Madushanka’s Hat-Trick Secures Victory for Sri Lanka Against Zimbabwe

HARARE: In a thrilling encounter at the Harare Sports Club, Sri Lanka narrowly defeated Zimbabwe by seven runs in the first ODI of their two-match series, thanks to a remarkable hat-trick by Dilshan Madushanka in the final over.

The Zimbabwean squad required a mere 10 runs in the last over to win, with established batsmen Sikandar Raza and Tony Munyonga at the crease, holding scores of 92 and 42, respectively.

Despite having conceded 60 runs in his previous nine overs, captain Charith Asalanka entrusted Madushanka with the crucial final over. The left-arm fast bowler validated this decision by claiming a hat-trick on the over’s initial three deliveries.

Madushanka conceded only two runs in that decisive over, restricting Zimbabwe to 291/8 as they chased Sri Lanka’s total of 299.

Raza, the seasoned all-rounder, emerged as Zimbabwe’s highest scorer, accumulating 92 runs from 87 balls, including eight boundaries.

Opening batsman Ben Curran (70) and interim captain Sean Williams (57) also contributed with half-centuries, while Tony Munyonga added an unbeaten 43 from 52 balls.

Madushanka concluded the match with impressive bowling stats, taking 4 wickets for 62 runs in his allotted 10 overs. Asitha Fernando provided support by claiming three wickets for 50 runs, and Kamindu Mendis took one.

After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 298/6 in their 50 overs, propelled by half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka, Janith Liyanage, and Kamindu.

Nissanka led Sri Lanka’s scoring with 76 runs from 92 balls, followed closely by Liyanage, who scored an unbeaten 70. Kamindu contributed 57 runs off 36 deliveries.

Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis (38) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (35) also made valuable contributions in the innings.

For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava secured two wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Raza, and Williams each took one.

This hard-earned victory puts Sri Lanka ahead 1-0 in the series. The second and final ODI is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Sunday.