Sri Lanka pull off heist to win ODI thriller against Zimbabwe in Harare

By SABC Sport
29th August 2025

Dilshan Madushanka took a hat-trick in the final over as Sri Lanka came back from looking dead and buried to beat Zimbabwe by seven runs in the first ODI in Harare on Friday.

Chasing a target of 299, the home team were on course for the win after needing 10 runs in the last over of the innings, bowled by Madushanka.

The left-arm seamer dismissed top-scorer Sikandar Raza for 92 and followed up with the wickets of Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava in successive balls to complete a sensational hat-trick.

Tony Munyonga was left stranded on 43 while the innings was set up by opener Ben Curran, who struck 70, and captain Sean Williams, with 57, as the duo put on 118 after they lost their two wickets with no runs on the scoreboard.

Dilshan Madushanka was the match-winner, finishing with figures of 4-62 while fellow seamer Asitha Fernando took three wickets as Sri Lanka went 1-0 in the two-match series.

Sri Lanka's total of 298-6 was set up by opening batter Pathum Nissanka who struck 70, while Janith Liyanage scored a quick-fire 70 not out off 47 balls while Kamindu Mendis hit 57.

The second final match of the series will take in Harare on Sunday before the teams meet in three T20Is.