In the first ODI match between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, spectators were treated to a thrilling contest until the very last ball. Sri Lanka, batting first, scored 298 runs for 6 wickets in 50 overs. In response, the host team Zimbabwe could only manage 291 runs and lost the match by 7 runs.
Sports News: Sri Lanka registered a brilliant victory in the first ODI match hosted by Zimbabwe. The biggest highlight of this encounter was Dilshan Madushanka's hat-trick, which turned the tide of the match and secured a thrilling win for Sri Lanka. Sikandar Raza batted exceptionally well but fell short of a century, and his efforts couldn't lead the team to victory.
In the match, Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl first. Sri Lanka posted 298 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Chasing the target, Zimbabwe fought hard but could only score 291 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 50 overs and faced a defeat by 7 runs.
Sri Lanka's Innings: Nissanka's Half-Century
Batting first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka did not have a good start. Nishan Madushka was out for a duck at a score of 9 runs. However, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka steadied the innings with a century partnership. Mendis scored 38 runs before getting out, while Nissanka batted brilliantly to score a half-century, making 76 runs.
In the death overs, Janith Liyanage remained unbeaten on 70 runs off 47 balls, and Kamindu Mendis played a blistering innings of 57 runs not out off 36 balls. The partnerships of these two took Sri Lanka's score to 298.
Zimbabwe's Innings: Raza Steadies Ship After Poor Start
Zimbabwe's chase of the 299-run target began poorly. In the very first over, Fernando dismissed two batsmen for ducks. Following this, captain Sean Williams (57 runs) and Ben Curran (70 runs) shared a 118-run partnership to stabilize the team. Just when it seemed Zimbabwe would chase the target comfortably, Sri Lanka made a comeback.
In the middle order, Sikandar Raza and Tony Munyonga anchored the innings. Raza, with an excellent balance of patience and aggression, brought the team to the brink of victory.
Final Over Thriller: Madushanka Turns the Match
Zimbabwe needed 10 runs to win in the last over. Set batsman Sikandar Raza was at the crease, just 8 runs short of his century. On the first ball, Madushanka dismissed Raza (92 runs), bringing Sri Lanka back into the game. On the second and third balls, he sent Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava to the pavilion respectively, completing his hat-trick.
This spectacular hat-trick changed both the direction and complexion of the match. Zimbabwe fought until the last ball, but Sri Lanka won the match by 7 runs.
