Twitter reactions: Gary Ballance’s record century helps Zimbabwe draw the first Test against West Indies

The first Test match of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and West Indies ended in a draw. The game in Bulawayo saw a massive run-fest as both teams put up a great show with the bat and survived until the last day of the opening Test.

After opting to bat, West Indies declared their first innings on a massive score of 447/6, thanks to Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s blazing double century. Windies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite also played a blistering 182-run knock. Meanwhile, Brandon Mavuta took a five-wicket haul for Zimbabwe in the first essay.

In reply, Zimbabwe called off their innings ar a score of 379/9. Gary Ballance slammed a brilliant century for his side and contributed 137 runs to the team’s total. Innocent Kaia also hit a resilient half-century for the hosts.

With a ton on his debut in the longest format, Ballance became only the second player in the history of the game to have scored Test centuries for two different nations. Notably, the 33-year-old had represented England at the international level before signing a contract with Zimbabwe. Apart from Ballance, Kepler Wessels is the only other batter on the unique list. Wessels represented Australia and South Africa in Test cricket.

On the other hand, Alzarri Joseph picked three wickets for West Indies, while Jason Holder and Gudakesh Motie scalped two wickets each.

With the help of Raymon Reifer and Jermaine Blackwood’s fifties, the tourists declared their second innings on 230/5. In response, Zimbabwe batted resiliently and secured a draw.

The Caribbeans tried their best to bowl out the hosts as Jason Holder even switched to off-break bowling but unfortunately couldn’t guide his team to victory.

For his exceptional double ton, Chanderpaul was awarded the ‘Player of the Match.’

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 7, 2023

Home coming!

Gary Ballance🇿🇼🏏 is only the second player in history to score test centuries for two different countries having previously done so for England🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿.

Keppler Wessels is the only other play to do so, for Australia🇦🇺 and South Africa🇿🇦. pic.twitter.com/ifkjJqjKTo

— Undisputed🎙️📺 (@Mr_Tich) February 7, 2023

Gary Ballance scores a hundred with Tagenarine in opposition team.

Ballance's last Test hundred was with father Shivnarine in opposition team.#ZIMvWI

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) February 7, 2023

💯 * for Gary Ballance! His Maiden Test Hundred for @ZimCricketv #ZIMvswi pic.twitter.com/tJJZumavOG

— Master Eli (@TheMasterEli) February 7, 2023

Maiden Test ton for Gary Ballance 💥👏🏾 @DavidColtart pic.twitter.com/vZ0SmceuG6

— Wonder Mashura (@wonderimages) February 7, 2023

CENTURY! A maiden Test ton for Gary Ballance! 🙇‍♂️Wonderful innings.

Only the second player after Kepler Wessels to score a century for two countries!

Watch every ball live and FREE on https://t.co/IYzYrrprg4 📺#ZIMvWI | #VisitZimbabwe | #FillUpQueensSportsClub pic.twitter.com/jWP1r8nz43

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 7, 2023

Zimbabwe declare 68 runs behind West Indies. "I see your BazBall and raise you one BallBall"

Gary Ballance finishes unbeaten on 137 on his second Test debut

— Abhimanyu Bose (@bose_abhimanyu) February 7, 2023

Been on the move all day but I’m here now to celebrate this tremendous knock by Gary Ballance, well supported by Brandon Mavuta! Welcome back to Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 https://t.co/2gvxVGxxXQ

— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) February 7, 2023

Hundred for Gary Ballance on his first Test match for Zimbabwe. He played first test for Zimbabwe and scored a brilliant Hundred.

Outstanding, Gary Ballance. pic.twitter.com/7Ix8dRnDs1

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) February 7, 2023

Gary Ballance, several years after his last Test for England and now first for Zimbabwe, has a century. #ZIMvsWI

— Jamie Alter 😷 🇮🇳 (@alter_jamie) February 7, 2023

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February 09, 2023 at 12:27PM