Cricholic
Madushanka’s hat-trick in the final over powered Sri Lanka to a thrilling 7-run win over Zimbabwe in the first ODI at Harare. Despite a fighting 92 from Sikandar Raza, the hosts fell short of chasing Sri Lanka’s 298. As a result, Madushanka’s composure at the death turned the contest dramatically.
Madushanka’s Hat-Trick Turns the Match 🎯
With Zimbabwe needing 10 runs from the last over, Madushanka’s brilliance stunned the crowd. He bowled out Raza on the first delivery. Furthermore, he dismissed Evans and Ngarava in back-to-back balls to complete his hat-trick. Consequently, Zimbabwe’s chase collapsed within minutes, shifting the result in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Madushanka’s Impact Outshines Zimbabwe’s Fightback 💪
Zimbabwe’s chase started badly as Bennett and Taylor departed for ducks in the opening over. However, Sean Williams and Ben Curran rebuilt the innings with a 118-run partnership. While Williams played aggressively, even striking Asalanka and Theekshana for sixes, Curran held one end with patience.
Even so, Sri Lanka struck back when Williams holed out sweeping Kamindu Mendis. Soon after, Asitha Fernando dismissed Curran with a sharp bouncer. Therefore, by the 30th over, Zimbabwe were struggling at 161/5.
Nevertheless, the rescue came through Raza and Munyonga’s 138-run stand. They rotated strike smartly and punished loose balls. Moreover, Munyonga got a reprieve on 35 when Fernando dropped him. Despite their courage, Zimbabwe’s hopes faded once Madushanka returned for the final over.
Madushanka’s Finish Complements Sri Lanka’s Strong Batting ⚡
Earlier, Sri Lanka built their total on Pathum Nissanka’s fluent 76 and Kusal Mendis’ support. Both fell after a century stand, leaving the visitors at 161/5. However, the momentum shifted again when Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis launched a counterattack.
Their partnership was brutal on Zimbabwe’s bowlers. In fact, they added 137 runs from only 83 balls. Kamindu smashed 65 off 41 deliveries, while Liyanage stayed unbeaten on 70. In addition, Trevor Gwandu’s 23-run over late in the innings allowed Sri Lanka to post 298/6.
Brief Scores 📊
Sri Lanka 298/6 (50 overs): Pathum Nissanka 76, Janith Liyanage 70*, Kamindu Mendis 65; Richard Ngarava 2-34
Zimbabwe 291/8 (50 overs): Sikandar Raza 92, Ben Curran 70, Tony Munyonga 42*; Dilshan Madushanka 4-62, Asitha Fernando 3-50
👉 Sri Lanka won by 7 runs; lead the 3-match ODI series 1-0.
