Madushanka’s Last-Over Hat-Trick Stuns Zimbabwe as Sri Lanka Clinch Thriller

Madushanka’s Hat-Trick Seals Sri Lanka’s Thrilling Win Despite Raza’s Heroics

Cricket fans were treated to a nail-biting finish in Harare as Sri Lanka edged out Zimbabwe by 7 runs in the first ODI on Friday (August 29). Despite a brilliant knock from Sikandar Raza (92 off 87 balls), it was Dilshan Madushanka’s sensational final over, including a hat-trick, that sealed the win for the visitors.

Madushanka’s Magic in the Final Over

Zimbabwe needed 10 runs off the last six balls with Raza well set at the crease. But Madushanka struck immediately, knocking over Raza with the very first delivery. He then sent Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava packing off consecutive balls to complete a stunning hat-trick.

With three wickets gone in three balls, the hosts’ hopes faded. Blessing Muzarabani managed a single, leaving Tony Munyonga (42)* needing nine runs off the last two balls. He missed a full toss, and Sri Lanka held on to a dramatic win.

Zimbabwe’s Rollercoaster Chase

Chasing 292, Zimbabwe’s innings had a chaotic start, losing Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor for ducks in the very first over. But Sean Williams (54) and Ben Curran (70) steadied things with a 118-run partnership for the third wicket.

Williams looked dangerous, even smashing sixes off Charith Asalanka and Maheesh Theekshana, but his aggressive approach backfired when he holed out trying to sweep. Soon after, Curran was undone by a short ball from Asitha Fernando, and by the 30th over, Zimbabwe had slipped to 161/5.

That’s when Raza and Munyonga stepped up, stitching together a gutsy 138-run partnership. Their calculated aggression kept the scoreboard ticking, and a couple of dropped chances plus 16 wides from Sri Lanka kept Zimbabwe in the hunt. But just when victory seemed within reach, Madushanka’s brilliance crushed their hopes.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Fightback

Earlier, after being put into bat, Sri Lanka were led by Pathum Nissanka’s 76. He and skipper Kusal Mendis put on a solid century stand before both fell in quick succession. With Sadeera Samarawickrama and Asalanka also dismissed cheaply, the visitors were in trouble at 161/5.

But the lower middle order turned the game around. Janith Liyanage (70) and Kamindu Mendis (59 off 41)* launched a counter-attack, adding 137 runs in just 83 balls. Their fireworks included a brutal assault on Trevor Gwandu, who conceded 23 runs in the penultimate over. Thanks to their late surge, Sri Lanka posted a strong 298/6 in 50 overs.

Match Summary

• Sri Lanka: 298/6 in 50 overs
  (Pathum Nissanka 76, Janith Liyanage 70*; Richard Ngarava 2-34)

• Zimbabwe: 291/8 in 50 overs
  (Sikandar Raza 92, Ben Curran 70; Dilshan Madushanka 4-62, Asitha Fernando 3-50)

👉 Sri Lanka leads the three-match ODI series 1-0.