ZIM vs WI: Twitter reacts as Zimbabwe play out hard-fought draw, West Indies fall four wickets short

West Indies arrived in Zimbabwe hoping for a Test series victory, but things have not gone as planned thus far. After two rain-interrupted days saw their openers Kraigg Braithwaite and Tangerine Chandrapaul score big hundreds, Zimbabwe responded with a fitting reply and declared being behind by 68 runs. 

The Windies were hoping to pile on the runs on and score them at a rapid pace. Zimbabwe, on the other hand,  wanted to bundle the visitors out cheaply to stand a chance at attaining a Test victory. West Indies, later on scored runs at a brisk rate and declared their innings on 203/5d and set a target of 272 in 51 overs.

Zimbabwe would have hoped for a rare Test match triumph, a feat that they haven't achieved since 2020/21. The batters came out with some intent and started scoring at a good rate. On the other hand, continuous wickets tumbling did not help their cause and first innings centurion Gary Ballance along with Tafadzwa Tsiga, had to hold the fort down. The Windies came close to sealing the victory but didn't have time left and the match ended in a draw but has left a lot to look forward to in the second Test. 

What's next for both the teams?

Both Zimbabwe and West Indies will want to seal the series in the upcoming second Test. For the Windies, Tagenarine Chandrapaul's mammoth first innings score was an indication that the opener has sealed his spot. For the hosts, adding an experienced personnel like Gary Ballance to their arsenal will give them some hope to challenge the best teams in the format. 

Zimbabwe would be hoping for their first Test series win since 2011 when the two sides meet next in at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo for the second Test. West Indies would be looking to get a series win as well after a horrific tour to Australia that ended in a clean sweep.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the fifth day of the Test match: -

Magic 🪄 man of Zimbabwe cricket 🇿🇼 !!!!!! I think i don't get shocked if Zimbabwe cricket qualifies for the next ODI world cup under his belt !!!!! pic.twitter.com/10gg4kRnH4

— Gyandeep piriya🏏🇿🇼 (@Gyandeeppiriya) February 8, 2023

#1stTest - Day 5: 1⃣0⃣0⃣ Up for 🇿🇼

After 32 overs, 🇿🇼 379/9d & 101/4

(Tsiga 10*, Ballance 8*), need 171 runs to win

Watch every ball live and FREE on https://t.co/IYzYrrprg4 📺#ZIMvWI | #VisitZimbabwe | #FillUpQueensSportsClub pic.twitter.com/1hBasXJ7ww

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 8, 2023

Zimbabwe batters to score hundred on debut. #ZimbabweCricket | #ZIMvWI pic.twitter.com/Mx4HcfNyl9

— M Ahmad (@ChAhmadSayal) February 8, 2023

Garry Ballance gave some 'balance' to the Zimbabwean cricket team as they take on West Indies at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo pic.twitter.com/mz1IQcvhsc

— Wonder Mashura (@wonderimages) February 7, 2023

The first Test between West Indies and Zimbabwe ends in a draw as West Indies fall 4 wickets short of victory.#WestIndies #Zimabwe #WIvsZIM #Cricket #CricTracker pic.twitter.com/0zx1oJPfA9

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 8, 2023

WEST INDIES DECLARE 203/5

Zimbabwe will need to score 272 runs in 49 overs

— Caribbean Cricket Podcast (@CaribCricket) February 8, 2023

8 years on, Gary Ballance finds his mojo with his country of birth 🇿🇼#ZIMvWI pic.twitter.com/XMoCx71WGB

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 8, 2023

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