Sri Lanka pulled off a dramatic seven-run victory in the first ODI in Harare on Friday thanks to a sensational last-over hat-trick by Dilshan Madushanka. With Zimbabwe needing just 10 runs off the final six balls and five wickets still in hand, the game looked to be slipping away from the visitors. But Madushanka, who had struggled earlier with 1-60 from nine overs, struck gold when it mattered most.
He removed Sikandar Raza (92), Brad Evans (0), and Richard Ngarava (0) off the first three deliveries to seal the match.
Long time since I’ve been with the team, so just very happy to do this on my comeback. Very happy that we executed our collective plans at the death.
The left-arm pacer finished with 4-62, while Asitha Fernando claimed 3-50 to dent Zimbabwe early in their innings.
Sri Lanka Ride on Liyanage–Kamindu Rescue Act
Put in to bat, Sri Lanka recovered from 161/5 to post 298/6 in 50 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 70 off 47 balls by Janith Liyanage and a quickfire 57 from Kamindu Mendis (36 balls). The pair added 137 runs for the sixth wicket, turning the innings around. Opener Pathum Nissanka set the tone with a fluent 76, while Kusal Mendis chipped in with 38 in a century stand for the second wicket.
It was an amazing game of cricket. The death bowling was amazing at the end. That final partnership set the platform for us; we were in trouble once I got out. Amazing partnership, congratulations to them.
Zimbabwe Fightback Led by Raza Falls Short
Chasing 299, Zimbabwe endured a nightmare start as Asitha Fernando dismissed Brian Bennett (0) and Brendon Taylor (0) in the first over. Ben Curran (70 off 90 balls) and skipper Sean Williams (57 off 54) steadied the innings with a stand of 118, before both departed to leave Zimbabwe wobbling at 140/4. From there, Sikandar Raza took charge, blasting 92 off 87 balls (8 fours) and combining with Tony Munyonga (43 not out) to drag the hosts within touching distance. But just when Zimbabwe looked favourites, Madushanka produced his match-winning hat-trick.
“We were so close. Credit to Sri Lanka for holding their nerve.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 298/6 in 50 overs (Pathum Nissanka 76, Kusal Mendis 38, Janith Liyanage 70* off 47, Kamindu Mendis 57; Richard Ngarava 2-34) beat Zimbabwe 291/8 in 50 overs (Sikandar Raza 92, Ben Curran 70, Sean Williams 57, Tony Munyonga 43*; Dilshan Madushanka 4-62, Asitha Fernando 3-50) by 7 runs.
