Mumbai, September 1: Sri Lanka were fined five per cent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare, according to the ICC website. Pacer Dilshan Madushanka's hat-trick proved decisive as Sri Lanka narrowly beat Zimbabwe by seven runs. Despite half-centuries from Ben Curran, skipper Sean Williams, and Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe fell short. Sri Lanka now leads the two-match series 1-0. The sanction was imposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees after Sri Lanka were found one over short of the target, accounting for time allowances. ZIM vs SL 2nd ODI 2025: Brendan Taylor Becomes Third Zimbabwe Batter To Complete 10,000 International Runs.

Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for each over not bowled in the allotted time. Skipper Charith Asalanka pleaded guilty and accepted the proposed sanction, so no formal hearing was needed.

Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to field first. Three half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka (76 in 92 balls, with 12 fours), Janith Liyanage (70* in 47 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Kamindu Mendis (57* in 36 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) took Sri Lanka to 298/6 in 50 overs. During the run-chase, Zimbabwe lost Brian Bennett and a returning Brendan Taylor for ducks, reduced to 0/2 in the first over.

Then an 118-run stand between Curran (70 in 90 balls, with eight fours) and Williams (57 in 74 balls, with eight fours and two sixes) revived the hosts' fortunes. With them at a similar spot at 161/5, a 128-run stand between Raza (92 in 87 balls, with eight fours) and Tony Munyonga (43* in 52 balls, with a four) took Zimbabwe to the brink of victory. Sri Lanka Beat Zimbabwe by Five Wickets in ZIM vs SL 2nd ODI 2025; Pathum Nissanka's Century Help Visitors To Whitewash Host 2-0.

With 10 needed in the final over, Madushanka (4/62) struck on his first three balls, and Zimbabwe ended their innings at 291/8 in 50 overs, seven runs short of a win. Asitha Fernando (3/50) was also impressive with the ball. Madushanka earned the 'Player of the Match' award for his feat.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)