Sri Lanka rode on Dilshan Madushanka's miraculous last-over hat-trick to pull off a stunning seven-run win over Zimbabwe in their thrilling first ODI at Harare on Friday, August 29. When defending a target of 299 in the first ODI against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka found their hero in Dilshan Madushanka. Despite a valiant effort from Sikandar Raza, who scored a fighting 92, Madushanka's sensational hat-trick proved to be the decisive factor, as he snatched victory for Sri Lanka from the brink of defeat.
Dilshan Madushanka's hat-trick fuels Sri Lanka's thrilling win over Zimbabwe
After Sri Lanka elected to bat first, they lost opener Nishan Madushka early, who was dismissed for a duck on the 13th ball. This initial breakthrough by Ngarava gave Zimbabwe a strong start. However, Pathum Nissanka, using his experience, rebuilt the innings with a brilliant 76 from 92 balls. Kusal Mendis and Samarawickrama also made valuable contributions, scoring 38 and 35 respectively. Despite these efforts, Sri Lanka needed a powerful finish to reach a competitive total.
Janith Liyanage then provided the perfect final push, scoring a blistering 70 not out from just 47 balls, which included six fours and three sixes. He was well supported by Kamindu Mendis, who added a quickfire 57 from 36 balls. With this late surge, Sri Lanka finished their 50 overs with a total of 298. For Zimbabwe, Ngarava was the most successful bowler, taking two wickets, while Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams each claimed one.
Chasing a challenging total, Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran laid a strong foundation with a well-played 70 from 90 balls, which included eight fours. However, the team faced early trouble as both Brian Bennett and Brendon Taylor were dismissed for ducks. Captain Sean Williams then stepped up to weather the storm, scoring a crucial 57 from 54 balls. As momentum shifted, Sikandar Raza and Tony Munyonga built a significant 128-run partnership, pushing the match to the final moments.
Just as Zimbabwe seemed to be gaining control, Raza, who was batting at 92, fell to Dilshan Madushanka in the last over, with 10 runs still needed for victory. This key wicket triggered a dramatic collapse, as Madushanka went on to dismiss both Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava on consecutive deliveries, completing a stunning hat-trick that came seemingly out of nowhere.
The hat-trick sealed the win for Sri Lanka, who held their nerve to secure a narrow seven-run victory. Madushanka was the star of the bowling attack, claiming four wickets, while Asitha Fernando contributed with three. With this win, Sri Lanka now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0.