Twitter Reactions: Tail rescues Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI as they take 1-0 lead over Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by two wickets in the thrilling second ODI on Monday, January to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. After opting to bat first, Zimbabwe were bundled out for 208 in 44.4 overs with captain Craig Ervine top-scoring with 82 (102). In reply, Sri Lanka chased down the target in 49 overs courtesy of an unbeaten 39-run stand between tailenders Dushmantha Chameera (18* off 25) and Jeffrey Vandersay (19* off 18).

Sri Lanka’s chase didn’t get off to a good start as openers Avishka Fernando (4 off 5) and Kusal Mendis (17 off 28) departed cheaply falling prey to Richard Ngarava. The left-arm seamer further got rid of Sadeera Samarawickrama (4 off 3), and Charith Asalanka (0 off 7) to leave Sri Lanka in all sorts of trouble at 53/4.

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With wickets falling from one end, Janith Liyanage held the other and gradually built on his innings. However, he didn’t get much support with Sahan Arachchige (21 off 39) and Dasun Shanaka (7 off 13) departing cheaply. Liyanage fell short of a well-deserved hundred getting dismissed on 95 (127) with Sri Lanka still needing 39 runs to win.

Tailenders Dushmantha Chameera (18* off 25) and Jeffrey Vandersay (19* off 18) turned out to be the knight in shining armour for their side helping them register a thrilling win by two wickets. Nagarava was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe as he scalped 5/32 in ten overs.

Maheesh Theekshana picked 4-fer for Sri Lanka

Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe lost their opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (0 off 1) in the first over itself before Joylord Gumbie (30 off 37) and captain Craig Ervine stabilized the innings with a 60-run stand for the second wicket. Contributions from Milton Shumba (26 off 45) and Ryan Burl (31 off 37) took Zimbabwe to 208 in 44.4 overs. Maheesh Theekshana starred with the ball for Sri Lanka picking 4/31 in 9.5 overs.

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Meanwhile, X was abuzz with reactions on Sri Lanka’s thrilling victory. Here are some of the posts: