Twitter Reactions: Zimbabwe flag off their Test return in a composed way against Sri Lanka

After a tumultuous 8-10 months, Zimbabwe Cricket has finally leapt back to the game after the completion of their suspension. The Sean William-led side etched a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s cricketing history by flagging of the first Test of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

The last time Zimbabwe donned the whites, it was in Bangladesh in December 2018 and they drew the series 1-1. Zimbabwe has been resistant to don the whites since the past few years as they have played a total of 24 Test matches since the start of 2010, winning a mere four.

Embarking a fresh journey in Test cricket, Zimbabwe were in no hurry as the both their openers steered their side to a steady but slow start. The opening pair of Prince Masvaure and Kevin Kasuza stitched 96 runs for the first wicket till Lasith Embuldeniya finally broke the partnership in the 51st over.

Zimbabwe batsmen followed a calm approach on Day 1

Masvaure’s innings culminated after he tried to loft the ball over mid-off but was unsuccessful. Embuldeniya finally provided Sri Lanka with the much-needed breakthrough. However, Craig Ervine ensured that Zimbabwe don’t suffer a batting collapse. Ervine and Kasuza spent time in the middle to stabilize the Zimbabwe innings.

However, the partnership was halted by Lahir Kumara, who trapped Kevin Kasuza on 63 runs. At the end of the first day, Craig Ervine along with Brendan Taylor stuck to the crease with a composed approach. Ervine scored a cool-headed half-century and added 55 runs on the scoreboard.

Sri Lanka’s bowling force, on the other hand, proved ineffective in scalping early wickets. Suranga Lakmal emerged as the pick of the bowlers due to his economical spell. Lahiru Kumara and Lasith Embuldena were awarded a wicket each before the completion of the first day at Harare. At the stumps, Zimbabwe gathered 189 runs on the board at the loss of two wickets.

The Sean William-led side has undoubtedly recurred their Test cricket journey in a stable manner. With the wicket being a slow one, it will be interesting to watch whether the Zimbabwe batsmen put their foot on the gas pedal on the second day of the Test.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

The way Zimbabwe are batting, I'm sure they'll beat SL by an innings @daniel86cricket #ZimvsSL

— Abhishek (@ImAbhishek7_) January 19, 2020

That awkward moment when Zimbabwe have better opening partnerships than South Africa… #ZIMvsSL #SAvsENG #ENGvSA #ProudlySouthAfrican

— Luke du Toot (@Luke_du_Toit) January 19, 2020

Sri Lanka won in South Africa and can lose in Zimbabwe 😜#ZIMvsSL

— जय (@outside_waist) January 19, 2020

Maiden FIFTY! Proud of you Prince. You deserve this man. #ZIMvsSL pic.twitter.com/AMhhDvjW93

— Elton Phiri (@elton_phiri) January 19, 2020

First instance of Zimbabwe’s 🇿🇼 top 3 making fifty-plus scores in a Test cricket

Kasuza 55
Masvaure 63
Craig Ervine 55*#ZIMvsSL pic.twitter.com/JZS6fccaUJ

— Satendra Singh, MD (@drsitu) January 19, 2020

When was the last time in test cricket we had 2opening batsman score half centuries @ZimCricketv #ZIMvsSL

— k33kman (@mrmaimba) January 19, 2020

The noise levels have really gone up at HSC. Incredible support towards day end. Get in Zimbabwe #ZIMvsSL

— #tayaruka🇿🇼🇿🇦 (@wellimakombe) January 19, 2020

It seems @OfficialSLC is hell bent on humiliating itself & @IamDimuth @Angelo69Mathews @chandi_17 & company on making some easy money with @ZimCricketv on its way to 350+ . c @ICC #ZIMvsSL

— Imran Sheikh (@ImranSh29436201) January 19, 2020

When was the last time both @ZimCricketv openers had fiftys? Well played kasuza and prince #ZIMvsSL

— #tayaruka🇿🇼🇿🇦 (@wellimakombe) January 19, 2020

Zimbabwe is bashing Sri Lanka other side 😅#ZIMvsSL

— आ•_शेखर (@a_shekharr) January 19, 2020

Well done to the Zim openers good solid batting:). .., I think it’s time to up that run rate by taking more singles #ZIMvsSL

— cliff (@clifmun) January 19, 2020

End of Day 1, @ZimCricketv 189/2 @ErvineCraig 55 n/o @BrendanTaylor86 13 n/o #ZIMvsSL

— Larry Trusida (@LarryTrusida) January 19, 2020