When Dilshan Madushanka took the final wicket of Zimbabwe’s innings on August 29, 2025, he didn’t just seal a seven-run win—he etched his name into cricket history. The Sri Lanka fast bowler recorded his first-ever ODI hat-trick in front of a packed Harare Sports Club, helping his team clinch the opening match of a two-match ODI series. By the end of the tour, Sri Lanka had swept the series 2-0, capped by a breathtaking century from Pathum Nissanka and the emotional milestone of Brendan Ross Murray Taylor becoming the first Zimbabwean to cross 10,000 international runs. It wasn’t just a series win—it was a statement.
A Hat-Trick That Shook Harare
The first ODI on August 29, 2025, began with Zimbabwe winning the toss and opting to field. Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by Nissanka’s steady 76 off 92 balls, but the real drama unfolded in the final ten overs. With Zimbabwe needing 43 off the last 30 balls and only two wickets left, Madushanka, a 25-year-old right-arm pacer from Colombo, delivered three consecutive dot balls followed by three wickets in four deliveries. The crowd fell silent. The scoreboard flashed: WICKET! WICKET! WICKET! He finished with 4 for 62, the first ODI hat-trick by a Sri Lankan since 2019. The match referee, G. A. Chandrasiri, confirmed the feat immediately. "It’s not something you plan," Madushanka said afterward. "You just trust your line, your rhythm—and hope the ball does what it’s supposed to."Nissanka’s Masterclass and Taylor’s Legacy
Three days later, in the second ODI, Sri Lanka once again chose to field after captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss. Zimbabwe posted 277 for 7, led by Ben Joseph Curran’s gritty 79 and a gritty 57 from Sean Williams. But the chase belonged to Nissanka. Facing pressure after losing two early wickets, he carved out a 136-ball 122—his third ODI century in 2025—hitting 14 fours and three sixes. He reached the milestone in the 47th over, raising his bat as the crowd, though mostly Zimbabwean, gave him a standing ovation. "He’s playing like a man who knows he’s carrying the future of this team," said former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene on commentary. And then, in the 42nd over of Zimbabwe’s innings, Brendan Taylor reached his 10,000th international run. The 38-year-old veteran, who debuted in 2004 and survived Zimbabwe’s darkest cricketing years, became only the fourth African player to hit that mark. He didn’t celebrate loudly. He just nodded, touched his helmet, and walked back to the pavilion. "It’s not about me," he told reporters. "It’s about the boys coming through. We’re building something here."
Emerging Stars and Debutants
The series wasn’t just about veterans. Zimbabwe’s Ernest Masuku made his ODI debut in the second match, bowling four overs for 34 runs. Though he didn’t take a wicket, his raw pace and aggressive line caught the eye of analysts. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka introduced Dushan Hemantha Kumara in the third T20I—a left-arm spinner who took 2 for 21 in his debut, helping restrict Zimbabwe to 175. His calm demeanor under pressure reminded fans of Ajantha Mendis at his peak. The T20I series was a rollercoaster. Sri Lanka won the first two, including a blistering 55 from Nissanka in just 32 balls. But Zimbabwe struck back in the fourth T20I, bowling Sri Lanka out for 80—their lowest total in T20I history since 2019. Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean all-rounder, took 3 for 18 and smashed 41 off 28 balls to lead the chase. "That’s cricket," said Shanaka. "You can’t win every battle. But you learn from them."The Bigger Picture: World Cup Pathways and Infrastructure
This tour wasn’t just about pride—it was strategic. Both teams are in the early stages of qualifying for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Sri Lanka, currently ranked 8th in ODIs, used the series to test new combinations. Their top four—Nissanka, Rajapaksa, Kusal Mendis, and Asalanka—showed remarkable cohesion. Zimbabwe, ranked 11th, are rebuilding after years of administrative turmoil. The fact that they fielded three debutants across the series signals a long-term plan. The Harare Sports Club, established in 1894 and located at 110 Samora Machel Avenue, remains Zimbabwe’s cricketing heartbeat. With a capacity of 10,000, it’s one of the few venues in Africa where fans still pack the stands for ODIs. The ICC-appointed umpires—A. G. Jayasundera and K. T. Francis—kept the matches tight and fair, with no controversies.
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka’s next assignment is a home series against Bangladesh in October, followed by a high-stakes triangular tournament in November with Pakistan and Afghanistan. For Zimbabwe, the focus shifts to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2026. They’ll need more performances like Raza’s 92 and Masuku’s debut to stay competitive. Meanwhile, Nissanka has now scored 738 runs in his last 10 ODIs at an average of 73.8. Madushanka’s hat-trick has propelled him into the top 10 ODI bowlers for 2025. And Taylor? He’s not retiring. "I’ve still got one more century in me," he said with a grin.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Dilshan Madushanka’s hat-trick in Sri Lankan cricket history?
Madushanka’s hat-trick was the first by a Sri Lankan in ODIs since Lasith Malinga in 2019, and only the 11th in the country’s ODI history. It was also the first ever by a Sri Lankan against Zimbabwe. His 4 for 62 remains the best bowling figures by a Sri Lankan in an ODI in Zimbabwe, surpassing the previous record of 4 for 70 set by Chaminda Vaas in 2004.
Why is Brendan Taylor’s 10,000 international runs such a big deal?
Taylor became the first Zimbabwean—and only the 12th African player—to reach 10,000 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. He achieved this despite playing through Zimbabwe’s financial collapse in the 2010s, when players went unpaid for months. Only three players from sub-Saharan Africa have more international runs: Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Hashim Amla.
What impact did the Harare Sports Club have on the series?
The pitch at Harare Sports Club favored batsmen early but offered turn later, making it ideal for testing both batting depth and spin options. The ground’s compact boundaries (65 meters on average) helped Sri Lanka’s aggressive middle order, while Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled with wides—20 in total across both ODIs, the highest in a two-match ODI series since 2021.
How does this series affect Sri Lanka’s World Cup qualification chances?
Sri Lanka’s clean sweep strengthens their position in the ICC ODI Super League standings. With 12 points from two wins, they’re now firmly in the top 8, avoiding the qualifier route. Their next three series—against Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and West Indies—are critical to lock in a direct World Cup berth in 2027.
What does Zimbabwe’s performance suggest about their future?
Despite losing the series, Zimbabwe showed signs of revival. Three debutants played, Sikandar Raza remained consistent, and their T20I win proved they can compete under pressure. If they can retain core players and secure stable funding, they’re on track to qualify for the 2027 World Cup through the regional pathway—something they haven’t done since 2015.
Who were the standout all-rounders in the series?
Sikandar Raza was the clear standout, scoring 167 runs and taking 5 wickets across the two ODIs. For Sri Lanka, Kamindu Mendis impressed with both bat and ball, scoring 112 runs and taking 3 wickets in the T20Is. His 44-ball 53 in the third T20I was the fastest fifty by a Sri Lankan against Zimbabwe in T20I history.
Written by Zander Lockhart
View all posts by: Zander Lockhart