Sun Aug 31 07:00:00 UTC 2025: **Sri Lanka Snatch Thrilling Victory Over Zimbabwe Thanks to Madushanka’s Hat-Trick**

**Harare, Zimbabwe** – A dramatic final over, featuring a hat-trick from Dilshan Madushanka, saw Sri Lanka clinch a nail-biting 7-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first One-Day International on Friday. Sikandar Raza’s valiant 92 off 87 balls proved in vain as Zimbabwe fell just short of their 292-run target.

Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets without a run on the board. Sean Williams (58) and Ben Curran (70) then resurrected the innings with a century stand, but their dismissals triggered another collapse, leaving the hosts struggling at 161 for 5. Raza and Tony Munyonga (42*) then combined for a 138-run partnership, injecting fresh life into the chase, However, Madushanka’s heroics in the final over sealed the deal for Sri Lanka.

Defending 10 runs, Madushanka bowled Raza with his first delivery, before dismissing Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava with the next two, completing a stunning hat-trick. Despite Blessing Muzarabani taking a single off the fourth ball, Munyonga was unable to reach the required 9 runs of the last two balls, sending the Sri Lankan side into celebration.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 298/6 after being put in to bat. Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 76, supported by Janith Liyanage (70*) and Kamindu Mendis (55*), who launched a late onslaught to boost the score. Richard Ngarava was the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers, taking 2 for 34. Madushanka finished with figures of 4 for 62, while Asitha Fernando claimed 3 for 50.

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