Madushanka’s Hat-Trick Seals Dramatic Win for Sri Lanka in Harare Thriller

The first One-Day International between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Harare turned into a rollercoaster that left fans on the edge of their seats. What seemed like a straightforward finish for Zimbabwe was flipped upside down in the final over, as Sri Lanka’s left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka delivered a sensational hat-trick to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Sri Lanka’s Recovery with the Bat

Sri Lanka’s innings didn’t begin in the smoothest fashion. Early wickets meant they were under pressure, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers keeping things tight. At 161 for 5, the visitors looked destined for a below-par total. But that’s when Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis changed the script.

The duo launched a blistering counterattack, adding 137 runs in just 83 balls. Their aggressive stroke play stunned Zimbabwe, as boundaries began flowing at will. Liyanage finished unbeaten on a sparkling 70 off 47 balls, while Mendis contributed a rapid 57 off 36 deliveries. Thanks to their partnership, Sri Lanka closed at a competitive 298 for 6—a score that seemed just above par on a tricky surface.

Zimbabwe’s Rocky Start and Bold Comeback

The chase began in disaster for Zimbabwe. Their openers were dismissed without troubling the scorers, leaving the home crowd stunned at 0 for 2. From there, rebuilding was essential, and Sean Williams along with Ben Curran answered the call. Their steady stand of 118 runs brought Zimbabwe back into contention, easing the early nerves. Curran’s well-crafted 70 kept the scoreboard moving, while Williams anchored with grit and intent.

Just when it looked like Zimbabwe had steadied the ship, Sri Lanka broke the partnership. Still, the hosts weren’t done yet. In walked Sikandar Raza, and suddenly, the game shifted again.

Raza’s Brilliance

Raza played with authority, mixing calm rotation of strike with powerful strokes to the fence. His 92 off 87 balls looked like a match-winning knock. Partnering with Tony Munyonga, he added 128 runs for the sixth wicket, propelling Zimbabwe within touching distance of victory. With just 10 runs required from the final over, the equation was firmly in Zimbabwe’s favor. The crowd roared, sensing history.

Madushanka’s Magic Over

But cricket, as always, had a twist waiting. Captain turned to Dilshan Madushanka for the last over, and what followed was pure theatre.

• First ball: Madushanka uprooted Raza’s stumps with a searing delivery. The set batsman was gone, and suddenly the tension rose.
• Second ball: Brad Evans attempted a scoop but found the fielder at fine leg. Another wicket.
• Third ball: Richard Ngarava had no answer to a full, straight delivery that clattered into his stumps. Madushanka had his hat-trick.

Three balls, three wickets—and from needing 10 off six, Zimbabwe now needed the same from just three balls, with only tailenders left at the crease. The final deliveries yielded little, and Sri Lanka closed out a seven-run victory, leaving Zimbabwe stunned and the visiting players jubilant.

Why This Match Will Be Remembered

This game will go down as one of the most dramatic finishes in recent ODI history. It had everything—early collapses, bold fightbacks, individual brilliance, and a final-over miracle. Madushanka’s hat-trick will be remembered not only for the rare feat itself, but for the sheer timing of it, turning certain defeat into an improbable victory.

Zimbabwe, despite Raza’s heroics and Munyonga’s composure, will look back on this as a heartbreak. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will celebrate a team effort defined by resilience and capped by one bowler’s unforgettable magic.

Final Word

Cricket often reminds us why it’s called the game of glorious uncertainties. This Harare thriller was another example. One moment, Zimbabwe were cruising to victory; the next, they were left in disbelief. For Sri Lanka, the night belonged to Dilshan Madushanka—a young fast bowler who etched his name into cricketing folklore with a hat-trick under the brightest spotlight.