Madushanka’s Last-Over Hat-Trick Helps Sri Lanka Beat Zimbabwe in Thrilling 1st ODI : Match Report & Stats

In a thrilling ODI at Harare Sports Club on August 29, 2025, Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by seven runs in the first match of their two-game series. The hero of the day was Dilshan Madushanka, who picked up a sensational last-over hat-trick to secure victory and was named Player of the Match.

Madushanka’s Last-Over Hat-Trick Helps Sri Lanka Beat Zimbabwe in Thrilling 1st ODI (Image Source: ChatGPT)

Final Over Drama

Sikandar Raza scored a brilliant 92 off 86 balls, guiding Zimbabwe to a strong position alongside Tony Munyonga (43*). The pair shared a 128-run partnership for the sixth wicket, bringing Zimbabwe tantalizingly close to victory. With just 10 runs needed from the last over, Madushanka stepped up. He bowled Raza on the first ball, trapped Brad Evans with a catch at short fine leg, and dismissed Richard Ngarava on the penultimate delivery. Only two runs were possible from the remaining balls, sealing Sri Lanka’s dramatic win. Madushanka finished with figures of 4 wickets for 62 runs, while Asitha Fernando supported with 3 wickets for 50 runs.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Highlights

Sri Lanka posted 298/6, thanks to a remarkable 137-run partnership between Janith Liyanage (70*) and Kamindu Mendis (57) for the sixth wicket. They came together at 161/5 and added momentum with aggressive batting, including a memorable helicopter six from Liyanage off Richard Ngarava. Pathum Nissanka earlier contributed a patient 76, stabilizing the innings and setting a competitive total for Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s Chase

Zimbabwe started their innings strongly, with Sean Williams (57) and Ben Curran (70) adding 118 runs for the second wicket. Raza and Munyonga then rebuilt the innings, keeping their team in contention. However, the final over proved decisive as Madushanka’s hat-trick changed the game.

Stats & Records

• This is only the 2nd instance in ODI history with two century stands for the 6th wicket in the same match:
  • Africa XI vs Asia XI – Chennai, 2007
  • Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka – Harare, 2025
• Only the 4th time in ODI history with two century stands for the 6th wicket or lower:
  • Africa XI vs Asia XI – Chennai, 2007
  • UAE vs Namibia – Dubai, 2021/22
  • Scotland vs Nepal – Dundee, 2025
  • Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka – Harare, 2025
• This was the 11th ODI hat-trick by a Sri Lankan – Dilshan Madushanka vs Zimbabwe at Harare on 29/08/2025
• This was the 9th ODI hat-trick overall against Zimbabwe

Key Takeaways

Dilshan Madushanka was the standout performer with 4 wickets, including the final-over hat-trick. Sikandar Raza led Zimbabwe’s chase with 92 runs, while Liyanage and Mendis rescued Sri Lanka’s innings with a 137-run partnership. Asitha Fernando supported Madushanka with 3 wickets, playing a key role in the victory.

Team	Score	Key Performers
Sri Lanka	298/6 (50 overs)	Nissanka 76, Liyanage 70*, Mendis 57; Ngarava 2-34
Zimbabwe	291/8 (50 overs)	Raza 92, Curran 70, Williams 57; Madushanka 4-62, Fernando 3-50

Bottom line: With this win, Sri Lanka leads the two-match ODI series 1-0. The second ODI will be held on August 31 at Harare Sports Club. Both teams will then play a three-match T20I series as part of Zimbabwe's preparation for the 2025 Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final tournament.