Twitter reacts to Zimbabwe's historic series win against Sri Lanka

It was tied at two-all at the beginning of the fifth match of series at Hambantota between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The match held utmost importance as it would decide the eventual winners of a hard fought series. As it turned out, it was the men in red who came out triumphant in the series decide as they went on to win their first series victory away from home post the era of Heath Streaks and Stuart Carlisle’s.

After shocking the Sri Lankans in the very first match of series, the home side made a comeback by winning the second and third match of series. Sri Lankans believed that the loss at Galle was just a one-off thing and ensured that the Sri Lanka’s reach for the trophy is well within grasp of the home side. However, Zimbabwe was in no mood to accept that as they went on repeat their feat in the series opener by defeating the home side in the fourth ODI.

Much was expected out of Sri Lankan pair Gunathilaka and Dickwella. Both opening batsmen were in full flow in the series. But Dickwella could not replicate his form and was dismissed cheaply. Gunathilaka ensured the team went off to some sort of a start as he scored a crucial knock of 52. However, Sri Lanka found Sikander Raza‘s spell too hot to handle as they lost a bunch of wickets to him and Cremer. It was only due to the unbeaten effort of Gunaratne that Sri Lanka managed a paltry score of 203.

Zimbabwe believed that it was the perfect opportunity to seal the series as they had to chase just 204. Their positive approach was pretty much evident from their opening stand. Masakadza played brilliantly for his 76, as Mire and Musakanda provided ample support to him. The African nation was cruising at 137-1 at one stage and suddenly, a batting collapse was triggered by Dananjaya, who picked up four wickets for by conceding 47 in 10 overs. However, Zimbabwe had Sikander Raza holding one end up, as he finished the formalities with a six.

Let us look at how Twitter reacted to the series win

Looks like Zimbabwe are going to create history by winning the series against SL in SL. What a remarkable turnaround story.#SLvZIM

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 10, 2017

The last time Zimbabwe won an ODI series agst a Test side, other than Bangladesh: bt N Zealand in NZ 2-1 in January 2001, 16 yrs ago#SLvZIM

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 10, 2017

Never easy to beat Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka but the number 11 ranked Zimbabwe have done it. Gobsmacking performance. #SLvZim

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) July 10, 2017

incredible from zimbabwe. the fight to take the last two spots for the 2019 world cup will be quite something #SLvZIM

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) July 10, 2017

A one-off is anybody's game but in a series of 5 matches, the better team should win. Well done Zimbabwe ??? #SLvZim

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 10, 2017

Zimbabwe now has won as many bilateral ODI series in Sri Lanka as England, South Africa and New Zealand and one more than Windies. #SLvZIM

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) July 10, 2017

In the last 25 ODI matches, lower ranked teams have defeated the higher ranked teams in 15 games and lost in 8. (2 washouts) #SLvZIM

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) July 10, 2017

Sikandar Raza unbeaten in 6 successful run-chases in ODIs. Four times he has hit winning runs – Three times SIX and once a FOUR. #SLvZIM

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) July 10, 2017

Zimbabwe captains to win an ODI series outside home:

Heath Streak
Stuart Carlisle
Prosper Utseya
Graeme Cremer*#SLvZIM

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) July 10, 2017

Deserved win for @ZimCricketv. I know how devastated the @OfficialSLC players, fans and team officials feel. This is when they need even –

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) July 10, 2017

– more support, nurturing and patience. Correct measures put in place for for resurgence and improvement. Not a time for people with –

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) July 10, 2017

– vested interests to score social and political brownie points and distract attention from actual facts. Quo Vadis Sri Lanka cricket?

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) July 10, 2017

Congrats Makhaya Ntini and @ZimCricketv on a historic series win vs Sri Lanka ??

— Robin John Peterson (@robbie13flair) July 10, 2017

Congratulations @ZimCricketv Very impressed with the cricket played. Tactics amd ever willing to learn and Adjusted fast.. Well done !!!

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) July 10, 2017

Huge congrats to @ZimCricketv on winning the series 3-2 v @OfficialSLC
The series has been a really & entertaining Series. ??????

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) July 10, 2017

Well played fellas. Congrats on the series win. @ZimCricketv https://t.co/koEC7PzWGW

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) July 10, 2017

This series victory marks an new era in #Zimbabwe #Cricket – well done to the new Board and @HEATHSTREAKCRIC for inspiring these fine lads

— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) July 10, 2017