Twitter Reactions: Windies break Zimbabwean spirit to win first Test

The moment team Windies ensured a big total in their second innings, they knew they had done their work right in the first Test against Zimbabwe. Chasing in excess of 400 in the final innings needed a herculean and record shattering effort of all proportions if the hosts ever imagined to to do so. The Zimbabwean run chase started off on a great note but the task was a little too much to overhaul.

Coming to the run chase of 433, the openers – Sol0mon Mire and Kraigg Brathwaite added a key 99 run stand. However, the dismissal of both the openers in quick succession did not help the cause of the Zimbabwean side. It only got worse with Craig Ervine and Sean Williams perishing in quick succession. The comeback veteran, Brendan Taylor, scored valuable 73 runs to keep the hopes alive.

But an unfortunate run out saw Taylor miss out on a well deserved fighting comeback ton. His departure saw the other batsmen in the lower middle order perish too. It was only a matter of time that the Windies wrapped up the innings from there. The last pair, Kyle Jarvis and Chris Mpofu, added 53 runs for the last wicket.

This certainly frustrated the Windies team and also saw the day’s play being extended by almost 10 overs. The Jarvis-Mpofu fight did not last long though as Roston Chase managed to send Mpofu back to the pavilion to wrap up the game for his side. For the fans at the venue, the tail enders surely provided something to cheer about in the game.

The Caribbean side won the match by a handsome margin of 117 runs. With the win, they have gone 1-0 up in the series. The hosts would want to make a comeback in the next game and put up a fighting show there as well. For now, the social media reacted pretty well to the final day’s play.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the final day’s play:

West Indies take victory in the 1st Test in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe all out for 316 and the visitors win by 117 runs #ZIMvWI pic.twitter.com/I4gk5Axxs6

— ICC (@ICC) October 24, 2017

Nine wickets for Bishoo in the match seals the game for Windies, go 1-0 up in the series. #ZIMvWI pic.twitter.com/UM07R37DGT

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 24, 2017

Our boys should know that’s it’s time up we need to start winning matches now this winning hearts takes us nowhere on log standing. #ZimvWI

— Juicecard Banda (@zambsk) October 24, 2017

After such a torrid time in England, good to see leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo among the wickets again grabbing 9 wickets in 1st test #ZIMvWI

— Noel Francis (@nanthonyfrancis) October 24, 2017

Nine wickets for Bishoo in the match seals the game for Windies, go 1-0 up in the series. #ZIMvWI pic.twitter.com/ju7sGkLJ0X

— Live (@CricketUrdu) October 24, 2017

Congratulations to @westindies for their comprehensive 117-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first test match #ZIMvWI. @dpos_smith

— Noel Francis (@nanthonyfrancis) October 24, 2017

Jarvis and Mpofu tried, entertaining. But ? #ZIMvWI

— Gilbert ? (@Gilbertgobs) October 24, 2017

going into the 2nd Test, interesting to see what sort of surface will be prepared #ZIMvWI

— Kudzayi Chipidza (@Cricket_Kudzayi) October 24, 2017

GAME OVER! The Windies defeat Zimbabwe by 117 runs. Mpofu the last to go, caught by Powell off Chase for 33. #ZIMvWI

— WIPA (@wiplayers) October 24, 2017

50 partnership between Jarvis and Mpofu! Thats beautiful. #ZIMvWI

— Baynham Goredema?? (@bayhaus) October 24, 2017

Honestly … time to get this one wicket. ? #ZIMvWI

— Alexis Nunes (@alexisenunes) October 24, 2017

#ZIMvWI

last man standing

Bobby???

— Valentine Miller (@vargoe21) October 24, 2017