Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe to a respectable total
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka witnessed Zimbabwe post a competitive 143/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Raza played a pivotal role, crafting an impressive innings of 62 runs off 42 balls, embellished with 5 fours and 2 sixes. Supporting contributions came from Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (26), Sean Williams (14) and Luke Jongwe (13). The Sri Lankan bowling attack stood out with notable displays from Maheesh Theekshana (2/16) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2/19).
Also READ: Fans praise Sikandar Raza as his resilient batting propels Zimbabwe to a competitive total against Sri Lanka in 1st T20I
Sri Lankan registers a thrilling victory
In pursuit of the target set by Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka faced a challenging task of 144 runs. Angelo Mathews (46) and Dasun Shanaka (26*) emerged as the primary architects of Sri Lanka’s innings, guiding their team to victory in the last ball of the match. Despite Sikandar Raza’s impactful all-around performance, picking 3 wickets for 13 runs in his four overs, Sri Lanka showcased resilience and determination to secure a thrilling win. Mathews was named player of the match in the end.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
A stupendous all-round show from Sikandar Raza, but comeback man Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka did the rescue act for Sri Lanka, before Dushmantha Chameera held his cool at the finish
A Sunday thriller in Colombo!
#SLvZIM #PAKvsNZ #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/sMyRzGWSVC
— Usman awan (@Malikusmanawann) January 14, 2024
Mathews and Shanaka(two current fav SL batters) have done it for Srilanka
Another fine all round performance by Sikandar Raza came in losing cause, you gotta feel for him but warra game of cricket#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/uDlZBtjAHh
— Ahsaan Elahi (@Callme_ahsaan) January 14, 2024
Our struggle with the bat & the ball overpowers the joy of a win. More factors to be worried and concerned about. On the other hand, well played Zimbabwe, almost took the game away from us !! #SLvZIM #CricketTwitter
— Prabath(@Prabathkv96) January 14, 2024
Experienced duo Mathews and Shanaka take Sri Lanka home as
A fantastic start to the 3-match T20I series with a 1-0 lead!
Full Scorecard: https://t.co/pRnUNNPgkY#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/pwwKRYIYsY
— Sri Lanka Cricket
Whether you like or not, you gotta agree that Mathews is the best batsman today. Well played mathews and shanaka#SLvZIM
— Munsif Muzammir (@_munsif_) January 14, 2024
Can't believe a certain pundit wanted Shanaka out of the side todaywithout him this whole lineup can't win vs Zimbabwe even
— Jayith Liyanage
(@AdamTheofilatos) Sikandar Raza is a champion Allrounder. Always stands up in crunch situations
— Shehryar Sajid Khan (@Sskwrites) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza
– Batting: 62 (42)
– Bowling: 3/13 (4)#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/qk52tUQz1t
— Zohaib Hussain(@CricZobbiH56) January 14, 2024
(@kwirirayi) Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2024, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, UK & other countries
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