Cricket Spectacle at Harare: Sri Lanka wins the first ODI against Zimbabwe by 7 runs.
Harare, 29 August 2025
Sri Lanka edged Zimbabwe by just 7 runs in a pulsating opener to their two-match One-Day International (ODI) series.
Sri Lanka, invited to bat first after losing the toss, posted a challenging total of 298 for 6 in 50 overs. The innings gained momentum late thanks to a blistering partnership:
- Janith Liyanage scorched 70 from 47 balls
- Kamindu Mendis added a whirlwind 57 off 36
Together they added 137 runs in just 83 balls, rescuing Sri Lanka from a precarious 161 for 5
Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiled hard—Richard Ngarava claimed 2 wickets for 34, while the rest fell amid demands for tight accuracy
In reply, Zimbabwe were rocked early—losing Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor for ducks in the opening over. But Ben Curran (70) and skipper Sean Williams (57) rebuilt with a vital 118-run partnership
Then came Sikandar Raza (92) and *Tony Munyonga (43)**, who stitched a game-shaping 128-run stand, almost engineering a famous chase
With Zimbabwe needing 10 runs off the final over, Sri Lanka turned to Dilshan Madushanka, whose searing final delivery turned the match:
- He bowled Raza off the first ball, denying the 50.
- Brad Evans scooped the next and was caught fine-leg.
- Richard Ngarava was bowled next.
Madushanka returned a hat-trick in the last over, finishing with 4 for 62, sealing a nail-biting Sri Lanka win
Match Details & Score Summary
| Team | Score | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 298/6 (50 overs) | Late surge from Liyanage (70*) & Mendis (57) |
| Zimbabwe | 291/8 (50 overs) | Raza’s 92 & Munyonga’s 43*, but fell short |
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 runs, taking a 1–0 lead in the series
- Player of the Match: Dilshan Madushanka for his dramatic hat-trick and crucial 4-wicket haul
Additional Insights:
- This fixture was ODI No. 4899 and began at around 9:30 local time .
- Zimbabwe’s regular captain, Craig Ervine, missed the series due to a calf injury. Sean Williams led the side in his absence
- Sri Lanka fielded a 16-member ODI squad under Charith Asalanka, with noted omission of all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga due to a hamstring injury
Finale: A Bowler’s Masterpiece under Harare Skies
This was a classic example of cricket’s unpredictability—Zimbabwe’s fightback nearly rewritten history, only for Madushanka’s sheer brilliance to snatch victory in the final over.
The stage is now set for the second ODI on 31 August, with Sri Lanka holding a slender lead and Zimbabwe hungrier than ever.
