Madushanka’s Final-Over Hat-Trick Secures Sri Lanka Dramatic Win Over Zimbabwe
Sri Lanka pulled off a breathtaking victory in the 1st ODI against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, winning by just 7 runs in a match that swung like a pendulum until the final over. The hosts looked set for a famous chase with just 10 runs required from the last six balls, but Dilshan Madushanka’s hat-trick under pressure turned the game on its head, giving Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the series.
Sri Lanka’s Innings – Fifties and Flourish at the End
Put into bat, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 298/6 in 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a steady 76 off 92 balls. The real fireworks came from Janith Liyanage (70 off 47)* and Kamindu Mendis (57 off 36), who added a blistering 137 runs in just 87 deliveries, providing the late surge.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers had their moments, with Richard Ngarava (2/34) standing out, though his injury prevented him from completing his spell. Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza chipped in with a wicket each but couldn’t stop Sri Lanka’s late acceleration.
Zimbabwe’s Chase – From Collapse to Control
Zimbabwe’s reply began disastrously, losing two wickets without a run in the very first over. But Sean Williams (57 off 54) and Ben Curran (70 off 90) steadied the innings with a superb 118-run stand, putting the hosts back in contention.The momentum, however, shifted again as Sri Lanka struck thrice in quick succession, reducing Zimbabwe from 118/2 to 140/4.
Just when the chase looked to be slipping away, Sikandar Raza (92 off 87) and Tony Munyonga rebuilt with a superb 129-run partnership, dragging Zimbabwe close to a famous win. With just 10 runs needed from the final over and five wickets in hand, the game seemed done and dusted.
The Final-Over Drama – Madushanka’s Hat-Trick
The match came alive in the final over when skipper Charith Asalanka turned to Dilshan Madushanka.
- First ball: Raza, on 92, fell trying to finish the game in style.
- Second ball: The next batter was trapped immediately.
- Third ball: Another dismissal sealed a sensational hat-trick.
From the brink of victory, Zimbabwe collapsed dramatically, finishing at 291/8 in 50 overs, falling short by just 7 runs. Madushanka ended with 4/62 in his 10 overs, earning the Player of the Match award for his stunning final burst.
Captains’ Reactions
Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka skipper): Praised both sides for fighting hard but lauded Madushanka and Asitha Fernando for holding their nerve under pressure. He credited the middle-order partnership of Liyanage and Mendis as the turning point in setting up the match.
Sean Williams (Zimbabwe stand-in captain): Admitted his side let the game slip after being in control and hailed Raza and Curran for their efforts.
Why This Match Will Be Remembered
Madushanka’s hat-trick under pressure will go down as one of the finest finishes in recent ODI history. Sikandar Raza’s fighting 92 nearly pulled off a memorable win for Zimbabwe. A rollercoaster game that highlighted the unpredictable beauty of ODI cricket.
Sri Lanka’s nerve and Madushanka’s brilliance carried them over the line in a contest that could have easily gone either way. Zimbabwe will rue their missed opportunity, but they showed enough fight to suggest the rest of the series will be just as intense. With the visitors leading 1-0, all eyes now move to the 2nd ODI at Harare on August 31st, where the hosts will be eager to bounce back.
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