Sri Lanka Clinch Thrilling 7-Run Victory Over Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza's valiant 92 went in vain as Dilshan Madushanka bowled a spectacular final over, including a hat-trick, to secure a thrilling 7-run victory for Sri Lanka over Zimbabwe in the first One-Day International in Harare.

Madushanka's Heroics

Madushanka's incredible final over saw him dismiss Raza off the first ball, followed by Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava off the next two balls. Blessing Muzarabani took a single off the fourth ball, leaving Tony Munyonga with the task of getting nine off the last two deliveries. However, he missed a low full toss, bringing an end to Zimbabwe's hopes of chasing down the target.

Zimbabwe's Chasing Effort

The game was a see-saw affair, with Zimbabwe losing Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor without a run on the board in the opening over. However, Sean Williams and Ben Curran steadied the chase with a 118-run stand for the third wicket. Williams scored at a brisk pace, hitting both Charith Asalanka and Maheesh Theekshana for sixes.

Sri Lanka's Innings

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka's innings was led by Pathum Nissanka's 76 after the visitors were asked to bat. Nishan Madushka fell for a 13-ball duck, but a century stand between Kusal Mendis and Nissanka ensured a strong start. Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis's assault in the latter half of the innings completely shifted the momentum, adding 137 runs in only 83 balls.

Brief Scores

• Sri Lanka: 298/6 in 50 overs (Pathum Nissanka 76, Janith Liyanage 70*; Richard Ngarava 2-34)
• Zimbabwe: 291/8 in 50 overs (Sikandar Raza 92, Ben Curran 70; Dilshan Madushanka 4-62, Asitha Fernando 3-50)