SL vs ZIM (1st ODI) – Highlights
The first ODI match of the series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in Harare was as thrilling as advertised, delivering runs, excitement, and tension until the last over. Sri Lanka successfully defended 298, winning by seven runs to take a 1-0 series lead, in a match that ebbed and flowed with both teams having individual standouts, but Dilshan Madushanka’s four wickets proved decisive.
SL took to the crease first, and they managed to build their innings amblingly after they lost Nishan Madushka cheaply at the top of the order. Pathum Nissanka was the run-maker as he anchored the innings with a well-made 76 off 92 balls, which included 12 boundaries. After Nissanka’s well-compiled innings, he was joined at the crease by captain Kusal Mendis, who compiled a supportable innings of 38 to help partially stabilize the innings.
The stylish right-handed batsman was off to a flyer, off to 35 with beautiful timing; however, he was trapped plumb in front by Sikandar Raza, which broke the momentum for the Lankans. The Sri Lankans wobbled temporarily after Mendis fell and Charith Asalanka fell cheaply, needing 5 runs to join the hut at 161 for 5.
The pair lit up the middle overs, transforming crisis into momentum with a fearless display of strokeplay. Liyanage played the role of aggressor, hammering 70 off 47 deliveries with six fours and three sixes, while Kamindu Mendis matched him stroke for stroke with 57 from just 36 balls. Their late onslaught lifted Sri Lanka to 298 for six, setting Zimbabwe a stiff but achievable target. Richard Ngarava and Sikandar Raza were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts, keeping things tight despite the final-overs carnage.
The start couldn’t have been worse for ZIM: Fernando struck in the very first over, uprooting both Bennett and the experienced Taylor.At 0 for 2, the home side was staring at a collapse, but Ben Curran steadied the ship with a composed 70 off 90 balls. He combined with captain Sean Williams, who played a captain’s knock of 57, to bring Zimbabwe back into the contest. The pair added valuable runs, but it was Sikandar Raza who nearly pulled off the impossible.
Raza played one of his finest ODI innings, scoring 92 off 87 balls with eight boundaries, keeping Zimbabwe alive despite regular wickets at the other end. His aggressive yet calculated approach had the Harare crowd on its feet, and with Tony Munyonga contributing an unbeaten 43, Zimbabwe looked poised for a famous win. However, Madushanka’s fiery burst in the death overs changed the equation. He dismissed Raza in the 49th over, followed it up with wickets of Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava in quick succession, leaving Zimbabwe stranded at 291 for eight at the end of their 50 overs.
Madushanka’s 4 for 62 sealed the game, while Asitha Fernando’s early strikes (3 for 50) ensured SL stayed in control at crucial junctures. ZIM fought valiantly but fell just short, leaving the fans with a game to remember and setting the tone for an exciting series ahead.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Scoreboard
Sri Lanka – 298/6 (50)
Zimbabwe – 291/8 (50)
Result – Sri Lanka won by 7 runs
Player of the Match – Dilshan Madushanka
Dilshan Madushanka
SL vs ZIM Playing XIs
Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka |
Zimbabwe | Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams (c), Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu |
