Zimbabwe Fall Short in First ODI Thriller

 

 

Witness Runodada 

Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe narrowly missed out on a remarkable comeback as they fell seven runs short in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club on Friday.

Chasing 299, the hosts were left reeling at nought for two after four balls before Ben Curran and stand-in captain Sean Williams revived the innings with a century stand. Williams struck 57 and Curran made 70, but both fell in quick succession to leave Zimbabwe in trouble again.

A brilliant counterattack from Sikandar Raza and Tony Munyonga reignited home hopes with a 128-run sixth-wicket stand. Raza was superb with 91 from 87 balls, while Munyonga added 58, taking the chase down to the final over.

Needing 10 from the last six balls, Zimbabwe’s charge ended dramatically when Raza was bowled first ball by Dilshan Madushanka, who went on to complete a hat-trick. The hosts closed on 291 for eight, just short of the target.

Earlier, Pathum Nissanka’s 76 and a blistering unbeaten 70 from Janith Liyanage powered Sri Lanka to 298 for six. Madushanka finished with four wickets, including his decisive last-over strike, as Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling win to go 1-0 up in the series.