HARARE – In a breathtaking finish at the Harare Sports Club, Sri Lanka edged past Zimbabwe by seven runs in the first One-Day International (ODI), sealing victory in the very last over.
The encounter had all the ingredients of a classic – fluctuating momentum, superb batting partnerships, late bowling heroics, and a nail-biting climax that left fans stunned.
Zimbabwe, who appeared in control for large portions of their chase, required only 10 runs from the final six balls with five wickets still in hand. Yet, cricket once again proved to be the most unpredictable of games. Dilshan Madushanka, entrusted with the pressure-packed last over, delivered a sensational hat-trick to seal a dramatic win for Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe’s Chase – From Recovery to Collapse
The hosts began their reply in disastrous fashion, losing two wickets in the opening over without scoring a run. However, Sean Williams and Ben Curran steadied the innings, putting together a crucial 118-run partnership. Both batters not only restored calm but also brought the required run rate under control, raising hopes of a famous home win. But their dismissals triggered a mini-collapse, reducing Zimbabwe from a commanding 118/2 to a nervy 140/4.
Despite the setback, Sikandar Raza stepped up with a fighting knock, supported by Tony Munyonga. The pair constructed a brilliant 129-run stand that seemed to have swung the pendulum firmly back in Zimbabwe’s favour. Yet, when Raza fell for 92 on the very first ball of the final over, the pressure mounted, and Madushanka’s brilliance ensured the home side fell agonisingly short.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Masterclass
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total after a cautious start. Openers provided stability, while the middle order, led by Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis, provided the acceleration. Their explosive 137-run stand off just 87 deliveries shifted momentum, turning a solid platform into a commanding score. Pathum Nissanka also chipped in with a vital half-century to ensure scoreboard pressure would play a role later in the game.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers had mixed success. Richard Ngarava picked up two wickets but suffered an injury that prevented him from completing his quota. Brad Evans impressed with his economy rate, while others chipped in sporadically without making major breakthroughs.
Bowling Heroics and Closing Drama
For Sri Lanka, the bowling effort was a roller-coaster. Asitha Fernando provided the dream start with two wickets in the first over, but Zimbabwe fought back strongly. Dropped catches and fielding lapses compounded their problems, and at one point, defeat seemed imminent. Yet, Fernando bowled a brilliant penultimate over to keep hope alive before Madushanka’s unforgettable final act – a hat-trick under immense pressure – sealed the deal.
Post-Match Reactions
Victorious skipper Charith Asalanka praised both teams for delivering an unforgettable contest, crediting Madushanka and Fernando for their composure at the death. He highlighted Liyanage and Mendis’ partnership as the innings-defining moment and confirmed that the current team combination works well.
Madushanka, named Player of the Match, admitted he had a rough start with the ball but had saved his best for the crucial final over. “I was focused on bowling yorkers and sticking to the plan,” he said, expressing his delight at contributing to a memorable win.
Zimbabwe’s stand-in captain Sean Williams commended his side’s fight but rued the missed opportunity, noting that they were “just one good shot away” from a win.
The series now heads into its second ODI, with Zimbabwe eager to level and Sri Lanka determined to seal the series.