Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka 298/6 (50) — Pathum Nissanka 76 (92), Janith Lisange 70* (47), Kamindu Mendis 57 (38), Richard Ngarava 2/34 (7.4), Sean Williams 1/26 (6), Sikandar Raza 1/33 (3)
Zimbabwe 291/8 (50) — Sikandar Raza 92 (87), Ben Curran 70 (90), Sean Williams 57 (54), Dilshan Madushanka 4/62 (10), Asitha Fernando 3/50 (10), Kamindu Mendis 1/33 (3)
Sri Lanka won by 7 runs
SRI Lanka pace bowler Dilshan Madushanka wreaked havoc in the final over, claiming a hat-trick and dashing Zimbabwe’s hopes of victory in the first ODI match at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
Despite a spirited fightback, Zimbabwe fell short by seven runs, chasing Sri Lanka’s total of 298/6.
The hosts needed 18 runs off the last two overs and 10 from the final over, with set batsmen Sikandar Raza and Tony Munyonga at the crease.
However, Madushanka’s devastating spell in the 50th over changed the game’s course. Raza (92 off 87 balls) departed first, followed by Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava, who were caught and bowled by Madushanka, respectively, completing his match-winning hat-trick. Madushanka finished with 4/62 from 10 overs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s openers set the tone with Pathum Nissanka scoring 76 off 92 balls, while Janith Liyanage (70 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (57) also contributed significantly to the Asians’ total.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers Richard Ngarava (2/34) and Blessing Muzarabani (1 wicket) tried to stem the flow, but it was not enough.
The Zimbabwean chase got off to a rocky start, losing Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor in quick succession for a golden duck and duck in the first over bowled by Asitha Fernando
However, Sean Williams (57 off 44 balls) and Ben Curran (70 off 90 balls) steadied the ship with a 118-run partnership.
Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe could not overcome the deficit, with Madushanka’s hat-trick proving decisive. Tony Munyonga remained unbeaten on 43 off 52 balls.
The two teams will square off in the final ODI tomorrow before moving on to the three-match T20I series.
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