Sri Lanka thrash Zimbabwe in Harare thriller after Madushanka hat-trick

Dilshan Madushanka delivered a stunning hat-trick in the final over to secure Sri Lanka a narrow seven-run victory over Zimbabwe in the opening one-day international in Harare, Sport360NG reports.

Chasing 299, the home side required 10 runs from the last six balls, but Madushanka struck three times in quick succession. He bowled Sikandar Raza for 92, had Brad Evans caught, and then shattered Richard Ngarava’s stumps, conceding only two singles in the over to finish with figures of 4-62. The left-armer became the eighth Sri Lankan to claim an ODI hat-trick.

Zimbabwe’s hopes had rested on Raza, who rescued the innings from 161-5 with a 128-run stand alongside Tony Munyonga (43*). Earlier, Asitha Fernando (3-50) gave the tourists a flying start by dismissing Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor before a run had been scored. Ben Curran (70) and skipper Sean Williams (57) rebuilt with a century stand for the third wicket before Raza’s counterattack nearly took Zimbabwe over the line.

Sri Lanka’s total of 298-6 was built on two key partnerships. Pathum Nissanka (76) and Kusal Mendis (38) added 100 for the third wicket before the visitors wobbled to 161-5. Janith Liyanage (70*) and Kamindu Mendis (57) then powered a 137-run stand in the final 14 overs to give their bowlers a target to defend.

Ngarava dismissed Mendis with the final ball of the innings, but Madushanka’s late heroics ensured Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, which will be followed by three T20 internationals.