Streak ready for Sri Lanka backlash…. . . as Zim look to go two-nil up

**Solomon Mire brought out a succession of sweeps and reverse sweeps to lead an aggressive fightback**

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
FOLLOWING his team’s record chase in the first One Day International at Galle International Stadium on Friday, Zimbabwe national cricket team coach Heath Streak is eager for his side to back up that fine display in coming matches.

A maiden ODI century by opener Solomon Mire and half centuries by Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams saw the Graeme Cremer led Zimbabwe become the first ever visiting team to chase down a score of over 300 runs. The victory on Friday was also Zimbabwe’s first ever triumph in any form of cricket in Sri Lanka.

Streak yesterday expressed his delight in the way his team played and challenged them to maintain the way they played on Friday for the rest of the series. He is fully aware that Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce back but at the same time he declared that Zimbabwe will double their effort to counter that threat.

“I am proud of our last performance, I am keen for the team to back these performances up for the remainder of the series. Sri Lanka will bounce back but we are ready to come back two-fold,’’ said Streak.

The two teams clash in the second ODI today, again in Galle where Zimbabwe stand a chance of going two-nil up and enhance their chances of recording a historic series triumph in Sri Lanka. Streak is anxious to see his team put up an improved fight in all aspects of the game.

“I am keen for our guys to fight even harder, if we can back up and win again then we stand a good chance for a historic series,’’ he said.

The rest of the fixtures in the five-match ODI series are scheduled for Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on Thursday, Saturday and next Monday.

All is not well in the Sri Lankan camp with the Asians recently parting ways with coach Graham Ford whose position has been taken up by South African Nic Pothas on an interim basis. On top of that, pace bowler Lasith Malinga, who headed into the series with his mind all over the place following a suspended ban for breach of contract, will miss today’s encounter after contracting viral influenza.

Zimbabwe squad: Graeme Cremer (captain), Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Wellington Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor(wicketkeeper), Christopher Mpofu, Tarisai Musakanda, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams
— @Mdawini_29