The opening ODI of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club on August 29, 2025, turned into an instant classic, with Sri Lanka sealing victory by just 7 runs. The game featured brilliant batting performances, momentum shifts, and an unforgettable last-over hat-trick by Dilshan Madushanka, who emerged as the hero for Sri Lanka.


Madushanka’s Last-Over Hat-Trick
Madushanka’s Last-Over Hat-Trick 

Sri Lanka’s Batting

After being sent in to bat, Sri Lanka posted a challenging 298/6 in 50 overs.


Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a fluent 76.

Kamindu Mendis contributed a solid 57, playing crucially in the middle overs.

Janith Liyanage provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 70 off 64 balls, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed the 290-mark.


Despite early breakthroughs from Zimbabwe pacers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, Sri Lanka managed to build steady partnerships and finish strongly.


Zimbabwe’s Batting

Zimbabwe’s chase began in the worst possible fashion, losing both Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor for ducks in the opening over. However, the middle order staged a spirited fightback.


Ben Curran led the rebuild with a fighting 70.

Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s most experienced campaigner, turned the match on its head with a spectacular 92, keeping Zimbabwe in the hunt until the very end.


Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Zimbabwe remained in contention thanks to Raza’s brilliance. Entering the final over, Zimbabwe required just 10 runs with Raza still at the crease.


The Dramatic Last Over – Madushanka’s Hat-Trick

The last over of the match will go down as one of the most dramatic finishes in ODI history.


Zimbabwe needed 10 runs to win. Sikandar Raza was on strike, facing Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka.

First ball: Raza attempted a scoop but was bowled clean. The biggest wicket of the night fell at the most crucial moment.

Second ball: Brad Evans was dismissed, increasing the pressure.

Third ball: Richard Ngarava was trapped next, giving Madushanka a sensational hat-trick.


Zimbabwe’s hopes were crushed instantly as Sri Lanka snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Madushanka finished with 4/62 and was rightfully named Player of the Match. His composure under pressure and clinical execution sealed the result for Sri Lanka.


Match Summary

Team

Score

  Overs

Result

Sri Lanka 298/6   50Won by 7 runs
Zimbabwe 291/8   50Fell short in chase

Key Takeaways

Sri Lanka’s middle order stood tall, led by Nissanka, Mendis, and Liyanage.

Zimbabwe’s batting fightback, highlighted by Raza (92) and Curran (70), made for a gripping contest.

Dilshan Madushanka’s last-over hat-trick ensured this match will be remembered for years.

FAQ's

Q1: Who won the 1st ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in 2025?
Sri Lanka won the 1st ODI at Harare Sports Club by 7 runs on August 29, 2025.

Q2: Who was the Player of the Match?
Sri Lanka pacer Dilshan Madushanka was awarded Player of the Match for his 4/62, including a last-over hat-trick.

Q3: Who were the top scorers in the match?

For Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka (76), *Janith Liyanage (70)**, Kamindu Mendis (57).

For Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (92) and Ben Curran (70).

Q4: What happened in the last over?
Zimbabwe needed 10 runs with Sikandar Raza on strike. Madushanka bowled Raza, Evans, and Ngarava in successive deliveries, completing a hat-trick and sealing victory for Sri Lanka.

Q5: What is the series scoreline now?
Sri Lanka lead the 2-match ODI series 1-0 after their win in Harare.