Cricket followers on the Harare Sports activities Membership couldn’t have requested for a greater begin to the Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025. The primary ODI changed into an absolute rollercoaster — massive partnerships, dramatic collapses, a heroic innings from Sikandar Raza, and at last a last-over hat-trick that sealed the sport. In the long run, Sri Lanka held their nerve to snatch a 7-run victory, leaving Zimbabwe heartbroken after coming so shut.
Sri Lanka construct a powerful complete courtesy of Pathum Nissanka’s batting brillance
Requested to bat first, Sri Lanka didn’t get off to the smoothest of begins, with Nishan Madushka falling for a duck. However Pathum Nissanka (76 off 92) saved one finish stable, enjoying the function of the anchor. He was calm, collected, and ensured Sri Lanka had a platform to construct on. Round him, cameos from Kusal Mendis (38) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (35) saved the scoreboard ticking.
The fireworks got here within the last 15 overs. Janith Liyanage smashed 70 off simply 47 balls, exhibiting clear hitting with six fours and three sixes. He was brilliantly supported by Kamindu Mendis, who blasted 57 off 36. Their partnership turned what appeared like a par rating into a really aggressive 298/6. For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava was the choose of the bowlers along with his tight spell of two/34.
Zimbabwe’s fightback led by Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwe’s chase started on a disastrous notice. Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor had been gone inside the primary over, leaving the hosts shell-shocked at 0/2. However the skilled Ben Curran (70 off 90) and Sean Williams (57 off 54) steadied the innings. Their 118-run stand introduced life again into the gang and gave Zimbabwe perception.
Williams fell whereas sweeping, and all of the sudden Sri Lanka sniffed a comeback with wickets falling in clusters. Simply when the guests thought they’d management, Sikandar Raza walked in and adjusted the script. The Zimbabwe talisman was at his finest, scoring 92 off 87 balls, nudging singles, hitting well timed boundaries, and guiding his facet in the direction of the goal. With Tony Munyonga (43 off 52) giving him glorious assist, the pair added 128 runs and had Zimbabwe on the point of victory.
Additionally READ: ZIM vs SL 2025: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details | Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025
Dilshan Madushanka’s magical final over seals the deal for Islanders
With 10 runs wanted from the ultimate over and Raza nonetheless on the crease, Zimbabwe appeared favorites. The Harare crowd was buzzing, anticipating their hero to complete it off. However then got here Dilshan Madushanka’s second of magic.
Having been costly earlier, the left-arm fast produced a dream over underneath strain. He dismissed Munyonga first ball, then eliminated Brad Evans subsequent, and at last delivered the knockout blow — trapping Raza within the deep to finish a last-over hat-trick. From a place of energy, Zimbabwe collapsed, ending on 291/8, simply 7 runs brief. Madushanka ended with 4/62 and was rightly named Participant of the Match.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
DILSHAN MADUSHANKA TOOK A HAT-TRICK IN THE FINAL OVER WHILE DEFENDING 9 RUNS. 💪🔥
– What a outstanding over…!!!! pic.twitter.com/8Aotgnlhhi
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 29, 2025
10 runs to defend in final over vs set Raza and Muyonga
Then Madushanka took a hat-trick 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rEUBiFuaOv
— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) August 29, 2025
All issues apart, defending 10 runs towards two nicely set batters & successful the sport no matter the hat-trick is a feat that deserves recognition & credit score. Simply the form of over which Madushanka can retailer in his head & imagine towards the chances in future. Nerves of metal 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/afhaL1W2pM
— Aravinthan Arunthavanathan (@Cricket_decoded) August 29, 2025
Hat-trick for Madushanka 🔥🔥😀
Cricket is a recreation of all of the POSSIBILITIES.
something can occur. https://t.co/BrSLGugQZr pic.twitter.com/R8gsq9vZVc— CricketAdda🇮🇳 (@Criktalks) August 29, 2025
Strain. Drama. Final over. 10 runs wanted.
Dilshhan Madushanka delivers a hat-trick and Sri Lanka pull off a heist! 💥
What a thriller 🔥#ZIMvSL #DilshanMadushanka pic.twitter.com/52Qt490UIV— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 29, 2025
What a last over by Madushanka. One batter in 90s different in 40s, opposition wanted 10 runs in last over. He took a hat trick and gave simply 2. Among the finest last overs in ODI cricket. This format nonetheless delivers thrillers. pic.twitter.com/CTJofupn71
— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) August 29, 2025
Dilshan Madushanka took a hat-trick within the 1st ODI towards Zimbabwe performed in Harare.
Congratulations 🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/w6z0kdlIOh— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) August 29, 2025
A surprising last-over hat-trick from Dilshan Madushanka to information Sri Lanka house in Harare 👌#ZIMvSL 📝: https://t.co/g9G0zQkGRO pic.twitter.com/kE1Ktf6IaI
— ICC (@ICC) August 29, 2025
Dilshan Madushanka is again and the way??Took a hat-trick and received the sport for Sri Lanka.Zimbabwe 💔
What a recreation 🥶🔥
— Dinesh right here 🙋♂️🇿🇦 (@dinesh_offl_06) August 29, 2025
Hat-trick for Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka vs Zimbabwe. 🎯🔥
Zimbabwe wanted 10 runs off 6 balls after which Madushanka:
W W W 1 0 1 – conceding simply 2 runs and a hat-trick and received the sport for Sri Lanka 💥#DilshanMadushanka #ZIMvSL #ZIMvsSL pic.twitter.com/bmxnLW6d0y
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) August 29, 2025
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