Hat-trick by Madushanka drives Sri Lanka to deny victory to home team Zimbabwe
In a thrilling conclusion to the second One-Day International (ODI) at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by a narrow 7-run margin against Zimbabwe.
Sri Lanka posted a daunting total of 298-6 in their innings, thanks to a 137-run partnership between Janith Liyanage (70 not out) and Kamindu Mendes (57 off 36 balls). Mendes's aggressive innings provided the late surge, propelling Sri Lanka to a challenging score.
In response, Zimbabwe's openers made a solid start, but the introduction of Sri Lanka speedster Dilshan Madushanka changed the game. Madushanka's figures of 4-62 included a sensational last-over hat-trick, which sealed the victory for Sri Lanka.
The hat-trick began with the dismissal of Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams, who was bowled with the first ball of the last over. Richard Ngarava followed suit, bowled middle stump on the third ball, and Brad Evans was caught off Madushanka's next ball at fine leg, ending any hopes of a Zimbabwean victory.
Tony Munyonga (43 not out) and Ben Curran (70) put on a valiant effort for Zimbabwe, sharing a 118-run partnership for the third wicket. Sikandar Raza also contributed significantly, scoring 92 before being dismissed by Madushanka in the penultimate over.
Notably, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine was ruled out of the series due to a calf tear, with Sean Williams taking over as stand-in captain. After the ODI series, three Twenty20 internationals will follow.
With this win, Sri Lanka leads the two-match ODI series 2-0. The last of the series will be played on Sunday.
Read also:
- Recognition of Exceptional Patient Care: Top Staff Honored by Medical Center Board
- A continuous command instructing an entity to halts all actions, repeated numerous times.
- California Senator Kamala Harris announces she will not seek the governorship in 2026, instead hinting at future professional ventures.
- Survey on Life Prolongation Methods
