Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by seven runs in the first ODI at Harare Sports Club, courtesy of a wizardry last-over hat-trick by left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka. His three wickets from three balls clinched the game when Zimbabwe were nearly on the verge of winning. Batting first, Sri Lanka accumulated 298/6 in 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka held the innings together with 76 runs from the top. Janith Liyanage later destroyed an unbeaten 70 from only 47 deliveries, while Kamindu Mendis contributed 57 off 36 balls. The last 10 overs fetched 113 runs, providing the visitors with a healthy total. For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava was the best bowler with 2/34. Zimbabwe’s chase began poorly as they lost Brian Bennett and senior batter Brendan Taylor in the opening over to Asitha Fernando. But Ben Curran, who scored 70, and skipper Sean Williams with 57 runs steadied the innings with a 118-run stand. After their departure, Sikandar Raza took charge. Also Read | Don Bradman’s 'Baggy Green' Cap Could Fetch Rs 2.2 Crore The all-rounder came up with a magnificent 92 runs off 87 balls and, along with Tony Munyonga's 43 not out, took Zimbabwe near what appeared to be a classic win. With 10 runs to get in the last over and Raza on strike, Zimbabwe were favourites. But Madushanka bowled Raza with the first delivery, followed by Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava in consecutive deliveries to seal an outstanding hat-trick. He took 4/62 and was awarded Player of the Match. The dramatic finish gave Sri Lanka the 1-0 lead in the two-match ODI series and created one of the most exciting matches in recent history.