Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling victory by seven runs against Zimbabwe in the first ODI at Harare Sports Club. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a commanding total of 298/6 in 50 overs, thanks to consistent contributions from the middle order. After losing opener Nishan Madushka early, Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a composed 76 runs off 92 balls, striking 12 boundaries. His effort set the stage for Sri Lanka to build a strong foundation despite facing disciplined bowling from Zimbabwe.

The middle order played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s innings. Kusal Mendis made 38 before falling to Sean Williams, while Samarawickrama chipped in with 35. Captain Charith Asalanka struggled and departed cheaply, but Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 70 off 47 balls was the highlight of the innings. Displaying powerful stroke play, he accelerated the scoring rate brilliantly in the death overs. Supporting him, Kamindu Mendis smashed 57 off 36 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to a near 300-run total.

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Zimbabwe’s bowling had mixed success. Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani picked up crucial wickets, while Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza used their variations to control the middle overs. However, the bowlers struggled to contain Sri Lanka in the final ten overs as the visitors plundered boundaries. Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis ensured the scoring momentum never dropped, with the last-wicket stand adding valuable runs that ultimately made the difference. Zimbabwe was left with a stiff chase of 299 to win.

Dilshan Madushanka hat trick guides Sri Lanka to victory

Chasing the target, Zimbabwe suffered a disastrous start, losing Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor without troubling the scoreboard, both dismissed by Asitha Fernando. Ben Curran played a fighting knock of 70 but couldn’t convert it into a match-winning effort. The backbone of the chase was skipper Sean Williams’ 57 and star all-rounder Sikandar Raza’s explosive 92 off 87 balls, which kept Zimbabwe in the hunt. However, crucial wickets at regular intervals meant the required rate kept climbing.

The game went down to the wire as Zimbabwe needed 10 runs in the final over. Raza’s dismissal in the penultimate over by Dilshan Madushanka turned the match in Sri Lanka’s favor. Despite Tony Munyonga’s unbeaten 43, Zimbabwe fell short at 291/8 in 50 overs, handing Sri Lanka a narrow win. Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka starred with three wickets each, while Kamindu Mendis provided vital breakthroughs. The win gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and set the tone for an exciting finale.