Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by just seven runs in the first ODI of the two-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Friday. The match, which swung back and forth for most of the day, eventually came down to left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka, whose last-over hat-trick took the game away from the home team.
The game began with Zimbabwe winning the toss and opting to field first. Pathum Nissanka’s 76 provided the visitors a solid start, while Janith Liyanage (70* off 47) and Kamindu Mendis (57 off 36) gave the late push that lifted the score to 298/6 in their 50 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava picked up two wickets for just 34 runs in his 7.4 overs. Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s lower-order acceleration, with the final 10 overs producing 113 runs.
The host’s reply began poorly as they lost Brian Bennett and veteran Brendan Taylor in the opening over to Asitha Fernando. Following this, Ben Curran and skipper Sean Williams steadied the innings with a 118-run partnership. Curran’s 70 and Williams’ 57 put the team back on track before both fell in quick succession.
With Wessly Madhevere departing soon after, all-rounder Sikandar Raza took the onus on himself, scoring 92 off 87 balls. He, along with Tony Munyonga (43* off 52) to stitch together a 128-run stand for the sixth wicket, bringing Zimbabwe within distance of what would have been a famous win.
With 10 runs needed off the final over and Raza on strike, Sri Lanka turned to Dilshan Madushanka for the last over. Raza, attempting a scoop off the first ball, was bowled. The left-arm pacer followed up by dismissing Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava on consecutive deliveries, completing a hat-trick and crushing the opposition’s hopes. Madushanka finished with 4/62 and earned the Player of the Match award.
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