Harare, 29 August 2025:
Dilshan Madushanka took a hat trick in the final over to seal Sri Lanka’s seven-run win over Zimbabwe in the first one-day international on Friday.
Zimbabwe needed 10 runs from the last six balls chasing 299. Madushanka bowled Sikandar Raza for 92, dismissed Brad Evans and then hit Richard Ngarava’s stumps to finish with 4-62. Zimbabwe ended on 291-8.
Raza had revived the chase after the home side slipped to 161-5, putting on 128 with Tony Munyonga, who finished unbeaten on 43. Earlier, Ben Curran (70) and captain Sean Williams (57) shared 118 for the third wicket after Asitha Fernando (3-50) removed Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor before a run was scored.
Sri Lanka’s total of 298-6 was built on two century stands. Pathum Nissanka (76) and Kusal Mendis (38) added 100 for the third wicket, while Janith Liyanage (70 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (57) blasted 137 from the final 14 overs. Ngarava (2-34) dismissed Mendis with the last ball of the innings.
Sri Lanka leads the two-match ODI series 1-0, with a three-game T20 series to follow.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by seven runs
Sri Lanka 298-6, 50 overs (Pathum Nissanka 76, Janith Liyanage 70 not out; Richard Ngarava 2-34)
Zimbabwe 291-8, 50 overs (Sikandar Raza 92; Dilshan Madushanka 4-62, Asitha Fernando 3-50)
