Sri Lanka began their Zimbabwe tour on a high, clinching a nail-biting 7-run win in the first ODI played in Harare.
Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to bat first. The visitors responded strongly, posting 298 for 6 in their 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a solid 76, while Janith Liyanage struck an unbeaten 70. Kamindu Mendis added quickfire 57 runs to boost the total.
Chasing 299, Zimbabwe fought hard but fell just short, finishing on 291 for 8 after 50 overs. Sikandar Raza kept the home side in the hunt with a brilliant 102, supported by Ben Curran’s 60 and skipper Williams’ 57.
The match came down to the final over, where Dilshan Madushanka produced a brilliant spell, claiming three wickets. Overall, he finished with 4 wickets, while Asitha Fernando contributed with 3 wickets.
This was only the 11th time in ODI history that a Sri Lankan bowler has taken a hat-trick. Madushanka’s late burst not only turned the match but also earned him the Player of the Match award.
