Nishan madushanka

Sri Lanka Cricket: Dilshan Madushanka claimed an incredible last-over hat-trick to help Sri Lanka prevail over hosts Zimbabwe by seven runs in the first ODI of the two-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Friday. In a match that started in a usual sedate note, it turned into a thriller as Zimbabwe looked on course for an upset before Madushanka weaved his magic in the last over of the match, leading the visitors to a thrilling victory.

It looked Zimbabwe would successfully overhaul the target before Madushanka, who had conceded 1-60 in nine overs, redeemed himself with a superb hat-trick to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for Sri Lanka, claiming the wickets of Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans, and Richard Ngarava off the first three balls of the 50th over to seal victory for the visitors.

Asked to bat first by Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka rode on a 76 by opener Pathum Nissanka, an unbeaten 70 off 47 balls by Janith Liyanage, and a 36-ball 57 by Kamindu Mendis to recover from the early loss of Nishan Madushanka (0) to post 298/6 in 50 overs. Madushanka finished with 4-62 while Asitha Fernando bagged 3-50 in his 10 overs to pave the way for their victory.