Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe: In a nail-biting finish at Harare Sports Club, Sri Lanka edged past Zimbabwe by seven runs in the first ODI of their bilateral series, thanks to a sensational last-over hat-trick from pacer Dilshan Madushanka. Despite a heroic 92-run innings from Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe fell just short of chasing down Sri Lanka’s imposing total of 298.
🏏 Match Recap: Sri Lanka Clinch Nail-Biter Against Zimbabwe in 1st ODI
- 📍 Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
- 📅 Date: August 29, 2025
- 🏆 Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 runs
- 🎖️ Player of the Match: Dilshan Madushanka (4/62)
🔥 Final Over Drama: Madushanka’s Match-Winning Spell
Raza’s Brilliance Meets Madushanka’s Precision
Zimbabwe entered the final over needing just 10 runs to win, with Sikandar Raza well-set on 92 off 86 balls. Partnered with Tony Munyonga, who had contributed to a 128-run stand, the hosts looked poised for a memorable win.
However, Madushanka had other plans:
- Ball 1: Raza attempted a scoop but missed, and his middle stump was uprooted.
- Ball 2: Brad Evans tried the same shot, only to be caught at short fine leg.
- Ball 3: Richard Ngarava was bowled, completing the hat-trick.
Only two runs came off the remaining deliveries, sealing Sri Lanka’s dramatic win.
Zimbabwe’s Chase: A Tale of Recovery and Collapse
Early Setback and Middle-Order Revival
Zimbabwe’s innings began disastrously, losing two wickets for zero runs in the first over. But a 118-run partnership between Ben Curran (70) and Sean Williams (57) revived hopes.
Raza and Munyonga later forged a resilient sixth-wicket partnership worth 128 runs, narrowing the gap and placing Zimbabwe on the brink of a remarkable comeback.
Key Moments in Zimbabwe’s Innings
- Ben Curran and Sean Williams steadied Zimbabwe’s innings with a composed partnership following the early double setback.
- Raza’s calculated aggression targeted seamers, while Munyonga rotated strike efficiently.
- Sri Lanka’s sloppy fielding and slow over rate led to an extra fielder inside the circle during the final overs.
Despite the momentum, Zimbabwe couldn’t cross the finish line.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: Late Surge Sets the Tone
Liyanage and Kamindu’s Explosive Partnership
A late surge from Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis revitalized Sri Lanka’s innings, as the pair stitched together a rapid 137-run stand off just 83 deliveries after the team was struggling at 161 for 5.
- Liyanage remained unbeaten on 70 off 47 balls.
- Kamindu smashed 57 off 36 before falling on the final delivery.
Their aggressive strokeplay turned a modest total into a challenging one.
Other Notable Contributions
- Pathum Nissanka crafted a composed innings, accumulating 76 runs from 92 deliveries with measured strokeplay and steady intent.
- Kusal Mendis added 38, forming a 100-run stand with Nissanka.
- Trevor Gwandu’s 23-run over proved costly for Zimbabwe.
📊 Scorecard Summary
Sri Lanka – 298/6 (50 overs)
- Pathum Nissanka – 76 (92)
- Janith Liyanage – 70* (47)
- Kamindu Mendis – 57 (36)
- Richard Ngarava – 2/34
- Dilshan Madushanka – 4/62
- Asitha Fernando – 3/50
Zimbabwe – 291/8 (50 overs)
- Sikandar Raza – 92 (86)
- Ben Curran – 70 (90)
- Sean Williams – 57 (74)
- Tony Munyonga – 43* (52)
📈 Turning Points of the Match
1. Madushanka’s Hat-Trick
His final-over brilliance turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor.
2. Raza-Munyonga Partnership
Their 128-run stand nearly clinched the game for Zimbabwe.
3. Sri Lanka’s Death Overs Batting
Liyanage and Kamindu’s late blitz gave Sri Lanka a defendable total.
🌍 Series Context and Historical Significance
This match marked Sri Lanka’s first tour to Zimbabwe since 2008. The closely contested game sets the tone for a competitive series, with the second ODI scheduled for Sunday.
Despite falling short in the final moments, Zimbabwe displayed commendable depth and determination, particularly in the absence of their regular skipper Craig Ervine, who missed the match due to injury.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Who won the first ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe?
Sri Lanka won by 7 runs.
Q2. Who was the Player of the Match?
Dilshan Madushanka, for his final-over hat-trick and figures of 4/62.
Q3. How many runs did Sikandar Raza score?
Raza scored 92 runs off 86 balls.
Q4. What was the turning point of the match?
Madushanka’s hat-trick in the final over.
Q5. When is the next match in the series?
The second One Day International will take place on Sunday at Harare Sports Club, continuing the series at the same ground.
🧾 Conclusion
Sri Lanka edged out Zimbabwe in a closely contested first ODI, underscoring cricket’s inherent unpredictability. Sikandar Raza’s valiant 92 kept Zimbabwe in contention, but Dilshan Madushanka’s decisive final-over hat-trick sealed a dramatic win for the visitors. The encounter featured early setbacks, spirited recoveries, and a gripping climax—laying the groundwork for a fiercely competitive series ahead.
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