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In the ongoing inaugural T20I of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday (January 14), Zimbabwe, having won the toss, chose to set a target for the home team.
Sikandar Raza’s crucial knock for Zimbabwe
The innings commenced with Tinashe Kamunhukamwe providing a brisk start, setting a positive tone. However, the early dismissals of Craig Ervine and Sean Williams added pressure to the visitors. In the face of this challenge, Sikandar Raza emerged as the lynchpin for Zimbabwe, crafting a masterful innings of 62 runs off 42 balls. His aggressive yet calculated approach not only anchored the innings but also propelled the team to a respectable 143/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
As the Zimbabwean innings progressed, the supporting cast of Ryan Burl, Brian Bennett and Luke Jongwe played their roles, contributing to the team’s total. Nevertheless, it was Raza’s ability to find boundaries and construct crucial partnerships that stood out. His innings featured five fours and two sixes, showcasing a blend of aggression and finesse. Despite facing challenges from Sri Lankan bowlers, including the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera, Raza’s resilience led Zimbabwe to a competitive score.
Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2024, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, UK & other countries
Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranaga great bowling for Sri Lanka
On the bowling front, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana emerged as the standout performer, grabbing two wickets while maintaining an economical spell. Hasaranga also made significant contributions, picking up two crucial wickets. The Sri Lankan bowlers, however, encountered resistance from Raza, who held the Zimbabwean innings together. Although Sri Lanka managed to contain the run rate, Raza’s impactful innings added a layer of competitiveness to the game.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Zim cricket fans will cry real tears when Raza decides to retire from international cricket
— Risus 🌷 (@jossychiedza) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza 62(42), how unfortunate that for all these efforts his side doesn’t get to play the ODI and T20 WC both when he has been truly exceptional.
— TH62DW31 (@travisheadera) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza last 6 t20is:
48(39)
58(36)
65(37)
82(48)
65(42)
62(42)The level of consistency by this man🔥#INDvAFG #INDvsAFG #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/fX4C1czohV
— TCTV Cricket (@tctv1offl) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza 🔥 important half century, that.
— Dave Hulley 🇿🇼 (@dravi_drummer) January 14, 2024
Sikandar Raza half-ton! Well done skipper
— Ollie 🙂 (@lizweC) January 14, 2024
Raza is the beast
— Curiosity (@Ramzz_shankoo) January 14, 2024
Sikander Raza In T20Is >>>>> 😎🔥
— 𝐘𝐀𝐒𝐇 ²⁵¹⁴ ꨄ︎ || ꜱᴀᴅʜɪᴋᴀ’ꜱ ʙ’ᴅᴀʏ || (@Inrovert_ankii6) January 14, 2024
50 up for Raza. What a player.
— TeamLH44 (@Ndi_Sandra) January 14, 2024
A fighting fifty from the skipper @SRazaB24 👊#SLvZIM pic.twitter.com/76htAXjqFo
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 14, 2024
Raza is s class act a complete package
— Khalid Shabir Malik (@MalikKhalid214) January 14, 2024
Really poor from Sri Lanka’s pace bowlers.
They gave away 81 runs in 8 overs.
That too against Zimbabwe on a pitch that had something for them.#SLvZIM— S (@Sakun_SD) January 14, 2024
143 is a decent total to defend. Good thing we have Richard Ngarava on our team#SLvZIM
— Lionel (@itslionish) January 14, 2024
Chameera & Nuwan should be more concerned about their line and lengths. #SLvZIM
— Prabath🇱🇰 (@Prabathkv96) January 14, 2024
Also READ: Veteran all-rounder Yuvraj Singh picks the young Indian cricketer who reminds him of himself
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