Within the 1st T20I of the three-match sequence between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday (January 14), Sri Lanka emerged victorious by three wickets in a intently contested encounter, regardless of Sikandar Raza‘s exceptional efforts with both bat and ball for Zimbabwe.
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 workforce to victory within the final ball of the match. Regardless of Sikandar Raza’s impactful all-around efficiency, choosing 3 wickets for 13 runs in his 4 overs, Sri Lanka showcased resilience and willpower to safe an exhilarating win. Mathews was named participant of the match in the long run.
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sikandar Raza was distinctive!!!! The entire workforce tried . Higher luck subsequent time Chevrons.
— AALIYAH NICOLE (@aaliyah_asani) January 14, 2024
A stupendous all-round present from Sikandar Raza, however comeback man Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka did the rescue act for Sri Lanka, earlier than Dushmantha Chameera held his cool on the end 👏
A Sunday thriller in Colombo!
#SLvZIM #PAKvsNZ #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/sMyRzGWSVC
— Usman awan (@Malikusmanawann) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza will go down as considered one of our greatest Cricketers in Zimbabwe. He simply was a part of the era that was affected by management points
— ✞ (@cruelsankara) January 14, 2024
Mathews and Shanaka(two present fav SL batters) have completed it for Srilanka
One other effective all spherical efficiency by Sikandar Raza got here in shedding trigger, you gotta really feel for him however warra sport of cricket🔥🔥 #SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/uDlZBtjAHh— Ahsaan Elahi (@Callme_ahsaan) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza, the one man Military for Zimbabwe
He was the top-scorer in addition to probably the most profitable bowler for his aspect#SLvZIM #MyGP pic.twitter.com/CNQcGchorE
— Omar Faruque (@OmarFar46196492) January 14, 2024
Our battle with the bat & the ball overpowers the enjoyment of a win. Extra elements to be apprehensive and anxious about. However, properly performed Zimbabwe, nearly took the sport away from us !! #SLvZIM #CricketTwitter
— Prabath🇱🇰 (@Prabathkv96) January 14, 2024
Skilled duo Mathews and Shanaka take Sri Lanka house as 🇱🇰 BEAT Zimbabwe by 3 wickets!
A unbelievable begin to the 3-match T20I sequence with a 1-0 lead!🎉
📝 Full Scorecard: https://t.co/pRnUNNPgkY#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/pwwKRYIYsY
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) January 14, 2024
Sri Lanka win the first T20I by 3 wickets, to take a 1-0 lead within the 3-match sequence#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/yFTb2d9DlZ
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 14, 2024
Whether or not you want or not, you gotta agree that Mathews is the most effective batsman in the present day. Nicely performed mathews and shanaka ❤️#SLvZIM
— Munsif Muzammir (@_munsif_) January 14, 2024
Cannot imagine a sure pundit wished Shanaka out of the aspect in the present day😂 with out him this complete lineup cannot win vs Zimbabwe even😂😂
— Jayith Liyanage🇱🇰 (@JayithL) January 14, 2024
Shanaka is without doubt one of the biggest srilankan gamers of all time
— Hashim (@Hashim62396885) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza. Thats it. Thats the tweet.
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza is a champion Allrounder. At all times stands up in crunch conditions 🔥❤️ Gritty fifty is adopted by necessary wickets. Take a bow, SR #Zimbabwe #SLvsZIM
— Shehryar Sajid Khan (@Sskwrites) January 14, 2024
SIKANDAR RAZA!!! What a legend he’s
— Safi (@cricket747) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza enjoying havoc with SL
— mohsinali (@mohsinaliisb) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza 🇿🇼🏏
– Batting: 62 (42)
– Bowling: 3/13 (4)#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/qk52tUQz1t— Zohaib Hussain 🇵🇰 (@CricZobbiH56) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza is being performed like he is Rashid Khan! #SLvZIM
— Sameer Yoonus (@samsperspective) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza 🔥🔥🔥#SLvZIM
— Chatil Panditasekara (@ChatilPandi) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza what a genius T20 participant…
62 runs in 42 balls & 4-0-13-3#SLvZIM— JSK (@imjsk27) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza. That’s his identify!
— larry kwirirayi ✍📔 (@kwirirayi) January 14, 2024
I do know SKY will win T20 POY however my vote can be Sikandar Raza, carrying Zimbabwe with such consistency with each bat and ball. It is genuinely insane!
— Don Mateo (@DonMateo_X14) January 14, 2024
What Raza has completed within the final couple of years is actually insane.
— Faizan (@Sydbarrett71) January 14, 2024