Pakistan in charge as Zimbabwe slip to 237/8

Zimbabwe are 237 for 8 at Stumps on Day 1 of the Second and Final Test (Scorecard) against Pakistan at Harare. Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor had a promising partnership for the 3rd wicket worth 110 runs. Both the right handers scored half centuries but couldn’t kick on to score big. Masakadza, who captained Zimbabwe in the first test at this same venue, top scored with 75 from 169 balls with 9 fours and a six. Skipper Brendan Taylor scored 51 from 128 balls with 6 fours. The partnership between the duo was the only positive for the hosts on the opening day’s play.

Masakadza and Taylor had Zimbabwe in an impressive position at 141 for 2 at one stage. After Tea, Zimbabwe had a terrible collapse to lose whatever advantage they had. Five wickets went down in the final session as Pakistan took quick control of the Test match which may not last the entire five days.

The hosts batting first after winning the toss were troubled by left-arm quick Junaid Khan who captured three wickets. The match was supposed to be played at Bulawayo but was decided at the last moment to be held at Harare itself due to cost cutting measures from the home board. As a result, the curator at Harare had very little time on his hands to come up with a proper cricket pitch which showed signs of uneven pace and bounce as the day progressed.

Zimbabwe made a couple of changes to its line-up with Skipper Brendan Taylor and Brian Vittori coming in for Sikandar Butt and Shingirai Masakadza. Pakistan retained the same team that won the first test.