Fernando also impressed, claiming 3 for 50 in his 10 overs.
Before the collapse, Raza had masterfully revived Zimbabwe’s innings. Coming together with Munyonga when 138 runs were still needed off 120 deliveries, he dominated the chase with clever placement and aggressive stroke play. Sri Lanka’s sloppy fielding and slow over rate added to the pressure, with the team even penalized with an extra fielder inside the circle during the last two overs.
Raza milked the spinners while punishing the seamers when they missed their lengths, and Munyonga proved an ideal partner by rotating the strike efficiently. Munyonga, dropped on 35, made Zimbabwe believe they were on course for victory as Raza cut down the target with boundaries and sharp running. At 32 required off 22 balls, Zimbabwe looked favorites, but Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka had already exhausted the overs of frontline quicks Dushmantha Chameera and Fernando, leaving Madushanka to defend the last over.
In the end, the left-arm pacer delivered the defining moment of the match, turning what seemed like Zimbabwe’s game into a sensational Sri Lankan victory. The visitors now lead the ODI series 1-0, while Zimbabwe will be left to regret a golden opportunity lost at the death.
