• Dilshan Madushanka's brilliant hat-trick propelled Sri Lanka to a thrilling win over Zimbabwe in first ODI.

  • Madushanka earned the Player of the Match for his sensational performance.

Fans react as Dilshan Madushanka’s last-over hat-trick guides Sri Lanka to a thrilling win over Zimbabwe in 1st ODI
Dilshan Madushanka hat-trick seals the game for Sri Lanka (Image Source: X)

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Cricket fans at the Harare Sports Club couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025. The first ODI turned into an absolute rollercoaster — big partnerships, dramatic collapses, a heroic innings from Sikandar Raza, and finally a last-over hat-trick that sealed the game. In the end, Sri Lanka held their nerve to snatch a 7-run victory, leaving Zimbabwe heartbroken after coming so close.

Sri Lanka build a strong total courtesy of Pathum Nissanka’s batting brillance

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka didn’t get off to the smoothest of starts, with Nishan Madushka falling for a duck. But Pathum Nissanka (76 off 92) kept one end solid, playing the role of the anchor. He was calm, collected, and ensured Sri Lanka had a platform to build on. Around him, cameos from Kusal Mendis (38) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (35) kept the scoreboard ticking.

The fireworks came in the final 15 overs. Janith Liyanage smashed 70 off just 47 balls, showing clean hitting with six fours and three sixes. He was brilliantly supported by Kamindu Mendis, who blasted 57 off 36. Their partnership turned what looked like a par score into a very competitive 298/6. For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava was the pick of the bowlers with his tight spell of 2/34.

Zimbabwe’s fightback led by Sikandar Raza

Zimbabwe’s chase began on a disastrous note. Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor were gone inside the first over, leaving the hosts shell-shocked at 0/2. But the experienced Ben Curran (70 off 90) and Sean Williams (57 off 54) steadied the innings. Their 118-run stand brought life back into the crowd and gave Zimbabwe belief.

Williams fell while sweeping, and suddenly Sri Lanka sniffed a comeback with wickets falling in clusters. Just when the visitors thought they had control, Sikandar Raza walked in and changed the script. The Zimbabwe talisman was at his best, scoring 92 off 87 balls, nudging singles, hitting timely boundaries, and guiding his side towards the target. With Tony Munyonga (43 off 52) giving him excellent support, the pair added 128 runs and had Zimbabwe on the brink of victory.

Also READ: ZIM vs SL 2025: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025

Dilshan Madushanka’s magical last over seals the deal for Islanders

With 10 runs needed from the final over and Raza still at the crease, Zimbabwe looked favorites. The Harare crowd was buzzing, expecting their hero to finish it off. But then came Dilshan Madushanka’s moment of magic.

Having been expensive earlier, the left-arm quick produced a dream over under pressure. He dismissed Munyonga first ball, then removed Brad Evans next, and finally delivered the knockout blow — trapping Raza in the deep to complete a last-over hat-trick. From a position of strength, Zimbabwe collapsed, finishing on 291/8, just 7 runs short. Madushanka ended with 4/62 and was rightly named Player of the Match.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Sri Lanka announce T20I squad for Asia Cup 2025, Wanindu Hasaranga returns

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AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.