By Krishna Dua 
Last-Over Heroics: Madushanka’s Hat-Trick Seals Dramatic Sri Lankan Win
Harare, Zimbabwe, August 31, 2025 – In a cricket match that defied all expectations and delivered a thrilling climax, Sri Lanka’s young pacer Dilshan Madushanka produced a moment of sheer brilliance to snatch a dramatic seven-run victory over Zimbabwe. With the hosts needing a mere 10 runs to win in the final over and their star batsman Sikandar Raza at the crease, the odds were stacked against Sri Lanka. However, Madushanka held his nerve and delivered a sensational hat-trick to seal the match and give his team a 1-0 lead in the two-match ODI series.
The match at the Harare Sports Club was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the ebbs and flows that make cricket such a captivating sport. Sri Lanka’s victory was a testament to their resilience and their ability to perform under extreme pressure, while for Zimbabwe, it was a heartbreaking loss that will be hard to forget.
A Strong Start and a Crucial Partnership
After Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field, Sri Lanka’s innings was built on a series of solid contributions. Following the early departure of Nishan Madushka for a duck, opener Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis stitched together a crucial 100-run partnership for the second wicket, setting the stage for a competitive total. Nissanka was the standout performer, top-scoring with a fluent 76 runs.
The middle order, led by Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis, then provided the late impetus. Liyanage, in particular, was in blistering form, smashing an unbeaten 70 from just 47 balls. Kamindu Mendis’ quickfire 57 also helped accelerate the scoring in the death overs. Their late-innings onslaught ensured Sri Lanka reached a formidable total of 298 for 6, a score that was well within reach for the home side but also a challenging one to chase.
Zimbabwe’s Spirited Chase
Zimbabwe’s reply got off to a nightmarish start, with opening bowlers Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka striking early to leave them reeling at 0 for 2. However, veteran batters Ben Curran and Sean Williams mounted a spirited recovery. They absorbed the early pressure and then began to score freely, adding a vital 118 runs for the third wicket. Both batsmen scored half-centuries, giving the home crowd a reason to hope.
After their dismissals, the pressure was on Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s most experienced and in-form batsman. Raza, as he has so many times before, rose to the occasion. He combined with Tony Munyonga to form a crucial 128-run partnership that brought Zimbabwe to the brink of victory. Raza played a magnificent knock, scoring 92 runs from 87 deliveries, and seemed set to lead his team to a memorable win.
The Final Over: A Moment of Destiny
With 10 runs needed off the final over and five wickets in hand, the match was firmly in Zimbabwe’s favor. The ball was handed to Dilshan Madushanka, who had had a decent but not spectacular day with the ball so far. The first delivery of the over was a full-length ball, and Sikandar Raza, in an attempt to hit the winning boundary, was bowled, his middle stump uprooted. The crowd fell silent in stunned disbelief.
The next two balls were an absolute masterclass in death bowling. Madushanka’s third delivery saw him dismiss Blessing Muzarabani, who was caught at short fine leg. Then, on the very next ball, he clean bowled the new batsman, Richard Ngarava, to complete a sensational hat-trick. The Harare Sports Club erupted, but this time in a mix of shock and awe. The match, which had seemed destined for a Zimbabwean victory, was now firmly in Sri Lanka’s grasp.
Madushanka’s heroics not only secured a win for his team but also etched his name in the record books. He became only the eighth Sri Lankan bowler to take a hat-trick in ODIs, a remarkable feat for the young left-arm pacer.
The victory was a huge confidence booster for Sri Lanka, who are touring Zimbabwe for the first time since 2008. The team, led by Charith Asalanka in the absence of the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, showed remarkable character and composure to win a match that seemed all but lost. For Zimbabwe, the loss was a painful one, but it was also a reminder of the team’s fighting spirit and the immense talent of players like Sikandar Raza