Sri Lanka clinched a nail-biting seven-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three-match series, with Dilshan Madushanka sealing the game through a brilliant maiden hat-trick in the final over.
Batting first, Sri Lanka put up an imposing 298 runs. Despite a strong fightback from Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, the visitors faltered under pressure as Madushanka struck three times in three balls to end the contest dramatically.
The hosts had a shaky start when opener Nishan Madushka fell for a 13-ball duck to Richard Ngarava. However, Pathum Nissanka steadied the innings with a patient 76 off 92 deliveries.
Kusal Mendis (38) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (35) made useful contributions before Janith Liyanage stole the spotlight. Liyanage hammered an unbeaten 70 off just 47 balls, laced with six boundaries and three towering sixes, while Kamindu Mendis added firepower with a blistering 57 from 36 balls.
Their late assault powered Sri Lanka to 298 in their allotted 50 overs. For Zimbabwe, Ngarava took two wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams claimed one wicket each.
