The first game in the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI series at the Harare Sports Club contributed one of the most dramatic endings in the cricket history with a hat-trick in his final over Dilshan Madushanka claiming the seven run victory to the visitors. The performance was not only enough to win the match but also to put the name of the 24 year old seamer in the Sri Lankan folklore as the 8th bowler in the country to have accomplished this rare achievement in One Day Internation.
As Zimbabwe required only 10 more to become the winners, the game appeared to be on an exciting climax that could go either way. Another plan, however, was that of Madushanka. A left-arm seamer created a masterpiece in death bowling, as he got Sikandar Raza out on 92 with a perfectly executed bowling which hit stumps. The following ball witnessed Brad Evans being caught in the deep and Madushanka bagged his hat-trick by yorker hitting the stumps of Richard Ngarava.
Only two singles were produced through the other three deliveries with the only chase of 299 by Zimbabwe failing agonizingly short at 291-8. This incredible turn of events made it seem like a losing match in Sri Lanka, but this turned into a memorable win and the reason it is such intriguing viewing is the fact that it is unpredictable.
The superb stroke of 92 by Sikandar Raza deserves to be mentioned particularly even though it was followed by heartbreak. The seasoned allrounder had personally rescued Zimbabwe with 161-5 after 30 overs, and, in partnership with Tony Munyonga, who was left unbeaten on 43, had made 128. Raza had played a masterpiece in pressure batting, with measured risks and glimpses of genius keeping his team in the hunt.
This alliance between Raza and Munyonga was the most active hope of Zimbabwe to pursue the demanding total of Sri Lanka. Their partnership showed how much talent there was within the Zimbabwe team and it was a real thrill to spectators at home as they saw theirs go on an impressive fightback against a strong opponent.
The 298-6 of Sri Lanka was constructed through the cornerstones of great teamwork and finishing. Pathum Nissanka (76) and Kusal Mendis (38) got the innings started by setting a platform with their 100-run third-wicket stand. This platform was very important because it enabled the middle order to decide the final part of the innings with freedom.
The visitor performances could be compared with the performance of Zimbabwe in terms of recovery because they also had a hard time at 161-5. But the difference was the cooperation between Janith Liyanage (70 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (57). The 137-run partnership in 14 overs changed the fortunes of Sri Lanka and both players were showing their finishes ability in the pressure moments.
The opener of the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI series was characterized by the good bowling by both team where there are few performances that affected the result of the match. The initial blows by Asitha Fernando proved to be significant to Sri Lanka where he sent back both Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor due to ducks and ended up with great scores of 3-50. His early conquests enabled him to contain Zimbabwe even though they rebound to the middle-order.
In the case of Zimbabwe, bowling was not bad although it lost. Their spirit as seen when Richard Ngarava sent Kamindu Mendis home with the final ball was enough to show their fighting spirit, but it was not enough to ensure that Sri Lanka did not record a competitive total. The bowling unit of the home side demonstrated character during the innings which made frequent wickets to keep the pressure on opponents.
The hat-trick that Madushanka finished in was a club of its own of the Sri Lankan bowlers who have accomplished this in ODI cricket. This has given the cricketing history of Sri Lankan a new dimension and given the young bowler a moment he will remember in his career. His final figures of 4-62 reflect not just the hat-trick but a consistently threatening performance with the ball.
It puts Sri Lanka in a very advantageous situation as far as the second game is concerned, having won the first game of the two match ODI series by a margin of one goal to none. The outcome also preconditions one interesting series of three T20 games that will occur further, providing both teams with the extra chance to prove their skills in the domain of the different format dynamics.
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There are a number of individual performances which warrant a mention other than the hat-trick which made the headlines. Ben Curran (70) and captain Sean Williams (57) salvaged Zimbabwe after a dismal first session and the 118-run 3rd wicket partnership between the two proved the strength with which Zimbabwe cricket has become associated in recent years.
The game marked the competitive level between the two teams as both of them demonstrated flashes of genius and weaknesses. This balance of power implies that this Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe ODI series will remain a source of good entertainment and the second ODI will also be a competitive one.
This was a great learning experience to both groups as the series continues. The dramatic win and heroics of Madushanka will boost Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will regret having to miss both chances and take confidence in their resilient batting. The scene is now clear to an equally exciting end to this ODI series where both teams have demonstrated that they have the quality to perform in critical situations.