Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka upset Zimbabwe; register first win in 2018

Sri Lanka managed to register their first win in 2018 as they defeated Zimbabwe by 5 wickets. For a moment, it seemed as if Zimbabweans were fighting their way back in the game. However, the duo of Thisara Perera and Dinesh Chandimal stood there till the end and steered the Islanders to victory.

Earlier, Zimbabwe began well after electing to bat first. However, they lost their way as the top order faltered. They were reduced to 73/4 as Brendan Taylor came to the crease. He alongside Malcolm Waller put up a 66-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Taylor went on to hit his first half century since his return to international cricket.

Graeme Cremer tried to hang on at the crease for a while However as soon as he got out, the batting order lost their way. Nuwan Pradeep didn’t allow the tail to wag as he got the last three wickets in his bag within 2 overs. Zimbabwe were bundled for a total of 198. Thisara Perera was the pick amongst the Sri Lankan bowlers with figures of 4/33. Lakshan Sandakan also got a couple of wickets.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka lost Upul Tharanga early. However, both Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis combined for a 70 run partnership for the second wicket. That’s when Blessing Muzarabani took three wickets in quick succession. The Islanders lost plot as they were reduced from 103/1 to 117/4.

Sri Lanka lost Asela Gunaratne as it seemed they were about to panic. This is when Perera and Chandimal combined for an unbeaten 57-run partnership for the sixth wicket. They ensured the Sri Lankans faced no further hiccups as they cruised to victory with 31 balls to spare.

Right from lauding Brendan Taylor and Thisara Perera to trolling the Sri Lankan collapse. Here we present to you some of the best from the game:

Hey @daniel86cricket, personal differences aside mate, but seriously what a glory for Sri Lankan Cricket. My word, what a major upset. This is what happens when you BELIEVE. Majestic, absolutely majestic.

— Abhishek (@Sajjanlaunda) January 21, 2018

BigBreaking: SL won a game.#SLvZIM

— Athar ? (@cricdrugs) January 21, 2018

Sri Lanka have won their crucial Tri-Series encounter with Zimbabwe by 5 wickets, thanks to stand in captain Dinesh Chandimal (38*) and Thisara Perera (39*) #SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/Qy5sEX0fr4

— ICC (@ICC) January 21, 2018

Chandi's bat… pieces.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) January 21, 2018

Taylor looks in good knock early on. Getting boundaries regularly. #SLvZIM

— MicSetMatch (@MicSetMatch) January 21, 2018

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe or the Karnataka Premier League?

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) January 21, 2018

After loosing four early wickets Zimbabwe is fighting very well #SLvZIM

— Muneeb-Ul-Husnain (@IamMuneebLali) January 21, 2018

Mendis took an absolute blinder.
Moore ran himself out.

Except those,things are happening nicely at the middle as usual.#SLvZIM #TriSeries

— DEVIN | දෙවින් (@Buri_Bunis) January 21, 2018

Great opportunity for Sri Lanka to win with the bonus point and virtually knock Zimbabwe out of the series! #SLvZIM #TriSeries

— Manuka (@MadurangaManuka) January 21, 2018

Good job by Sri Lankan bowlers.
Now batsmen need to do their job. #SLvZIM

— Sakun Sankalana ⚓️ (@Sakun_SD) January 21, 2018

Finally seems like TP has upgraded to a much better version as an all-rounder.

Miracles do happen ppl.<3#SLvZIM

— DEVIN | දෙවින් (@Buri_Bunis) January 21, 2018

Blessing Muzarabani bowling action looks like raw Kagiso Rabada #SLVZIM #ZIMVSL

— Encrypted Layman!! (@FreddieFaizan) January 21, 2018

Bowling too many googlies just killing Sandakan.He would be ideal if he uses his standard ball more than trying to get wicket off each and every single freaking delivery with his damn googly #SLvZIM

— Kj ツ (@Kasunjayaranga) January 21, 2018

Sri Lanka doing Liverpool here. #SLvZIM

— Fawad (@fawadRM) January 21, 2018

It may be bit harsh, but I can’t shake the feeling that Thisara has found his level in this competition. Doing quite well against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. #SLvZIM

— Sameera මාලින්ද (@sameera79) January 21, 2018

Sri Lanka Crickets reputation at stake now, hope we won't be covering our faces with horror at the end of the day, it's in hard times we prevail more than ever, hope we can get over it. #SLvZim

— Inthiqab Omer (@Inthiqab93) January 21, 2018

Waller reviews successfully then is dropped next ball. #SLvZIM

— _Simba_ (@Legslipp) January 21, 2018

Murray is vocal. Helps that Cremer is bowling well. But the field still is not as offensive as it should be. Sri Lanka need 79 off 138 balls #SLvZIM

— MicSetMatch (@MicSetMatch) January 21, 2018

First Fifty For @BrendanTaylor86 After Making Comeback into the ODI Squad ? #SLvZIM

— Johns ? (@CricCrazyJohns) January 21, 2018

When did Thisara Perera become a proper bowler…? #slvzim

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) January 21, 2018

Can Zimbabwe make a match out of this one? #SLvZIM

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) January 21, 2018

Dasun Shanaka had good tours against West Indies A, Pakistan and India as an allrounder, can bowl 10 overs, can score in middle/lower order with big hits and can field. perfect replacement for Angelo Mathews in tri-series. @OfficialSLC @dasunshanaka1 #SriLanka #LKA

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) January 21, 2018

Stick to the pacers if need be. Kusal has opened the door a touch. Can you get in Zimbabwe?

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) January 21, 2018