Dilshan Madushanka took a last-over hat-trick to snatch Sri Lanka a thrilling seven-run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday in the first of two one-day internationals.
Zimbabwe were well set with Sikandar Raza, on 92, on strike, as they needed 10 runs off the final six balls with five wickets in hand.
But left-arm seamer Madushanka emerged as the hero for Sri Lanka, bowling Raza off the first ball of the final over, then dismissing Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava from his next two deliveries.
Raza had his middle stump uprooted attempting a sweep, Evans was caught at short fine leg by Asitha Fernando and Ngarava was also clean bowled.
"I am just so happy to do this on my comeback. Very happy that we executed our collective plans at the death," said Madushanka, who held his nerve with the last three balls to close out the win.
Zimbabwe won the toss and Sri Lanka posted 298-6 batting first courtesy of a late barrage of boundaries.
The second ODI is on Sunday at the same venue.
Sri Lanka recovered from losing opener Nishan Madushka for a duck as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis (38) put on 100 runs for the second wicket.
Nissanka top scored with 76 and, further down the order, Janith Liyanage struck an unbeaten 70 off just 47 balls.
Kamindu Mendis also provided some late-order impetus with a 36-ball 57 before being bowled by Ngarava from the final ball of the innings.
Left-arm quick Ngarava (2-34) was the lone Zimbabwe bowler to take more than one wicket at Harare Sports Club.
CURRAN, WILIAMS RALLY ZIM
The home team's reply began disastrously with Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor both falling to Fernando in the first over, leaving Zimbabwe 0-2 after just four balls.
Taylor was making his first ODI appearance since 2021 after bans for breaching anti-corruption rules and for failing a drugs test.
But half-centuries from Ben Curran (70) and Sean Williams (57) dragged Zimbabwe back into contention before they slipped to 161-5.
But Raza combined with Tony Munyonga in a brilliant 128-run stand to take the Africans to the brink of victory.
Raza's 92 came off 87 balls and included eight fours.
When he was dismissed by Madushanka, Munyonga was left stranded at the non-striker's end until the penultimate ball and finished 43 not out.
Sri Lanka are touring Zimbabwe for the first time since 2008.
