.png)
Match Summary
The first ODI of the Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 turned into a dramatic contest at the Harare Sports Club.
Sri Lanka batted first and posted 298/6 in 50 overs, thanks to brilliant knocks by:
Pathum Nissanka – 76 runs
Janith Liyanage – unbeaten 70 runs
Kamindu Mendis – 57 runs
Zimbabwe, chasing 299, fought bravely but fell just short, finishing at 291/8.
Sikandar Raza – 92 runs (a captain’s knock)
Ben Curran – 70 runs
The highlight came in the final over, when Dilshan Madushanka took a sensational hat-trick, sealing victory for Sri Lanka by just 7 runs.
Key Moments
Sri Lanka’s recovery: After a shaky start, Nissanka and Liyanage steadied the innings with smart batting.
Middle-order firepower: Kamindu Mendis accelerated the run rate with his aggressive 57.
Zimbabwe’s comeback: Curran and Raza’s partnership kept the crowd on edge, nearly chasing down the target.
Final over drama: With Zimbabwe needing quick runs, Madushanka’s hat-trick ended hopes spectacularly.
What This Means for the Series
Sri Lanka’s batting depth looks strong, with multiple contributors in the top and middle order.
Zimbabwe proved resilient, showing they can challenge top teams, but their finishing still needs polish.
This win gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the two-match ODI series, boosting confidence ahead of the T20Is that follow.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI 2025
Madushanka hat-trick vs Zimbabwe
Sri Lanka wins by 7 runs, Harare ODI
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka match analysis
Pathum Nissanka and Sikandar Raza's performance
✨ For more cricket insights, sports updates, and trending match analyses, visit 👉 9trendz.com
