ZIM vs WI: Twitter reacts as Gary Ballance smashes unbeaten ton on Zimbabwe Test debut

After rain delays that turned into two interrupted days, and an action-packed, the fourth day of the first Test between Zimbabwe and West Indies was nothing short of spectacular.

Zimbabwe started the day three wickets down and the visitors wanted to put pressure in order to restrict the hosts to a mediocre total and gain a sizeable lead. West Indies won the first session and  were able to chip away with four more wickets which left Zimbabwe in a lot of trouble. 

Alzarri Joseph was key as he troubled the Zimbabwe batters in the morning session. He added to his one wicket on day three with two more in the first session of play. He was able to get the in-form opener Innocent Kaia and break a steady partnership. The Zimbabwe debutant Gary Ballance was still at the crease and looked solid from the get-go. He finished the morning session on 38* from 108 balls but did not find support from the other end. 

The Zimbabwe batters showed great resilience in the second session and didn't lose any wickets and were able to chip away with 121 runs as well. Gary Ballance got the support he wanted and played some sublime shots and reach his maiden hundred for Zimbabwe in Test cricket. Brandon Mavuta, at the other end also got to his fifty. 

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder finally broke the partnership by bowling Mavuta out.  Ballance was at his best again and was playing his shots. The Windies weren't taking any of the chances which did not help their cause. Craig Ervine made a bold and smart decision of declaring the innings even though they were 68 runs behind. 

First Innings centurions Kraigg Braithwaite and Tangerine Chandrapaul arrived to the crease to avoid any hiccups and are still intact at the end of Day four. It would be interesting to see  the West Indies' approach tomorrow morning and whether they will play out a draw or will look for an outright win.

Here's how Twitter reacted to another splendid day of cricket between Zimbabwe and West Indies : -

Gary Ballance has a Test century for England and now Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/umsL8oyfbU

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 7, 2023

Garry Ballance, on his Test debut for Zimbabwe scored 137*(231) when the team was in big trouble with 192 for 7.

He has 4 Test hundreds for England from 24 Tests. pic.twitter.com/Rn2EdWQSwB

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 7, 2023

Gary Ballance and Brandon Mavuta have led Zimbabwe's fightback 🙌

Watch #ZIMvWI live and FREE on https://t.co/CPDKNxoJ9v (in select regions) 📺

📝 Scorecard: https://t.co/kWH1ac3IPs | 📸: @ZimCricketv pic.twitter.com/AKsJaX8cUJ

— ICC (@ICC) February 7, 2023

Garry Simon Ballance

4th Test Ton: Vs West Indies 2015 (While playing for England)

5th Test Ton: Vs West Indies 2023 (While playing for Zimbabwe) pic.twitter.com/UnVhxUmfPR

— Shafqat Shabbir (@Chefkat23) February 7, 2023

Gary Balance became the only the second cricketer after Kepler Wessels to score centuries for two countries in Test cricket.

Zimbabwe also declared their innings on 379/9, 68 runs behind West Indies in a bid to force a result on the final day of the match. Excellent! #ZIMvWI pic.twitter.com/0nHmrJZpug

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 7, 2023

#1stTest - Day 4: INNINGS BREAK! 🇿🇼 have declared on 3⃣7⃣9⃣/9⃣ in 125 overs

(Ballance 137*, I.Kaia 67, Mavuta 56; Joseph 3/75, Holder 2/55, Motie 2/110), trail West Indies 🌴 by 68 runs#ZIMvWI | #VisitZimbabwe | #FillUpQueensSportsClub pic.twitter.com/ddRmyTZCbv

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 7, 2023

MILESTONE: Gary Ballance is now the highest Test scorer on debut for 🇿🇼!

The previous was Dave Houghton with 121, followed by Hamilton Masakadza with 119#ZIMvWI | #VisitZimbabwe | #FillUpQueensSportsClub pic.twitter.com/98WCranCFA

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 7, 2023