Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka managed to keep their nerves in a low-scoring encounter

In what was a low scoring encounter at the Johannesburg, Sri Lanka managed to keep their nerves. After losing the first game, the visitors came back to square the series. Earlier in the day, it was captain Farhan Behardien who won the toss and elected to bat first.

In a pitch that was a bowler’s delight, Smuts was back to the pavilion in the second over of the game. Wickets continued to tumble one after the other. While there was some respite by Heino Kuhn who also hit 2 sixes before getting out for 29 (20). The Proteas were soon reduced to 74/7. Captain Farhan Behardien looked forward to a late recovery.

However, he couldn’t hang on till the end as he was dismissed for 27 (22). The South African batting failed to last even 20 overs as they were bowled out for 113. Lakshan Sandakan was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/23. Comeback man Isuru Udana also did well for his 3/13. Kulasekara also got a couple of wickets while Dhananjaya De Silva managed to get a wicket.

It wasn’t as easy as it seemed for the visitors. Lungi Ngidi struck twice in the third over to get rid of both De Silva and Kusal Mendis. However, Dickwella continued with his shots before he too was dismissed on the penultimate over of the power play.

Also read- SA v SL, 2nd T20I Review: Angelo Mathews guides Lankans to win

However, captain Angelo Mathews alongside some good support from Chandimal managed to recover Sri Lanka from the early slump. Once Chandimal got out, the Sri Lankan batting order collapsed as they lost 4 wickets in quick succession.

The match went on till the last over before Angelo Mathews managed to keep his nerves and make sure Sri Lanka won the game by 3 wickets, finishing it with a six. Ngidi bowled his hearts out for his 4/19 and brought the Proteas close to stealing a win.

Angelo Mathews was awarded the man of the match for his match winning knock. Twitter kept everyone entertained in this interesting game. While fans were disappointed with their team’s batting efforts, the bowlers were applauded for a change. Here are some of the amazing Twitter reactions that took place during the match:

This victory turns out to be Sri Lanka's first win of the tour. They have levelled the three-match T20I series 1-1. #SAvSL

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 22, 2017

There are no Sri Lanka cricket matches without a batting collapse or a heart-attack finish. #SAvSL

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) January 22, 2017

If you are a heart patient please go to sleeeep. #SLvSA

— Yashod Gamage (@Yassa_97) January 22, 2017

https://twitter.com/rmorobe/status/823191743726231556

Lungi Ngidi is a major key ? he is showing these Sri Lankans flames big time ???#SAvsSL #ProteaFire

— SIBONGILE NTULI?? (@Sibongile_Dust) January 22, 2017

Forget about the groundsman trying to make this series interesting, the Sri Lankan batsmen are making this match interesting. #SAvSL

— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) January 22, 2017

Imagine @KagisoRabada25 and @NgidiLungi bowling together! What an attack! #Proteas #SAvSL @OfficialCSA

— Ali Mahomed (@alimahomed7) January 22, 2017

came back to #twitter to see reactions for #Chandimal s legendary innings #SLVSA

— Shafrin (@xavirin786) January 22, 2017

Lungisani Ngidi celebrates yet again as he sends Chandimal back to the pavilion. Sri Lanka, though, need just 28 off 33 balls. #SAvSL

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 22, 2017

Congratulations to Angelo Mathews on reaching 1,000 T20I runs! #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/srB7ujcQql

— ICC (@ICC) January 22, 2017

Surely you can't blow this one #SAvSL

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) January 22, 2017

Just like I said, I see the future no need to be disappointed. Let's get behind the boys no matter what #SAvsSL @SPORTATSABC #Proteafire

— Nathi Manana eFernie (@nemanana_manana) January 22, 2017

Vaas, Murali, Herath & Malinga make the headlines while Nuwan Kulasekara has always done phenomenal supporting role. today 3-0-10-2 #SAvSL

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) January 22, 2017

This team is not PRO-tea. It's just Tea.

They're not playing like PROs

And SL is drinking them like tea

???? #Proteas #SAvSL

— Child of Jehovah God (@LadyCharlotte01) January 22, 2017

This can't be happening ??? I feel so defeated! Sri Lanka what did y'all drink today? This is too much! #SAvsSL #Proteas #ProteaFire

— MOLEKO? (@NOLO_SELLO) January 22, 2017

Sandakan's figures of 4-23 are the ninth best bowling figures on T20i debut, the third best for Sri Lanka & fifth best by a spinner. #SAvSL

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) January 22, 2017

CHANDIMAL's keeping is not good today.

Just
EXCELLENT !#SAvSL

— AQEEB (@AKSCOOP6) January 22, 2017

"If everyone thinks you can't do it, you must do it" says AB in an ad. May be that explains the rest fiasco. #SAvSL

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) January 22, 2017

The legendary Isuru Udana, who bowls 7 slower balls in a 6-ball over, makes his comeback to cricket! @SoupyLel remember this great?? #SLVSA

— Srini Mama ? (@SriniMama16) January 22, 2017

SL have to make Miller … "Amila" fast #SAvSL

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) January 22, 2017

Lakshan Sandakan has a dream debut in T20Is – a wicket off the very first ball! He had also taken a wicket in his first over in ODIs.#SLvSA

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) January 22, 2017

Lakshan Sandakan becomes first Sri Lankan and 14th over-all to pick a wicket off his first ball in T20Is #SAvSL #SriLanka @SriLankaTweet

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) January 22, 2017

https://twitter.com/altcricket/status/823153417237491712