Published: Sep 12, 2013, 09:09 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 12, 2013, 09:09 PM (IST)
Hamilton Masakadza (centre) scored 44 and added 104 runs for third wicket with Tino Mawoyo in the final session of the third day of the second Test against Pakistan at the Harare Sports Club © AFP (File Photo)
Sep 12, 2013
Despite losing three quick wickets towards the end, Zimbabwe end Day Three on a strong note after taking the team total to 121 for four and taking a 185-run lead over Pakistan in the second Test at the Harare Sports Club. A strong batting performance by Tino Mawoyo (58) and Hamilton Masakadza (44) in the final session has put the hosts in a good position with two days to go.
After bowling out Pakistan in less than an hour of the second session and taking a 64-run lead, the Zimbabwean batsmen came out and played sensible cricket in a bid to not throw away an opportunity for a positive result.
Despite losing an early wicket, Masakadza and Mawoyo steadied the ship with rock-solid performance with the bat. They added 104 runs for the second wicket.
Mawoyo’s knock of 58 consumed 165 deliveries as the opener showed great patience against a good bowling line-up. Masakadza too scored at a similar pace and frustrated the Pakistan bowlers by giving nothing away.
The wide deliveries were not reached out for and the odd bad ball was dispatched safely to the boundary. Towards the end of the day, against the run of play, Pakistan managed to disrupt Mawoyo’s concentration.
A delivery from Abdur Rehman kept low and Mawoyo was a bit late in getting his bat down. The ball struck him in line and the umpire ruled in favour of the visitors. Mawoyo had to walk back for a well-made 58.
With that wicket, Pakistan seemed a bit rejuvenated and managed to pick up two more, with Rahat Ali trapping Masakadza in front of the wicket. Masakadza departed after making 44 from 120 deliveries. Rehman then dismissed nightwatchman Tinashe Panyangara.
The day ended with this wicket at 121 for four, with hosts extending their lead to 185 runs.
Earlier Brian Vitori took his maiden five wicket haul and helped Zimbabwe take a decisive lead. For Pakistan, Younis Khan was the top-scorer with 77.
Brief scores:
Zimbabwe 294 and 121 for 4 (Tino Mawoyo 58, Hamilton Masakadza 44; Abdur Rehman 2 for 20) lead Pakistan 230 (Younis Khan 77, Khurram Manzoor 51; Brian Vitori 5 for 60) by 185 runs.
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