Harare: Sri Lanka pacer Dilshan Madushanka made history by claiming a hat-trick in the final over to secure a dramatic seven-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI of their two-match series.
Chasing 299, Zimbabwe needed 10 runs off the last six balls when Madushanka struck, taking three wickets off consecutive deliveries to snatch victory for Sri Lanka. With this feat, he became only the third Sri Lankan bowler to take multiple ODI hat-tricks, joining Lasith Malinga and Chaminda Vaas. Madushanka’s first hat-trick came in 2018 against Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka posted 298/6, powered by Pathum Nissanka (76), Janith Liyanage (70*), and Kamindu Mendis (57). Zimbabwe began strongly with Ben Curran and Sean Williams putting together a 118-run partnership, and Sikandar Raza’s 92 off 87 balls kept the chase alive.
Zimbabwe’s hopes were dashed in the final over when Madushanka’s hat-trick turned the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.
The two sides will meet again for the second ODI on Sunday, August 31, in Harare.
