Madushanka's Final-Over Hat-Trick Seals Sri Lanka's Seven-Run Win Over Zimbabwe
Dilshan Madushanka clinched a final-over hat-trick to secure a thrilling seven-run victory for Sri Lanka over Zimbabwe in the opening ODI in Harare.
Harare, First ODI: Sri Lanka held on to defeat Zimbabwe by seven runs in a thrilling opening one-day international in Harare.
Madushanka seals victory
With Zimbabwe needing 10 runs off the last six balls, 24-year-old paceman Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Sikandar Raza for 92, forced a catch to claim Brad Evans, then uprooted Richard Ngarava's stumps to complete a hat-trick. His final three deliveries yielded just two singles, finishing with figures of 4 for 62 and becoming Sri Lanka's eighth ODI hat-trick taker.
Hosts fall just short
Sikandar Raza counterattacked to bring Zimbabwe back from 161 for 5, sharing a 128-run stand with Tony Munyonga (43 not out). Earlier, Asitha Fernando (3 for 50) had sparked two Zimbabwe collapses by removing Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor early.
Sri Lanka's batting highlights
The visitors posted 298 for 6 after 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka's 76 helped build century partnerships with Kusal Mendis (38) and later Janith Liyanage, who finished unbeaten on 70 alongside Kamindu Mendis (57) in a 137-run late stand.
Madushanka's last-over heroics underscored the fine margins in ODI cricket and gave Sri Lanka a crucial series lead.
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