Published: Jul 13, 2017, 11:31 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 13, 2017, 11:31 AM (IST)
Zimbabwe claimed a historic victory against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka by 3-2 in the ODI series. Following the victory, Zimbabwe coach Heath Streak threw warning shots against the top nations. Streak was impressed with the way the Zimbabwe batting line-up played against Sri Lanka spinners who were match-winners for the hosts on most occasions. Streak wants Zimbabwe to replicate the ODI series performance in the upcoming Test. This victory was Zimbabwe’s first victory against a Test playing nation away from home in 16 years in bilateral contest. Despite an emphatic win, Zimbabwe remain the No. 11 ranked team in the ODI rankings while Sri Lanka are placed at No. 8. Full Cricket Scorecard: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, only Test at Colombo
Streak feels Zimbabwe is capable of reaching new heights in the limited-overs format in near the future. “From a coach’s perspective this serves as a warning to other top cricket nations that we, as a country, are beginning to turn that corner. We have been working hard as a team since last year and we are starting to see the results of the work we are putting in. I still think there are bigger things that this team is capable of achieving,” Streak told Newsday Sport.
It was a remarkable day for Zimbabwe cricket as they shattered several records with this victory. “I am proud that the team showed a lot of character and commitment to pull off such a win. It was really a major feat bouncing back from 2-1 down to win the series and I am very happy as a coach. We came here just wanting to play positive cricket, we wanted to be very competitive and we ended up winning the series. It was a remarkable series for us and to chase down 317 to win the first ODI was great and I think it also gave us belief,” added Streak.
Zimbabwe’s last leg in this tour will be the only Test against Sri Lanka beginning on Friday. “Sri Lanka are a very good side, highly successful in this format of the game. Our aim is to continue to play positive cricket in the Test match and hopefully we can produce another big result,” concluded Streak.
