Sri Lanka pulled off a dramatic victory against Zimbabwe in the opening ODI at Harare, thanks to a sensational last-over hat-trick from left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka. The visitors clinched the contest by just seven runs in a finish that will go down as one of the most gripping in recent memory.
Chasing 299, Zimbabwe appeared to have the match under control with just 10 runs needed from the final over. Sikandar Raza, the home side’s talisman, was in sublime touch and nearing a match-winning century. But Madushanka turned the game on its head. He delivered a pinpoint yorker to bowl Raza for 92, followed it up with a clever change of pace to dismiss Brad Evans, and then completed the hat-trick by shattering Richard Ngarava’s stumps. The three quick wickets stunned the home crowd into silence. Zimbabwe, who looked destined for a famous win, were bowled out for 291.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s batting had its own rollercoaster moments. Reduced to 161 for 5, they were in danger of posting a below-par total. But the lower order rallied brilliantly. Janith Liyanage played a composed yet aggressive knock of 70 not out, while Kamindu Mendis smashed 57 off just 36 balls. Their 137-run partnership shifted momentum back in Sri Lanka’s favor and pushed the team to a competitive score of 298.
Zimbabwe’s reply started disastrously, losing two wickets in the very first over. But the fightback was strong. Veteran Sean Williams and opener Ben Curran rebuilt with a 118-run partnership, setting the stage for Raza’s counter-attack. Alongside Tony Munyonga, Raza powered Zimbabwe deep into the chase. At one stage, the hosts seemed to have pulled off a near-impossible recovery, only for Madushanka’s brilliance to crush their hopes.
The hat-trick makes Madushanka only the eighth Sri Lankan bowler to achieve the rare feat in One-Day Internationals, joining an elite club that includes Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga. Beyond the numbers, it highlighted his nerve under pressure and his ability to deliver when the stakes were at their highest.
For Sri Lanka, the win handed them a 1–0 lead in the two-match ODI series, while also building confidence ahead of the T20 leg. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will rue missed chances and the inability to close out a match that was well within their grasp.
Cricket often thrives on last-over thrillers, but few matches capture the sport’s unpredictability like this one. With the ball in Madushanka’s hands, the game shifted from near-defeat to triumphant victory in just three deliveries. It was a reminder of why fans worldwide remain glued to contests that can change in the blink of an eye.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025