Madushanka Hat-Trick Stuns Zimbabwe in ODI Thriller

News Desk 

Harare: A sensational final-over hat-trick from Dilshan Madushanka denied Zimbabwe what looked set to be a famous victory, as Sri Lanka pulled off a thrilling win in the opening ODI on Friday.

Needing just 10 runs off the last over, Zimbabwe seemed on course with Sikandar Raza in sublime touch on 92 off 86 balls. Alongside Tony Munyonga, he had built a 128-run stand that dragged Zimbabwe back into the contest after they were left chasing 323.

But Madushanka, who had been expensive earlier, turned the match on its head in a stunning burst. He first knocked over Raza with a searing yorker as the Zimbabwe captain attempted a scoop, sending middle stump cartwheeling.

Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava then perished to back-to-back deliveries, as Madushanka completed a hat-trick and sealed the game. Zimbabwe managed only two runs off the last three balls, falling short despite Raza’s brilliance. Madushanka finished with 4 for 62, while Asitha Fernando claimed 3 for 50.

Earlier, Raza and Munyonga had revived Zimbabwe after they needed 138 off the last 20 overs. Raza manipulated the field and punished Sri Lanka’s seamers, while Munyonga offered solid support with sharp running and strike rotation.

Sri Lanka’s sloppy fielding — including a costly drop of Munyonga on 35 — gave Zimbabwe hope, but Madushanka’s nerveless last over shut the door.

Sri Lanka’s own innings had also been revived by a late surge, with Janith Liyanage (70* off 47) and Kamindu Mendis (57 off 36) adding 137 for the sixth wicket.

Their onslaught, which included a 23-run over off Trevor Gwandu and a helicopter-shot six from Liyanage in the final over, lifted Sri Lanka to 322 for 6 after a slow start. Pathum Nissanka (50) had provided early stability, before Liyanage and Kamindu accelerated decisively.

Zimbabwe’s chase was equally buoyed by Sean Williams (56) and Ben Curran (55), who added 118 for the third wicket after a shaky start at 0 for 2.

Their platform and Raza’s brilliance nearly carried Zimbabwe home — until Madushanka’s hat-trick sealed one of the most dramatic finishes in recent ODI cricket.

Input from cricinfo website.