Published: Sep 10, 2013, 08:48 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 10, 2013, 08:48 PM (IST)
Hamilton Masakadza (centre) rescued Zimbabwe after a poor start, with a gritty knock of 75 which included nine hits to the fence and a six © AFP
Sep 10, 2013
Pakistan struck back in the third session to leave Zimbabwe at 237 for eight on the opening day of the second Test match at Harare on Tuesday.
After resuming the final session at 165 for three, the visitors struck early to dismiss Malcolm Waller as he tried to play at an away going delivery but ended up getting an edge which was taken by Adnan Akmal.
The Zimbabwean innings fell apart from that moment as skipper Brendan Taylor too was dismissed soon after reaching his half century. Taylor’s wicket was followed by two more in quick succession as the hosts were reduced to 203 for seven at one stage.
Junaid Khan and Abdur Rehman bagged two wickets each in the final session as Zimbabwe lost the momentum they had recovered with the third wicket partnership between Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza.
Earlier, Half-century by Masakadza and good support by Taylor from the other end helped Zimbabwe reach 165 for three at tea.
Having won the toss and electing to bat first, the hosts got off to a poor start as they lost both their openers with the score on 31.
Tino Mawoyo was the first to be dismissed in the second ball of the match itself. The opener was unlucky as Junaid’s away going delivery beat his bat and was taken safely by the keeper with no runs on the board. Replays suggested that the ball hit his thigh pad.
Vusi Sibanda looked settled before a rash shot to an away going delivery by Rahat Ali found the inside edge of his bat and hit the stumps.
It was at this point that skipper Taylor joined Masakadza at the crease with the hosts in desperate need for a good partnership. The duo put on a stand of 110 runs for the third wicket when tea was called. The hosts lost just one wicket and managed to score 100 runs in the second session of play.
Masakadza smashed nine boundaries and a six in his knock of 75 before edging the ball to first slip where Mohammad Hafeez pouched an easy catch. Malcolm Waller added spark with some strokeplay towards the end of the session.
At the end of the day, the home side will be satisfied with the final score given the hostile bowling spell of Junaid which made batting look difficult earlier in the day.
Brief scores:
Zimbabwe 237 for 8 (Hamilton Masakadza 75, Brendon Taylor 51; Junaid Khan 3 for 55) vs Pakistan
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan — Live on Ten Cricket
