| 0.0 : Hello and welcome for the second and final Test between Zimbabwe and Windies in Bulawayo. The hosts once again showed glimpse of fight in the opening encounter but the fact that they don't play Tests much, brought their downfall. They need to regroup and rectify the mistakes they committed if they are to level the series. |
| TOSS - Zimbabwe win the toss and opt to bat! Tendai Chisoro makes his Test debut for the home side. He got his cap from the Zimbabwean skipper. |
| PITCH REPORT - Ed Rainsford doing the pitch report says that there is not much grass near the stumps. Further adds that there would be good carry on this surface. Mentions there will be movement because of the cloud cover. Feels that the side winning the toss should bat first because of the bare areas on the track. |
| Graeme Cremer informs they will bat first. Adds it looks like the same wicket which they had for the first Test and might be tough to bat if it breaks up later. Further says it's all about getting through the first hour today. Calls it an important game for them and they are up for it. Rues the mistakes they committed but opines the boys are fresh and are raring to go. |
| Jason Holder says that they would have batted first as well. Hopes that the pitch will hold up together. Mentions that they need to be disciplined. Further adds that one batsman needs to go on and score a hundred. Feels that the bowlers were good in the last game. Informs that they are unchanged for this fixture. Ends by saying that they should give enough room to Bishoo to express himself. |
| We are set to get underway. Chilly conditions in Bulawayo, testing for the players. Hamilton Masakadza and Solomon Mire to open the batting for Zimbabwe. Shannon Gabriel to start off with the brand new cherry for the Windies. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 0.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Starts off with a fuller length ball in the zone of apprehension, generates some away swing as well. Masakadza plants his front foot across and makes a watchful leave. |
| 0.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good stuff from Gabriel! He swings this one in from a length outside off, Hamilton has his off stump covered and lets it go safely. |
| 0.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Length delivery well outside off this time, Masakadza doesn't flirt with it. |
| 0.4 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Shaping in substantially from the corridor of uncertainty, Hamilton makes the fourth leave in a row. |
| 0.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, In the zone outside off, holding its line. Hamilton thinks of playing a shot but doesn't fiddle with it eventually. |
| 0.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Fullish delivery outside off, not much movement on that occasion. Masakadza makes the sixth leave in a row. Disciplined start from Gabriel, a maiden! |
| Kemar Roach to share the new ball from the other end. |
| 1.1 : K Roach to Mire, Way off target to begin with. Full delivery wide outside off, swinging further away. Mire has nothing to do with it. |
| 1.2 : K Roach to Mire, Good length ball outside off, shapes in after hitting the deck. Mire hangs back and defends it to covers. |
| 1.3 : K Roach to S Mire, FOUR! First runs of the day! Full length delivery on off, Solomon remains well balanced and drives it with the full face of the bat down the ground. Beats mid on and the ball whistles away to the fence. |
| 1.4 : K Roach to Mire, Length delivery outside off, swinging in. Solomon points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| Mid on comes straighter. |
| 1.5 : K Roach to Mire, In the off stump channel, holding its line. Mire lets it go through. |
| 1.6 : K Roach to Mire, Well outside off this time, Solomon leaves it again. |
| 2.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, not much swing on offer. Masakadza adopts a circumspect approach and doesn't flirt with it. Gabriel needs to make the batsman play and make use of the overcast conditions. |
| 2.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good carry! On a length outside off, zips through the surface. Hamilton points his bat skywards and lets it go. |
| 2.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, This one nips in from outside off, Masakadza is sure of his off stump and makes a good leave. |
| 2.4 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Substantial movement! Fullish delivery outside off, swinging in. Masakadza plants his front foot across and the ball goes past the off stump. Brave leave in the end. |
| 2.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Length delivery outside off, Hamilton makes another leave. |
| 2.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Back-to-back maidens for Gabriel. Hurls this one outside off, Masakadza sees it through safely. |
| 3.1 : K Roach to Mire, On a length, skidding through the surface. Mire hangs back and punches it to the cover region. |
| 3.2 : K Roach to Mire, In the zone of apprehension, Solomon lets it go. |
| 3.3 : K Roach to Mire, First sign of intent from Mire. Back of a length outside off, Mire slaps it from the back foot but straight to the man in the point region. |
| 3.4 : K Roach to S Mire, Good fielding! Such kind of effort lifts a side up. Short and room on offer, Mire hammers it towards point where the fielder dives full length to his right and saves a certain boundary. His teammates appreciate his effort. |
| 3.5 : K Roach to Mire, On a drive-able length around off, Mire obliges but hits it back to Roach who makes a good stop in his followthrough. |
| 3.6 : K Roach to Mire, OUT! Roach draws first blood! Hurls this one on a fuller length in the channel outside off, gets some away swing as well. Mire pokes at it with minimal foot movement and plays away from the body. An outside edge is induced. Dowrich dives full length to his right and takes a good catch. Good bowling from Roach, he set him up well. Bowled good length deliveries earlier and pushed this one fuller this time which brought the downfall of the opener. Ideal start for the Windies. |
| Craig Ervine comes out to bat. He is a good batsman and will be eager to play an innings of substance. |
| 4.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, In the channel outside off, zips through the surface. Masakadza doesn't bother to play at it. |
| 4.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 4.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Fullish delivery outside off, left alone. |
| 4.4 : S Gabriel to H Masakadza, Shaping in prodigiously from a length, Masakadza looks to keep it out but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 4.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Half-volley outside off, Masakadza leans ahead and strokes it elegantly through covers to find the fence. He finally gets off the mark as well. |
| 4.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Fullish delivery well outside off, Hamilton lets it go. |
| 5.1 : K Roach to Ervine, That's a peach! Fullish delivery around off, coming in with the angle. Ervine has no choice but to play at it and the ball straightens to beat him all ends up. |
| 5.2 : K Roach to Ervine, Ooh... that was close! Shaping in from outside off, Ervine plants his front foot across and lets it go. That was very close to the off stump. |
| 5.3 : K Roach to Ervine, Ervine is looking nervy! Full length delivery attacking the stumps, Craig keeps it out off the inner half of the bat. |
| 5.4 : K Roach to Ervine, Length delivery outside off, coming in with the angle, this time Ervine is much more assured in his leave. |
| 5.5 : K Roach to Ervine, Fuller length ball around off, Ervine comes forward and defends it stoutly. |
| 5.6 : K Roach to Ervine, On a length on middle and leg, Craig hangs back and pushes it defensively to short mid-wicket. End of a testing over from Roach, a maiden. |
| 6.1 : S Gabriel to H Masakadza, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Masakadza drives it nicely through covers. Blackwood hares after it from the point region. The outfield is not that quick and that allows the fielder to keep it back in play. Saves a run for his side. |
| 6.2 : Gabriel to C Ervine, OUT! Bowled 'em! What a sight for a fast bowler. Roach troubled the southpaw in the previous over from round the wicket angle and Gabriel follows in his footsteps. He goes wider of the crease and angles in a fuller length ball from outside off. Generates prodigious movement after pitching. Ervine is half-forward, leaves a big gap between his bat and pad and the ball zips through the gap to shatter the middle stump. It goes for a walk and the visitors are delighted! Crai |
| Brendan Taylor strides out to bat. |
| 6.3 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Fullish delivery around off, Brendan strides forward and defends it. |
| 6.4 : S Gabriel to Taylor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 6.5 : S Gabriel to B Taylor, Fullish delivery, shaping in from outside off. Taylor drives it off the inner half to mid on. A run taken. |
| 6.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, In the zone outside off, holding its line. Hamilton leaves it alone. |
| 7.1 : K Roach to Taylor, Length delivery outside off, angling in a touch. Taylor plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 7.2 : K Roach to Taylor, Full length delivery on off, Brendan puts his head down and defends it with a high elbow. |
| 7.3 : K Roach to Taylor, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 7.4 : K Roach to Taylor, Back of a length delivery around off, Taylor camps back and blocks it stoutly. |
| 7.5 : K Roach to Taylor, Hangs back to the good length delivery and remains composed in defense. |
| 7.6 : K Roach to Taylor, A loud appeal for an LBW denied! Fullish delivery around off, Taylor looks to keep it out but misses to get hit on the pads. Roach appeals confidently but the umpire stays put. Height must have been a factor. Hawk Eye shows that it would have clipped the top of leg stump. Fair call! |
| 8.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Back of a length delivery around off, Masakadza punches it off the back foot through cover-point. Two runs taken. It took Gabriel 16 deliveries to make Hamilton play at one. |
| 8.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length delivery outside off, Hamilton lets it go. |
| 8.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Well outside off this time, Masakadza leaves it alone. |
| 8.4 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Fuller length ball around off, Masakadza strides forward and defends it solidly. |
| 8.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good bowling! There is a lot of movement on offer and Gabriel is making good use of it. Angling in sharply from around off, Hamilton is a bit tentative but somehow keeps it out. |
| 8.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Fuller in length on off, Masakadza instead of coming forward stays back. He somehow manages to block it. |
| 9.1 : K Roach to Taylor, OUT! The Windies are on fire! This time it is Roach who sends another batsman packing. He steams in and lands it on a fullish length in the zone on apprehension, gets some inward movement off the deck. Taylor is in two minds whether to play at it or leave it alone. He ends up feeling for it and the ball takes the inside edge of the bat to deflect back onto the stumps. Zimbabwe are struggling. The decision to bat first after winning the toss is proving to be wrong. |
| 0.0 : Peter Moor is the new man in. He has got an opportunity in this game and will look to make it count. |
| 9.2 : K Roach to Moor, Angling in from outside off, clipped of the inner half to fine leg for a single. |
| Graeme Cremer had talked about playing out the first hour carefully but the Zimbabwean batting has let the team down once again. Only three wickets yes but all three of them have been due to the poor application from the batsmen. The Windies bowlers have been disciplined but the hosts' batsmen have not showed enough of the same. All of them have been stuck in the crease, not getting either fully forward or staying back which has led to their downfall. With no Sean Williams, the task is only goin |
| 9.3 : K Roach to Masakadza, Back of a length delivery on off, tucked through square leg for a couple. |
| 9.4 : K Roach to Masakadza, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 9.5 : K Roach to Masakadza, Fractionally overpitched on off, Masakadza leans into it and strokes it past the bowler past mid off. The fielder from the same region chases it and keeps it down to a couple. |
| 9.6 : K Roach to Masakadza, Stays back to the good length delivery and blocks it. Another productive over for the visitors. |
| 10.1 : S Gabriel to Moor, Gabriel is making the ball talk! Shaping in substantially from around off, Moor pushes at it tentatively and gets it off the inner half to fine leg. A run taken. |
| 10.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Short of a length outside off, Hamilton punches it through cover-point for a couple. |
| 10.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Fullish delivery outside off, Masakadza strides forward and lets it go. |
| 10.4 : S Gabriel to H Masakadza, Full length ball around off, Hamilton comes forward and eases it to covers. |
| 10.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Off-cutter on a fuller length just outside off, Masakadza spots it and drives it crisply to mid off. |
| Windies go for the review straightaway. They feel that there is certainly an edge as opposed to the umpire, Simon Fry. Let's find out.. |
| 10.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, WICKET OFF A NO BALL! Oh no! the perennial problem of Gabriel returns to haunt him again. He bowls the effort ball on a short length on middle and leg, Masakadza goes for a pull but seems to have got a bottom edge onto his shoulder. The ball lobs towards in front of the slip cordon. Kyle Hope from gully runs across to his left and dives to take it really well. The players appeal vociferously but the umpire shakes his head. The visitors challenge the decision immedia |
| Drinks. |
| S Gabriel to Masakadza, Full length delivery attacking the stumps, driven sweetly to mid on. |
| 11.1 : K Roach to Moor, Fullish delivery outside off, Moor pushes at it but gets an inside edge to mid-wicket. A run taken. |
| 11.2 : K Roach to Masakadza, Stays back to the length delivery and blocks it. |
| 11.3 : K Roach to Masakadza, Full delivery on off, Masakadza drives it straight to Roach who parries it with a half-stop to mid on. |
| 11.4 : K Roach to Masakadza, FOUR! Crisp! Back of a length delivery and width on offer, Masakadza frees his arms and slaps it through cover-point and the ball races to the fence. |
| 11.5 : K Roach to Masakadza, Fullish delivery, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 11.6 : K Roach to H Masakadza, In the air... but safe! Full length delivery on off, Hamilton pokes at it but gets an outside edge that falls well short of Dowrich. Playing with soft hands was the key there. |
| Jermaine Blackwood comes into the attack. Might be only one over for the part-timer. |
| 12.1 : J Blackwood to Moor, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 12.2 : J Blackwood to Moor, Back of a length outside off, punched through covers for a run. |
| 12.3 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Another nervy moment! Full outside off, Masakadza pushes at it but gets a bottom edge. The ball rolls past the off stump and towards Dowrich. |
| 12.4 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Fullish on off, eased to mid on. |
| 12.5 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, FOUR! Well played! Shortish and room on offer, Masakadza slaps it through point. The fielder from sweeper cover races to his left and slides but fails to stop it from crossing the ropes. |
| 12.6 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Short of a length, pushed to mid off. |
| Holder comes in for a bowl. |
| 13.1 : J Holder to Moor, On a length outside off, left alone. |
| 13.2 : J Holder to Moor, Fullish delivery, defended solidly off the front foot to covers. |
| 13.3 : J Holder to Moor, Fullish ball outside off, Peter doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 13.4 : J Holder to Moor, Slanting down the leg side, Moor goes for the flick but misses |
| 13.5 : J Holder to Moor, Holder pitches it up this time, Moor puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 13.6 : J Holder to Moor, In the corridor of uncertainty, Moor lets it go. |
| 14.1 : J Blackwood to H Masakadza, Overpitched well outside off, Masakdza drives it nicely to mid off. |
| 14.2 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Gets nicely forward to this one and strokes it to covers. |
| 14.3 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Back of a length ball, helped to mid-wicket. |
| 14.4 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Full delivery outside off, Hamilton drives it with hard hands but once again fails to find the gap through the cover region. |
| 14.5 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, In the channel outside off, Hamilton lets it go. |
| 14.6 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Back of a length delivery, Masakadza makes use of the depth of the crease to block it solidly. |
| 15.1 : J Holder to Moor, Length delivery around off, shaping in. Moor has his off stump covered and makes an easy leave. |
| 15.2 : J Holder to Moor, Holder loses his radar and slips this one down the leg side, Peter goes for the clip but misses. |
| 15.3 : J Holder to Moor, In the corridor of uncertainty, Peter points his bat skywards to allow it through.. |
| 15.4 : J Holder to Moor, Outside off, Moor is no mood to flirt with it. Alan Wilkins on-air informs that it is a really cold morning in Bulawayo. The players in the dressing room have their hands in the pockets. |
| 15.5 : J Holder to Moor, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| 15.6 : J Holder to Moor, Good timing! Overpitched outside off, Moor just pushes at it and gets it through the cover region. Two runs taken. |
| 16.1 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Bowls it outside off on a fuller length, left alone by the batsman. |
| 16.2 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, A tad short around off, punched towards covers. |
| Wow! What happened there? Masakadza drives one back to Blackwood who manages to get a hand to it in his followthrough as the ball disturbs the stumps at the other end. The bowler is ringing his right hand as he appeals and umpire Simon Fry refers it upstairs... |
| 16.3 : Blackwood to Masakadza, NOT OUT! Weird! Fuller in length from Blackwood outside off, Masakadza drives it back down the wicket. Jermaine gets a hand to it and deflects it at the stumps at the bowler's end. The umpire is jumping to save himself but the ball still hits him on the neck. Fry the umpire refers it upstairs as he clearly had no time to see what transpired there. Replays show that Moor never left the crease and hence it is not out. Close call for the umpire there. |
| 16.4 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Angles it on the pads, turned through the square leg region for a couple of runs. |
| 16.5 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, This one is wide outside off, left alone. |
| 16.6 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Fuller in length, played back to the bowler. |
| 17.1 : J Holder to P Moor, FOUR! Smacked! Short and wide from Holder, Moor does not miss out and crashes it past point for a boundary. That is where he likes it and the Windies are not bowling to their plans at the moment. |
| 17.2 : J Holder to Moor, Holder goes full but too straight. Moor pushes it down the ground. The mid on fielder hares after it and cuts it off. Two runs taken thanks to the slow outfield. |
| 17.3 : J Holder to Moor, Angles a length ball around off, Moor gets in line and defends it. |
| 17.4 : J Holder to Moor, Ouch! Banged in short around middle, Moor arches back and lets it go. The ball brushes the right shoulder of the batsman and goes towards the slip cordon. No appeal since there was no bat there. |
| 17.5 : J Holder to Moor, Thumped! Good length outside off, punched through the point region. Blackwood gives it a chase and saves two runs for his side. |
| 17.6 : J Holder to Moor, Back of a length outside off, Moor stands tall and defends it back down the wicket. |
| 18.1 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Shorter in length outside off, punched on the up towards covers. |
| 18.2 : J Blackwood to Masakadza, Angles it on a length around middle, Masakadza shapes to turn it through the leg side but gets a soft leading edge towards mid off for a single. |
| 18.3 : J Blackwood to Moor, Hurls it outside off on a length outside off, Moor mistimes his push into the off side. |
| 18.4 : J Blackwood to Moor, Beaten! Shapes it into the batsman from outside off, the ball pitches and goes away to beat the bat of the Moor poking at it. Good ball, that. |
| 18.5 : J Blackwood to Moor, Angles a length outside off, PJ Moor comes forward and defends it. |
| 18.6 : J Blackwood to Moor, Full and wide outside off, left alone. |
| 19.1 : J Holder to Masakadza, Good length outside off, no shot offered by Masakadza. |
| 0.0 : Jason Holder is missing a trick probably. He is still sticking with Jermaine Blackwood even though he is not posing any real threat to the batsmen. Agreed that the conditions are overcast but the go-to-man, Devendra Bishoo needs to be introduced into the attack. Zimbabwe are three down for not many and the pressure needs to be applied at this point of the game. |
| 19.2 : J Holder to Masakadza, Length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 19.3 : J Holder to Masakadza, Shorter in length outside off, punched towards point by the batsman. |
| 19.4 : J Holder to Masakadza, Shorter in length outside off, Masakadza drops his wrists and lets it go. |
| 19.5 : J Holder to Masakadza, Shorter in length outside off, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 19.6 : J Holder to Moor, Good length outside off, Moor thinks of playing at it and nearly does so before withdrawing his bat at the last moment. |
| Shannon Gabriel returns for a burst. |
| 20.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length outside off, left alone. |
| 20.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length outside off, defended towards covers. |
| 20.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Angles a length ball just around off, Masakadza defends it from his crease. |
| 20.4 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, FOUR! Good shot! Full and outside off, Masakadza strides forward and drives it through the covers. This time the timing is good and he gets a boundary, which is a rare thing on this slow outfield. 50 up for the home side. |
| A sweeper goes back. |
| 20.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length outside off, left alone. |
| 20.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Angles a full length ball around off, Hamilton comes forward and blocks it. |
| 21.1 : J Holder to Moor, Good length outside off, Moor is not interested. |
| 21.2 : J Holder to Moor, Similar length just around off, Moor defends it from his crease. |
| 21.3 : J Holder to Moor, Angles a length ball outside off, swings in, left alone. |
| 21.4 : J Holder to Moor, Hurls a length ball just outside off, Moor comes forward to defend but gets an inside edge through the leg side for a single. |
| Fazeer Mohammed on-air mentions that Zimbabwe need to play more Test cricket. This is their third Test match this year while the other teams have played much more. Bangladesh had got their opportunities and they have improved as a side. The ICC should take steps to give the African nation more opportunities to prove their worth. |
| 21.5 : J Holder to Masakadza, Full length outside off, left alone by Moor. |
| 21.6 : J Holder to Masakadza, Shorter in length outside off, punched into the off side by the batsman. |
| 22.1 : S Gabriel to Moor, Shorter in length outside off, Moor backs away and pats it towards point. |
| 0.0 : Bishoo is warming up.... Might have him bowling in the first session soon. Could be as early as the next over. |
| 22.2 : S Gabriel to Moor, Gabriel bowls it outside off on a fuller length, Moor is not bothered. |
| 22.3 : S Gabriel to Moor, Full and outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 22.4 : S Gabriel to Moor, Same line, same length, same shot by the batsman. |
| 22.5 : S Gabriel to Moor, Gabriel bowls this full and this time he gets Moor to poke at it. The ball swings away and beats the bat. Moor was playing for the one that comes into the batsman. |
| 22.6 : S Gabriel to Moor, Full and outside off, Moor defends it towards point from his crease. |
| 23.1 : J Holder to Masakadza, Shorter in length outside off, Masakadza pulls it to the right of Blackwood at short mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 23.2 : J Holder to Masakadza, Angles a good length ball around off, defended watchfully. Holder screams in disgust as he is not happy with himself. |
| 23.3 : J Holder to Masakadza, Full and straight on the stumps, driven towards mid on by the batsman. |
| 23.4 : J Holder to Masakadza, Good length outside off, left alone. |
| 23.5 : J Holder to Masakadza, Full and outside off, driven towards covers by Masakadza. |
| 23.6 : J Holder to Masakadza, Shorter in length from Holder, Hamilton pulls it through square leg for a couple of runs. |
| As expected, Devendra Bishoo comes on for a bowl. Last over of the session too... |
| 24.1 : D Bishoo to P Moor, Loops it outside off, driven towards covers by the batsman. |
| 24.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Flights it outside off, Moor pushes it towards covers. |
| 24.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, This one is wide enough for the batsman to leave it. |
| 24.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Floated outside off, driven towards covers by Moor. |
| 24.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Nicely bowled! Bowls it outside off, with a bit of drift, Moor looks to defend but is beaten all ends up. The batsman did lose his balance in the process but thankfully for him, he never left the crease and hence could not be out stumped. |
| 24.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Tossed up outside off, left alone by Moor. Good over by Bishoo, a maiden. That's Lunch, Day 1! |
| Great opening session of the game for the Windies. Grey clouds are still looming overhead and the visitors have made the most of the conditions on offer. Both Gabriel and Roach were on the money and took three quick wickets to put the hosts on the back foot. There was no real application from the Zimbabwean batsmen and that led to their downfall. |
| The pair of Masakadza and Moor though has stitched a decent partnership to get things going or the matters could have been worse. Remember, Gabriel also got a wicket off a no ball of Masakadza. He needs to address his front foot issue sooner rather than later. Zimbabwe will look to get back into the contest while the tourists will be eager to keep taking wickets. Holder gave only one over to Bishoo and we might see him bowling a lot in the second session. Join us in a while. |
| ... Day 1, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. Hamilton Masakadza and Peter Moor to continue batting. Kemar Roach to bowl first up after lunch. A wide slip in place. Here we go... |
| 25.1 : K Roach to Masakadza, No ball! Starts off with a high full toss, a beamer. Masakadza keeps it out around the corner for a run. Roach immediately apologizes to him, that was not intentional. If he bowls another one, he will be taken out of the attack. |
| K Roach to P Moor, Well bowled! Cross seam delivery on a back of a length on off, Moor is taken aback by the sharp bounce and gets a thick outside edge in the gap between slip and gully. Two runs taken. |
| 25.2 : K Roach to Moor, Length delivery outside off, Moor doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 25.3 : K Roach to Moor, Roach goes wider of the crease and angles in a full length ball on off, Peter drives it crisply to wide mid off. |
| 25.4 : K Roach to Moor, Around the hips, tucked to fine leg for an easy single. |
| 25.5 : K Roach to Masakadza, Good length delivery outside off, left alone. |
| Ed Rainsford on-air mentions that Masakadza has done well to leave the balls outside the off stump. His teammates were guilty of fiddling with deliveries in that channel and paid the price for it. |
| 25.6 : K Roach to Masakadza, Shaping in sharply from a length around off, Masakadza is cramped for room and blocks it towards mid on. |
| Bishoo to continue his spell. Two slips in place. |
| 26.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, Quick through the air on off, kept out watchfully. |
| 26.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Outside off, spinning away. Moor leaves it alone. |
| 26.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, Poor shot! Tossed up around off, Moor kneels and goes for a slog sweep across the line but gets a top edge over second slip. Two runs taken. He needs to be careful. |
| 26.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Around off, Moor covers his stumps and lets it go. |
| 26.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Bishoo is making an impact straightaway! Quick and flat on off, Moor prods forward to defend but is beaten by the sharp turn. |
| 26.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. Good over from Bishoo. |
| 27.1 : K Roach to H Masakadza, Full delivery tailing into Masakadza who clips it nicely through mid-wicket. Two runs taken. That brings up the 50-run stand between the two. An important partnership, they have played sensible cricket and need to carry on. |
| 27.2 : K Roach to Masakadza, Shortish delivery and room on offer, punched on the up to sweeper cover to rotate strike. |
| 27.3 : K Roach to Moor, Roach again goes wider of the crease and angles in a length delivery. Moor pushes at it tentatively but gets a thick inside edge to mid-wicket. |
| 27.4 : K Roach to Moor, Roach is getting good movement. Swinging in from around off, Moor covers the line and plays it defensively to mid-wicket. |
| 27.5 : K Roach to Moor, Overpitched outside off, driven sweetly to the man in the cover region. |
| 27.6 : K Roach to Moor, Tailing in nicely on a fullish length, Peter closes his bat face early and hence, gets an inside edge onto his boots as the ball deflects to the short cover region. Another good over. |
| 28.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Full delivery around off, Masakadza goes for the sweep against the spin but gets it off the inner half to fine leg. Two runs taken. |
| 28.2 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Fraction short this time, punched with the spin to short extra cover. |
| 28.3 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Shortish again, Hamilton cuts it through cover-point for a singe. |
| 28.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Well outside off, Moor lets it go. |
| 28.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Played with the spin to the point region this time. |
| 28.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Tossed up on off, knocked down to long off for a single. |
| 29.1 : K Roach to Moor, Good length delivery outside off, seaming in sharply. Moor covers the line and blocks it down the track. |
| 0.0 : Ian Bishop on-air mentions that short leg can be brought in place. Roach is getting good inward movement and that might induce a false stroke towards that region. It is about applying mental pressure as well. |
| 29.2 : K Roach to Moor, On a length outside off, holding its line. Peter doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 29.3 : K Roach to P Moor, Good length delivery shaping into Moor. He keeps it out off the inner half of the bat. |
| 29.4 : K Roach to Moor, Bouncer around off, Moor sways away from the line of the delivery to evade it. It dies on the keeper. Indications that it is an abrasive surface. |
| 29.5 : K Roach to Moor, Fullish on middle and leg, Moor looks to clip it away but is struck on the thigh pad. A casual appeal is turned down. It was always heading down leg. |
| 29.6 : K Roach to Moor, Full length delivery attacking the stumps, Moor clears his front leg and looks to jam it out but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 30.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Floated delivery, eased with the spin to short extra cover. |
| 30.2 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Short around off, Masakadza pushes at it but gets it off the outer half through short third man. Chase chases it from backward point and saves a couple for his side. |
| 30.3 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Skidding off the surface and in line of the stumps, Hamilton blocks it watchfully. |
| 30.4 : D Bishoo to H Masakadza, Another edge! Around off, Masakadza pushes at it with hard hands and gets an outside edge past first slip. Two runs taken. |
| 30.5 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Lunges forward to this one and defends it. |
| 30.6 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Well outside off, Hamilton shuffles across his stumps and leaves it. |
| 31.1 : K Roach to Moor, Fuller in length around off, Moor chooses to stay back and defend it. Ian Bishop on-air mentions that in Roach's previous over, an edge went past the second slip region. He feels that is that reason the first slip fielder has been moved wider. |
| 31.2 : K Roach to Moor, Overpitched around off, driven crisply to sweeper cover for a brace. |
| 31.3 : K Roach to Moor, Fullish delivery angling in from around off, blocked solidly by covering the line of the ball. |
| 31.4 : K Roach to Moor, Roach goes wider of the crease and bowls a full delivery around off, driven firmly off the front foot to mid off. |
| 31.5 : K Roach to Moor, Waits for this one and taps it with an open face of the bat to point. |
| 31.6 : K Roach to Moor, Full length delivery attacking the base of off stump, Moor puts his head down and pushes it to mid off. |
| 32.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, A bit short on off, Masakadza makes good use of the crease and cuts it to deep cover-point. A run taken. |
| 32.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Continues to be short, this time it is punched with the spin to point. |
| 32.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, Flat and quick, punched off the back foot to short cover. |
| 32.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Short delivery, cut with the spin to the point region. |
| 32.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Outside off, Moor leaves it alone. |
| 32.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Another one spinning away from Peter and he doesn't fiddle with it. |
| Jason Holder is back into the attack. |
| 33.1 : J Holder to Masakadza, Good length delivery outside off, shaping in substantially. Masakadza trusts where his off stump is and makes a good leave. |
| 33.2 : J Holder to Masakadza, FOUR! 8th Test fifty for Hamilton Masakadza! Short delivery in line of the stumps, Masakadza pulls it with authority through backward square leg. Right in the gap between the two fielders in the deep and he picks up another boundary. It has been a measured knock from him. He was out off a no ball but has since then, looked assured and needs to carry on. |
| 33.3 : J Holder to Masakadza, Back of a length delivery outside off, Hamilton drops his wrists and gets a bit of glove on it. The ball bounces and goes towards the keeper. |
| 33.4 : J Holder to Masakadza, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 33.5 : J Holder to Masakadza, Stays back to the good length delivery and buries it into the ground. |
| 33.6 : J Holder to Masakadza, Another one outside off and Hamilton doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 34.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, Floated delivery on off, driven with the spin to short extra cover. |
| 34.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Moor stays back and punches it to the same fielder. |
| 34.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single. |
| 34.4 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Quicker in pace, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 34.5 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Tossed up around off, spinning away. Hamilton leaves it alone. |
| 34.6 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, SIX! Where did that come from? Really well played! Short delivery well outside off, Masakadza hangs back and hammers it over wide long on for a maximum. It is a long boundary there and he clears it with ease. |
| A bit of leather is coming out from the ball. The umpire cuts it off and we are ready to go again. |
| 35.1 : J Holder to Moor, Good length delivery on middle and leg, Moor backs away and defends it besides the pitch on the leg side. |
| 35.2 : J Holder to Moor, On a length in the corridor of uncertainty, Peter points his bat skywards to let it be. |
| 35.3 : J Holder to Moor, Full delivery attacking the stumps, played with soft hands to mid-wicket. |
| 35.4 : J Holder to Moor, Half-volley outside off, Moor opens the face of the bat and drives it through point. Blackwood hares after it from backward point and saves a couple for his side. He is lightning quick across the turf. |
| 35.5 : J Holder to Moor, Fractionally overpitched outside off, pushed off the front foot to the cover region. |
| 35.6 : J Holder to Moor, Shortish delivery around off, Peter sways away from the line of the delivery, drops his wrists and lets it sail into the gloves of the keeper. |
| 36.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Tossed up outside off, Hamilton leans into it and strokes it to mid off. |
| 36.2 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Similar delivery, mistimed drive back to the bowler. |
| 36.3 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Pushed to mid off from the front foot. |
| 36.4 : D Bishoo to H Masakadza, Shortish this time, punched off the back foot through extra cover. The fielder in the deep hares to his left and cuts it off. A brace taken. |
| 36.5 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, FOUR! A bish from Bishoo! Short ball around off, Masakadza waits in the crease and just picks it up over mid on to find the fence. The spinner is looking a bit off colour in this cold weather. |
| 36.6 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Quicker outside off, left alone watchfully. |
| 37.1 : J Holder to Moor, On a fuller length outside off, curving in. Moor plants his front foot across and makes a watchful leave. |
| 37.2 : J Holder to Moor, Length delivery well outside off, holding its line. Peter doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 37.3 : J Holder to Moor, Leans ahead to the fullish delivery and caresses it to the fielder in the cover region. |
| 37.4 : J Holder to Moor, Good running! Moor strides forward confidently and strokes it to mid off for a swift single. |
| 37.5 : J Holder to Masakadza, On a length around off, angling into Masakadza. He hangs back to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad and the ball deflects towards the slip region. |
| 37.6 : J Holder to Masakadza, Back of a length outside off, blocked solidly off the back foot. |
| It is extremely cold. Tough day for the crowd as well. People are wrapped in their blankets and have scarves around their neck. Meanwhile, Shannon Gabriel returns for a bowl. |
| 38.1 : S Gabriel to Moor, Full length delivery on off, eased past the bowler. Gabriel is limping in his followthrough. He has had his issues with his hamstring and needs to be careful. He is fine to continue at the moment. |
| 38.2 : S Gabriel to Moor, Overpitched outside off, Peter leans into it and strokes it to Brathwaite at extra cover. |
| 38.3 : S Gabriel to Moor, A bit wider outside off, Moor isn't bothered to play at that one. |
| 38.4 : S Gabriel to Moor, Good early call! Taps the fullish delivery to covers and calls his partner through for a run. Masakadza is running to the danger end but beats the throw with ease. |
| A man at sweeper cover in place now. |
| 38.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, FOUR! Nicely done! Fullish delivery just outside off, Masakadza drives it with a high elbow past Gabriel down the ground. Holder gives it a chase from mid off but only comes second best. |
| 38.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Short of a length delivery, Masakadza rises with the bounce and taps it besides the pitch on the off side. |
| A bit of an issue with the ball again. The leather needs trimming. Meanwhile, the umpires call for drinks. Zimbabwe have recovered really well after the initial jolt. Masakadza and Moor are going along nicely and have also punished the loose deliveries. The Windies need to give their best to dislodge this partnership. Meanwhile, the umpires are sipping on a cup of coffee in this chilly weather. |
| 39.1 : J Holder to Moor, Fullish delivery outside off, Moor points has bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 39.2 : J Holder to Moor, Another one in the channel outside off, Peter plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 39.3 : J Holder to Moor, Tucks Moor with a shortish delivery around the rib-cage area. He fends it away around the corner for a run. |
| 39.4 : J Holder to Masakadza, Length delivery around off, Hamilton hangs back and blocks it solidly. |
| 39.5 : J Holder to Masakadza, Back of a length outside off, punched firmly off the back foot. Moor calls his partner through for a run and completes it with ease. |
| 39.6 : J Holder to Moor, In the zone of apprehension, Moor doesn't flirt with it. |
| 40.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length delivery on off, Masakadza blocks it off the back foot. That hit the bat hard. |
| 40.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, FOUR! Easy pickings! Half-volley around off, Masakadza strides ahead and eases it past Gabriel. The swing of the bat was nice and the timing was spot on. The ball whistles away to the fence. |
| 40.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Angling into Hamilton who nudges it to wide mid on to rotate strike. |
| 40.4 : S Gabriel to Moor, Full length delivery on middle, pushed off the inner half of the bat to deep backward square leg. A run taken. |
| 40.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Sharp bouncer on leg stump, Hamilton ducks under it in a jiffy. |
| 40.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length delivery just outside off, Masakadza shuffles a touch and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 41.1 : J Holder to Moor, Holder comes from around the wicket, angles it away on a fuller length outside off, driven wide of mid off for a couple of runs. |
| 41.2 : J Holder to Moor, Length delivery around middle and off, defended off the back foot. |
| 41.3 : J Holder to Moor, Bangs in a short ball on middle, Moor at the last moment ducks under it. |
| 41.4 : J Holder to Moor, This is wayward! Holder once again bangs in a short ball but well down the leg side, Moor leaves it alone. |
| 41.5 : J Holder to Moor, Short of a length delivery on middle, tucked towards square leg for nothing. |
| 41.6 : J Holder to Moor, Wider outside off, Moor unfurls a classic cover drive to keep strike. |
| 42.1 : S Gabriel to Moor, 100-run stand comes up! Short of a length delivery on middle and leg, Moor swivels a touch and pulls it with control down to fine leg for a single. These two have put up a good show so far. How long can they continue? |
| 42.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Touch fuller and angling in, bunted back to the bowler. |
| 42.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Keeps it full again around that off stump line, Hamilton drives it to the left of Gabriel who collects and mimes a throw. |
| 42.4 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, What was that? On a length and outside off, this one holds its line as Masakadza initially tries to play at it but then makes a leave at the very last moment. |
| 42.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Drifting on the pads, clipped down to deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 42.6 : S Gabriel to Moor, Ends the over with a bouncer! Good amount of bounce but wasn't that threatening enough. Peter calmly ducks under it. |
| Roston Chase is brought into the attack now. Can he get a breakthrough? |
| 43.1 : R Chase to Masakadza, Floats it up outside off, it turns back in with some bounce as Hamilton punches it back to the bowler. |
| 43.2 : R Chase to Masakadza, Keeps it a bit full this time, Masakadza comes nicely forward to counter the spin. |
| 43.3 : R Chase to Masakadza, Loopy ball outside off, defended once again off the front foot. |
| 43.4 : R Chase to H Masakadza, FOUR! He has drilled it! Floated delivery outside off, Masakadza takes a stride forward and absolutely drills it through extra cover for a boundary. Booming shot, that! |
| 43.5 : R Chase to Masakadza, Masakadza chips this over mid on and picks up a single. |
| 43.6 : R Chase to Moor, Tossed up delivery around middle, flicked towards the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 44.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Length delivery, angling in on middle, tucked through square leg for a single. |
| 44.2 : S Gabriel to Moor, Back of a length delivery outside off, stabbed towards point. |
| 44.3 : S Gabriel to Moor, Digs in a short ball, angling in on the body, the batsman ducks under it. |
| 44.4 : S Gabriel to Moor, Fuller and tries to attack the stumps, Moor makes room and defends it back to the bowler. |
| Change of bat for Peter Moor... |
| 44.5 : S Gabriel to Moor, Fuller delivery outside off, driven with an open face bat towards point where Hetmyer (sub) dives full length to his left to stop some runs. |
| 44.6 : S Gabriel to Moor, Stands tall and blocks it out back to the bowler. Gabriel mimes a throw and gives a stare to Moor. He looks really annoyed, understandably so but he has only himself to blame. |
| 45.1 : R Chase to Masakadza, Loopy delivery around off, defended off the front foot gently. |
| 45.2 : R Chase to Masakadza, Gets on the front foot and buries it into the ground. |
| 45.3 : R Chase to Masakadza, SIX! He has sent it out of the park! What a meaty blow, that! Chase gives it a nice flight outside off, Masakadza gets down on one knee and murders the slog sweep over deep mid-wicket for a biggie all the way. 2000 Test runs for this man! |
| 45.4 : R Chase to Masakadza, Slows it through the air around middle, defended watchfully. |
| 45.5 : R Chase to Masakadza, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 45.6 : R Chase to Masakadza, This one turns in, Hamilton comes forward to defend but the ball goes off the pads and dies down in front of short leg. |
| 46.1 : S Gabriel to Moor, FOUR! Ahhhh... that almost carried all the way! This is such a good shot to watch! Gabriel bowls a short of a length outside off, Moor stands tall, arches back just a touch and then as the ball arrives his ramps it over the keeper for a one bounce boundary. |
| 46.2 : S Gabriel to Moor, Angles in a fuller length delivery on middle, defended nicely off the front foot. |
| 46.3 : S Gabriel to Moor, Gabriel goes wide of the crease and angles one on a fuller length, Moor bunts it back to the bowler. |
| Jason Holder is off the field! |
| 46.4 : S Gabriel to Moor, Full toss on the pads, quelled into the leg side for a single. |
| 46.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Hits the deck hard on middle and off, Hamilton stands tall offers a straight blade. |
| 46.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Once again it's on the shorter side outside off, HM lets it sail over him to the keeper. |
| Jason Holder is back on the field and now Shannon Gabriel is walking off... |
| 47.1 : R Chase to Moor, Flighted delivery outside off, Peter Moor lunges forward to defend but there is some turn which takes the inside edge and dribbles between the legs towards short fine leg. |
| 47.2 : R Chase to Moor, Chase drops it short around middle, it turns in. Moor looks to turn it away on the leg side but gets it off the pads towards first slip. |
| 47.3 : R Chase to Moor, Gets right behind the line and blocks it out watchfully. |
| 47.4 : R Chase to Moor, Gets back to defend but once again is beaten by the turn and bounce and wears it on the pads. |
| 47.5 : R Chase to Moor, Top edge! Floats it up outside off, Moor gets down to sweep but gets a safe top edge over the keeper for a single. |
| Hamilton Masakadza is given out caught at short leg. Now then, he walks towards Moor, takes his time and then opts for the review. He says, he isn't sure. Let's wait and find out. He is on 86, can he survive? |
| 47.6 : R Chase to Masakadza, NOT OUT! The on-field call has to overturned! The crowd goes wild, they want to see the ton from the bat of Masakadza! Chase floats it up outside off, Hamilton dances down the track but the ball turns in and it goes off something to the short leg fielder. They all appeal and umpire Dharmasena raises his finger. Masakadza after taking his time challenges the decision. Front foot is fine. There is no spike on the Ultra Edge as the ball went past the bat. So, maybe it ca |
| Devendra Bishoo is brought back into the attack. |
| 48.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, Flatter outside off, left alone. |
| 48.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Once again it's outside off, nicely left alone. |
| 48.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, Loopy leg-break outside off, Moor comes forward to defend but the ball turns away to beat the outside edge. |
| 48.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Comes forward and blocks it out. |
| 48.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Quicker through the air outside off, Moor lets the ball go. |
| 48.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Driven straight to the cover fielder. |
| 49.1 : R Chase to Masakadza, Darts it on middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 49.2 : R Chase to Moor, Loopy delivery outside off, defended into the ground. |
| 49.3 : R Chase to Moor, Roston drops it short on middle, tucked with the spin through backward square leg for a single. |
| 49.4 : R Chase to Masakadza, Quicker one on middle, defended off the back foot. |
| 49.5 : R Chase to Masakadza, Fuller on middle, wristed uppishly towards mid-wicket. |
| 49.6 : R Chase to Masakadza, Masakadza goes back and flicks it through mid-wicket and will keep strike. |
| 50.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Tossed up on the stumps, Hamilton makes room and drives it through extra cover. Immediately calls for two and gets it comfortably. |
| 50.2 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Flighted delivery around off, driven through cover for one. |
| 50.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, Loopy delivery on off, pushed off the front foot towards cover. |
| 50.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 50.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Flatter delivery on middle, played back to the bowler. |
| 50.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Lands it on middle, turning away, punched off the back foot towards cover. |
| 51.1 : R Chase to Masakadza, Chase slows it through the air outside off, Masakadza goes at it with hard hands, gets a thick inside edge on the boots as the ball lobs up towards the vacant silly point region. The man in the slip, Blackwood was interested but it was far away from his reach. |
| 51.2 : R Chase to Masakadza, Shorter around off, defended off the back foot. |
| 51.3 : R Chase to Masakadza, Floats it up outside off, blocked into the ground gently. |
| 51.4 : R Chase to Masakadza, Almost... Chase is bowling really well! He is not afraid to flight the ball and is getting nice assistance off the deck too. Masakadza leans forward to defend but the ball turns in with some bounce and goes off the gloves towards short leg. Luckily for Hamilton it dies down well in front of the man there. |
| 51.5 : R Chase to Masakadza, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 51.6 : R Chase to Moor, Flatter through the air, Moor goes back and tucks it on the bounce towards short leg. |
| 52.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Tossed up delivery around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 52.2 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Flighted ball but a bit too full, driven through extra cover for one. |
| 52.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, Bishoo drops it short outside off, turning away as well, slapped off the back foot through covers for a couple. |
| 52.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, In the air... safe! There is no need to go after this Moor. Really a bad approach with the tea break around the corner! Flighted delivery around middle, Moor gets down and goes for the slog sweep against the spin. The ball turns away and hence he gets a big top edge. However, there is no one patrolling in the deep mid-wicket region and so a couple is taken. |
| 52.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Turning away from a length outside off, left alone. |
| 52.6 : D Bishoo to P Moor, Edgyyy! Tossed up ball outside off, Moor leans ahead to drive but gets a thick outside edge which rolls past the slip fielder. They take two and that is TEA ON DAY 1! |
| What a session for Zimbabwe, a wicket-less one! They were down and out in the morning, losing three quick wickets but since then Hamilton Masakadza and Peter Moor have done a really good job to hold the innings together. Agreed, the former got a few lives but he has made it count. The latter looked a bit desperate to score runs but his side will be happy to see him still out there. The stand is worth 133 and it will be interesting to see if these two can swell it to a big one. |
| The Windies will be really kicking themselves to have let the momentum slip away. Gabrile overstepped when Masakadza was on 15 has come down as a haunting for them. In this session their bowlers apart from Roach looked off color. Bishoo and Chase are getting the ball to turn but they have bowled too many loose deliveries as well. Can they break this stand? Will we see Masakadza reaching the three-figure mark? Join us in a while to find out... |
| ... Day 1, Final session ... |
| Welcome back for the final session, folks! Hamilton Maskadza and Peter Moor stride out to bat. All eyes on the former as he is just 7 short of the three-figure mark. Roston Chase to continue the proceedings. Let's play... |
| 53.1 : R Chase to Masakadza, Bowls it around leg, it turns further down, the batsman lets it be. |
| 53.2 : R Chase to Masakadza, Flatter ball on middle and off, crunched off the back foot towards point. |
| 53.3 : R Chase to Masakadza, Tossed up ball outside off, Masakadza tries to reverse sweep this but the ball turns in and he gets beaten. |
| 53.4 : R Chase to Masakadza, Full outside off, blocked off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 53.5 : R Chase to Masakadza, Quicker delivery around middle and leg, Hamilton prods forward to defend but gets it off the pads towards short fine leg. |
| 53.6 : R Chase to Masakadza, What is Masakadza doing? Once again tires to play the reverse sweep but gets hit on the pads. Getting a bit fidgety here is Hamilton. Replays show it did take some part of the gloves before dying down. |
| Devendra Bishoo to bowl from the other end... |
| 54.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, Fuller outside off, driven straight to the cover fielder. |
| 54.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Short and outside off, cut away towards extra cover. |
| 54.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, Bishoo once again drops it short, it turns away, cut away towards the fielder at extra cover. Moor is not happy, he knows that he should have put that away. |
| 54.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Short on middle, punched down to long off for a single. |
| 54.5 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Tossed up outside off, eased down to long off for one. |
| 54.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Loops it up outside off, Moor goes back to cut but mistimes it towards the cover fielder. |
| 55.1 : R Chase to Masakadza, Takes a stride forward and nudges it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 55.2 : R Chase to Masakadza, Flighted delivery outside off, driven down to long off for a single. |
| 55.3 : R Chase to Moor, Flatter delivery on middle, tucked off the back foot towards the leg side. |
| 55.4 : R Chase to Moor, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 55.5 : R Chase to Moor, FOUR! There it is, 3rd Test fifty for Peter Moor! He came into the side as a replacement and has grabbed the opportunity with both the hands. The fact that he walked in when his side was in early trouble will make this fifty even more special for him and his side. Coming to the ball, a full toss outside off, Moor leans ahead and drives it through covers. Blackwood sprints after it but the ball still wins the race. |
| 55.6 : R Chase to Moor, Goes back and punches it towards cover. |
| 56.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Bowls it well outside off, left alone. |
| 56.2 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Flighted delivery around middle, Masakadza makes room to drive but gets a thick inside edge on the pads. |
| 56.3 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Fuller on off, driven towards the man at extra cover. |
| 56.4 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 56.5 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Short and outside off, cut past the man at point for a single. |
| 56.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Floats it up outside off, blocked gently off the front foot. |
| 57.1 : R Chase to H Masakadza, Flighted full ball served outside off, Hamilton makes room to drive but gets a thick inside edge towards short fine leg for a single. |
| 57.2 : R Chase to Moor, Gets right forward and smothers it down. |
| 57.3 : R Chase to Moor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 57.4 : R Chase to Moor, Goes back to this flatter ball and defends it down. |
| 57.5 : R Chase to Moor, Flatter again on middle, Moor is right behind to keep it out. |
| 57.6 : R Chase to P Moor, OUT! Bowled 'em! It's totally against the run of play! Roston Chase is the one who breaks the 142-run stand! The Windies are relieved at the moment as they have been kept at bay for a long period of time. Chase pushes it quicker through the air, drops it a touch short around off. Moor goes back to defend but this one skids off the surface, beats the outside edge and knocks the off stump. Moor can't believe it but has to walk back after playing a fine innings. |
| Sikandar Raza walks in next! |
| 58.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Fuller and wider on off, Hamilton pushes it towards backward point. There is a slight hesitation between the batsmen as to run or not and eventually decide to cross. |
| 58.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Gets forward and strokes it straight to Holder at cover. |
| 58.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Short and outside off, Raza gets on top of the bounce and cuts it through cover-point for a couple. |
| 58.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 58.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Leans forward and blocks it out. |
| 58.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, FOUR! What a hit! Bishoo once again bowls it short and was asking for trouble. Raza goes deep in the crease and cracks it through extra cover for a boundary to end the over. |
| 59.1 : R Chase to Masakadza, Tossed up outside off, Maskadza comes forward and taps it towards the off side for a brisk single. On 99 now! |
| 59.2 : R Chase to Raza, Floated delivery outside off, Raza comes down the track to drive but gets it off the inner half through mid-wicket for a single. |
| Masakadza is on 99, the crowd is right behind him. Can he get there? |
| 59.3 : R Chase to Masakadza, 5th Test ton for Hamilton, second against the Windies! He gets there after being lucky earlier. He has made it count this time around and the crowd is up on its feet to laud the effort of this man. Entire Zimbabwe team is clapping for him in the dressing room. What a proud moment this is for him. He soaks in all the applause as he takes the helmet off and gets a hug from Raza. Coming to the ball, fuller ball on middle, driven past the bowler down the ground for a sing |
| 59.4 : R Chase to Raza, Darted on middle, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 59.5 : R Chase to Raza, Turns in with bounce, Raza clips it past short leg. |
| 59.6 : R Chase to Raza, Sikandar comes down the track to push it away but gets it off the outer half towards backward point for a quick single. |
| 60.1 : D Bishoo to S Raza, Low full toss, dipping in, worked towards mid on. |
| 60.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Takes a stride forward and drives it towards cover. |
| It has started to drizzle now informs Ian Bishop on air... |
| 60.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Short outside off, punched through covers for a single. |
| 60.4 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Bishoo has bowled too many short balls today. Hamilton cuts it through backward point for a single. |
| 60.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Flighted delivery outside off, pushed back to the leggie. |
| 60.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, Gives this some more flight, Raza drives it back to the bowler. |
| 1525 local time - Both the umpires come together to have a word as the drizzle has gotten heavier. It's quite murky as well. And they call for the covers now. The groundsmen coming running in. The players are asked to leave the field. Stay with us as we will keep you posted... |
| 1555 local time update - The news isn't good, folks! The rain is only getting heavier and the entire ground is now covered. The light can be a issue too as it has gone all gloomy. Chances of further play look bleak but let's keep our fingers crossed... |
| 1615 local time update - The rain has subsided a bit but there is still a light drizzle. Keeping that and light in mind, it seems like the inevitable is on the cards. But still let's wait for the official confirmation... |
| 1646 local time update - And as expected, the conditions aren't deemed good enough for the play to continue and THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 1! |
| A damp squib is what we got to witness after two good sessions of play today. After opting to bat on a chilly morning, Zimbabwe's top order was dented within no time as the Windies' pacers took full toll of the conditions that were on offer. They could have had even more had Gabriel not overstepped when Masakadza was batting on 15. Hamilton then got good support from Moor. The duo weathered the storm and staged a remarkable recovery. They kept the visitors at bay for the entire second session an |
| Come the third session, Moor departed as soon as he scored a fifty but the onus was on Hamilton Masakadza who was approaching his Test ton. He got to it but then the dark clouds opened up, not allowing any more play. The conditions got very gloomy forcing the match officials to call it a day. The hosts would feel they have got out of the jail but the question is, will they be able to carry this further? With 29 overs getting lost today, the match will begin half an hour early, that is 0930 local |
| ... Day 2, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome to the coverage of Day 2 of the second and final Test between Zimbabwe and West Indies in Bulawayo. The hosts have shown that they have the temperament to bounce back from tough situations. Masakadza emerged as the hero for them as he scored an unbeaten century and is still going strong. However, he needs support from the lower middle order if they are to go past the 300-run mark. |
| On the other hand, the tourists were more or less disciplined. They would be aiming to restrict the home side to as less as possible. With grey clouds looming overhead, it will be a stern test for the batsmen. Let's hope the rain stays away and we get in the allotted overs today. |
| PITCH REPORT - Tino Mawoyo says the pitch was covered due to the weather but there are some dry areas from which the ball might turn and bounce. Adds if the batsmen show some resistance they will be well on course to get a decent first innings total. |
| We are set to get rolling. The weather is a bit warmer this morning in Bulawayo. Hamilton Masakadza and Sikandar Raza to continue their innings. Kemar Roach to steam in with the ball. He got the rewards last morning. Can he get them today as well? A wide slip in place. Here we go... |
| 61.1 : K Roach to Masakadza, FOUR! What a way to start off the day for Masakadza! Half-volley outside off, Hamilton leans ahead confidently and creams it past the diving extra cover fielder to find the fence. He is continuing from where he left off. |
| 61.2 : K Roach to Masakadza, Length delivery in the zone of apprehension, a bit of inward movement. Masakadza points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 61.3 : K Roach to Masakadza, Similar delivery outside off, not close enough to induce a stroke from Masakadza. |
| 61.4 : K Roach to Masakadza, Roach goes wider of the crease and angles in a full length delivery into Hamilton. He shuffles a bit and pushes it to mid off for a run. |
| 61.5 : K Roach to Raza, Stays back to this one and answers it with a straight bat. |
| Two slips and a gully in place for Raza. West Indies are attacking him as he is new to the crease. |
| 61.6 : K Roach to Raza, Full delivery on the base of off stump, Raza leans ahead and blocks it solidly. |
| Shannon Gabriel to bowl from the other end. A slip and a gully in place. The slip fielder is standing in a much more conventional position for Gabriel. |
| 62.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, angling in. Masakadza hangs back and defends it nicely to covers. |
| 62.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Shaping into Hamilton who tucks it nicely through square leg to rotate strike. |
| Two slips for Raza. |
| 62.3 : S Gabriel to Raza, Full length delivery attacking the stumps, Sikandar prods forward and defends it with a high elbow. |
| 62.4 : S Gabriel to Raza, A touch fuller this time but well outside off, Raza plants his front foot across and lets it go safely. |
| 62.5 : S Gabriel to Raza, Effort ball from Gabriel! He hits the deck hard and bowls it around off, Raza sways away from the line of the delivery, drops his wrists and makes a good leave. |
| 62.6 : S Gabriel to Raza, Not much movement either in the air or off the pitch for Gabriel. On a length on off, holding its line. Sikandar gets behind the line of the delivery and eases it to covers. |
| 63.1 : K Roach to Masakadza, Full delivery on off, Hamilton crouches and taps it to mid on for a swift single. |
| 0.0 : The sweeper cover is coming inside the ring. Right tactic from Holder. |
| 63.2 : K Roach to Raza, Good length delivery around off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 63.3 : K Roach to Raza, Roach searches for some swing and hence, bowls it fullish on off. Doesn't get much movement though and Raza deals with it easily. |
| 63.4 : K Roach to Raza, In the off stump channel, a bit of nibble in the air. Raza knows where his off stump is and makes a good leave. |
| 63.5 : K Roach to Raza, In the zone outside off, left alone. |
| Alan Wilkins on-air praises Roston Chase. He has played 14 Tests and scored a decent amount of runs (934) as well as picked up wickets (26). He is an underrated cricketer but he has a lot of potential which he proves time and again. |
| 63.6 : K Roach to Raza, Brave leave! Angling in prodigiously from outside off on a fuller length, Sikandar covers his off pole and lets it go. Good over from Roach. |
| 64.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Length delivery around off, Hamilton stays back and defends it stoutly. |
| 64.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Fractionally overpitched around off, timed sweetly to mid off. |
| 64.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Gabriel slips this one on the pads and Hamilton stays well balanced. He clips it beautifully through mid-wicket. Chase chases it on this slow outfield and cuts it off. Saves a run for his side. |
| 64.4 : S Gabriel to Raza, Well-directed bouncer on middle and leg, doesn't rise as much as expected. Raza has to duck under it in a jiffy to evade it. |
| Good signs! Finally a bit of sun peeping through the clouds. |
| 64.5 : S Gabriel to Raza, Another short ball but the direction is wayward. It is down the leg side and Sikandar leaves it easily. |
| 64.6 : S Gabriel to Raza, On a length on middle, Raza shuffles across and tucks it nicely to fine leg for a run and will retain strike. |
| 65.1 : K Roach to Raza, What a brute of a delivery! Cut into two halves! Roach goes wide of the crease and shapes in a pacy length delivery on off. Raza is caught in a tangle and gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball seems to have brushed the body and carried to Dowrich. Roach is confident but the keeper straightaway indicates that it came off the thigh pad. Raza is lucky to survive on that one. |
| 65.2 : K Roach to Raza, Good length delivery outside off, Sikandar leaves it alone in an awkward manner. |
| 65.3 : K Roach to Raza, Another one in the channel outside off, Sikandar doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 65.4 : K Roach to S Raza, Full delivery on middle, Raza pushes it off the inner half to mid on. |
| 65.5 : K Roach to Raza, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 65.6 : K Roach to Raza, Short delivery outside off, Raza lets it go. |
| Alan Wilkins on-air mentions that Roach is quick off the pitch and has a habit of surprising the batsmen. It is not easy to get set against him. You have to be on your toes all the time. |
| 66.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length delivery around off, Masakadza makes good use of the depth of the crease and taps it to the cover region. Gabriel is not looking his hundred percent. He was limping yesterday as well. Let's hope he is fine. |
| 66.2 : S Gabriel to H Masakadza, Shortish and room on offer, Hamilton slaps it hard but hits it straight to the man in the point region. |
| 66.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Back of a length ball on off, Masakadza punches it firmly off the back foot to covers. |
| 66.4 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Fullish and straying on the pads, Masakadza clips it with authority through mid-wicket. Chase hares after it but the ball wins the race this time. |
| Ed Rainsford on-air mentions a good point. In the first Test match, the ball hardly traveled through the gully region. So, he adds that it is rather better to have a short leg in place. Let the batsman know that a bouncer might be coming up so keep them alert. |
| 66.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Down the leg side, Hamilton looks to play it across but misses it. |
| 66.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, As Ed Rainsford mentioned, the fielder in the leg side came into focus. Full length delivery on leg stump, flicked straight to the man who came in the mid-wicket region. |
| 67.1 : K Roach to Raza, Shuffles across to the good length delivery and turns it around the corner for a run. |
| 67.2 : K Roach to Masakadza, Fractionally overpitched outside off, driven crisply to mid off. |
| 67.3 : K Roach to Masakadza, Fuller in length this time, Masakadza presses forward and keeps it out. |
| 67.4 : K Roach to Masakadza, Back of a length outside off, Hamilton camps back and strokes it to the cover region. |
| 67.5 : K Roach to Masakadza, This time it is well outside off, Hamilton points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 67.6 : K Roach to Masakadza, Roach goes wide of the crease and creates a testing angle. Gets the ball to come in substantially as Masakadza defends it tentatively from within the crease. |
| 68.1 : S Gabriel to Raza, Straying on the hips, Raza turns it to fine leg for a run. |
| 68.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, A tad fuller in length on off, Hamilton strides ahead and blocks it solidly towards Gabriel who mimes a throw to the keeper. |
| 68.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Bouncer but wayward in direction. It is down the leg side, no trouble at all for Masakadza to leave it alone. A short delivery should be well-directed otherwise there is no meaning to the effort ball. |
| 68.4 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Gabriel loses his radar and slants it down the leg side, Hamilton tries to play it across but fails to put bat on ball. |
| 68.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Much better this time. Fuller in length just outside off, the opener plants his front foot across and makes a good leave. |
| 68.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, In the corridor of uncertainty, Hamilton presses forward and defends it solidly. |
| Roston Chase comes into the attack. He got good purchase from the track yesterday and will be looking to put pressure on the batsmen. A slip and short leg in place. |
| 69.1 : R Chase to Raza, Turning into Raza who turns it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 69.2 : R Chase to Masakadza, Fullish on off, pushed off the front foot towards mid on. |
| 69.3 : R Chase to Masakadza, Turn on that occasion! Spins in sharply from outside off, Hamilton looks to defend it with the spin but is struck on the pads |
| 69.4 : R Chase to Masakadza, Fraction short around off, cut away against the spin to covers to rotate strike. |
| 69.5 : R Chase to Raza, Spinning into the pads, Sikandar helps it towards fine leg. Good running between the wickets allows the batsmen to come back for the second. |
| 69.6 : R Chase to S Raza, FOUR! Pleasing shot! Half-volley outside off, Raza opens the face of the bat and drives it elegantly through covers for a boundary. 8 from the over. |
| The skipper, Jason Holder comes in for a burst. |
| False start! Holder stops in his delivery stride. |
| 70.1 : J Holder to Masakadza, Good length delivery angling in from around off, Hamilton covers the line and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 70.2 : J Holder to Masakadza, Short of a length well outside off, Masakadza makes good use of the depth of the crease and punches it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 70.3 : J Holder to Raza, Raza taps this length delivery towards backward point and looks for a run but is rightly sent back. |
| 70.4 : J Holder to Raza, A touch fullish on off, Raza opts to stay back instead of coming forward and buries it into the track. |
| 70.5 : J Holder to Raza, In the channel outside off, curving in a touch. Sikandar doesn't flirt with it. |
| 70.6 : J Holder to Raza, Well played! Length delivery just outside off, skidding after pitching. Raza shuffles a bit and keeps it out by taking his bottom hand off the bat. |
| 71.1 : R Chase to Masakadza, Short delivery around off, turning in slowly into Sikandar. He plays it with soft hands towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 71.2 : R Chase to Raza, Nicely bowled! Chase spots Raza using his feet and bowls it slow through the air around off. Sikandar tries to push it through the gap at extra cover but gets beaten in the flight. Ends up getting an inside edge onto his pads and towards mid on. A run taken. |
| 71.3 : R Chase to Masakadza, Strides forward to the tossed up delivery and defends it. |
| 71.4 : R Chase to Masakadza, That was risky! Full delivery on middle, Masakadza goes for the fancy reverse sweep and connects decently to get it to short third man. If he missed that, he was a goner. |
| 71.5 : R Chase to Masakadza, Quicker on middle, turned through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 71.6 : R Chase to Raza, Loopy delivery, Raza lunges forward in defense. Good over from Chase. |
| 72.1 : J Holder to Masakadza, Back of a length delivery around off, Hamilton stays back and punches it back to the bowler. |
| 72.2 : J Holder to Masakadza, Length delivery on off, Masakadza tucks it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket. |
| 72.3 : J Holder to Masakadza, In the zone of apprehension, Hamilton plants his front foot across and lets it go. These two have played sensible cricket, left deliveries outside the off stump and have played very few false shots. |
| 72.4 : J Holder to Masakadza, Fuller in length outside off, left alone. |
| 72.5 : J Holder to Masakadza, Ooh... that was close! Back of a length delivery angling in sharply from outside off, Masakadza looks to force it through covers with hard hands but gets a thick inside edge past the leg stump. He would have had his heart in his mouth there. |
| 72.6 : J Holder to Masakadza, Stays back to this one and defends it. A maiden for Holder, testing over from him. |
| 73.1 : R Chase to Raza, FOUR! Picked the gap to perfection! Full toss on off, Raza kneels and sweeps it nicely past the short leg fielder. There are two men in the deep, one at deep square leg and one at long leg and he bisects them to earn a boundary. 200 up for Zimbabwe. |
| 73.2 : R Chase to Raza, Raza turns this one with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 73.3 : R Chase to Raza, Spinning into Raza who clips it to short leg. |
| 73.4 : R Chase to Raza, Tossed up delivery, Raza strokes it through covers. The fielder hares after it and cuts it off before the boundary ropes. Two runs taken. Actually, there was the third run on offer but poor running between the wickets didn't allow the batsmen to take it. |
| 73.5 : R Chase to Raza, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 73.6 : R Chase to Raza, Floated delivery, Sikandar lunges forward and keeps it out. |
| 74.1 : J Holder to Masakadza, On a length outside off, tapped past point for a single. |
| 0.0 : Three slips in place now. West Indies on the attack. |
| 74.2 : J Holder to Raza, Good length delivery around off, Raza hops and works it through square leg for a run. That brings up the 50-run stand between the two. They have shown good character and are playing really well. |
| 74.3 : J Holder to Masakadza, Fuller in length, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 74.4 : J Holder to Masakadza, Back of a length delivery, angling in from outside off. Hamilton pushes it off the inner half of the bat towards mid on. |
| 74.5 : J Holder to Masakadza, In the off stump channel, Masakadza lets it go. |
| 74.6 : J Holder to Masakadza, On a driving length outside off, Masakadza doesn't get drawn into the drive and lets it go safely. |
| 75.1 : R Chase to Raza, Chase comes from around the wicket and bowls it around the pads, Raza looks to help it away but misses. |
| 75.2 : R Chase to Raza, Tossed up around leg stump, Raza goes for the reverse sweep but misses to get hit around the hips. The ball deflects towards fine leg. Two leg byes taken. |
| 75.3 : R Chase to S Raza, Driven through mid off by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 75.4 : R Chase to Masakadza, Clipped with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 75.5 : R Chase to Masakadza, Another one that spins down the leg side, Hamilton leaves it. |
| 75.6 : R Chase to Masakadza, FOUR! Nice improvisation! Floated around off, Masakadza goes for the fancy reverse sweep and executes it well. There is no protection in the deep behind square on the off side and he hits in the same region. Picks up another boundary. |
| 76.1 : J Holder to Raza, Fullish delivery in the channel outside off, Raza watches it closely and makes a good leave. |
| 76.2 : J Holder to Raza, Angling sharply into Raza who works it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 76.3 : J Holder to H Masakadza, FOUR! An artist at work! Length delivery around off, Masakadza strides forward confidently and drives it through cover-point. Brathwaite in the deep runs to his right but the ball has been timed so well that it beats him with ease. |
| 76.4 : J Holder to Masakadza, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Off pace delivery from Holder on a fullish length on middle, Masakadza is early into his drive and hence, gets it uppishly towards mid off. The fielder dives to his right but it goes past him. It rolls away on this slow outfield and through to the fence. |
| 76.5 : J Holder to Masakadza, On a length outside off, holding its line. Hamilton doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 76.6 : J Holder to H Masakadza, FOUR! Hit with disdain! Hamilton is showing his colorful array of shots all around the ground. Short delivery in line of the stumps, Masakadza swivels across and pulls it with aplomb through square leg for a rocketing boundary. Best over of the innings, 13 from it. |
| 77.1 : R Chase to Raza, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 77.2 : R Chase to Raza, Lunges forward to this one and blocks it nicely. |
| 77.3 : R Chase to S Raza, Missed opportunity! How costly will that be? Spinning sharply into Raza, he looks to tuck it across but seems to have got an inside edge on his pads. The ball lobs towards the short leg fielder who reacts very late. By the time he dives, the ball falls down on the ground. The Snicko confirms the inside edge. West Indies need to pounce on such opportunities if they are to come back in the game. This is a good track to bat on and the hosts can make you pay for it. |
| 77.4 : R Chase to S Raza, Floated outside off, Raza creams it to sweeper cover for a couple. |
| 77.5 : R Chase to Raza, Leans into this one and pats it back to the bowler. |
| 77.6 : R Chase to Raza, Drifting down the leg side, Raza looks to play it across but misses. |
| Drinks time. Meanwhile, Devendra Bishoo is brought on for a bowl. Ian Bishop on-air feels that he should have brought in earlier. |
| 78.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Starts off with a short delivery around off, cut past the diving cover fielder for a run. |
| 78.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Short again and Raza cuts it off the back foot to the cover region. |
| 78.3 : D Bishoo to S Raza, Short and spinning away, cut through point for a run. |
| 78.4 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Bishoo hasn't got his rhythm. Drops it short again, punched off the back foot to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 78.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 78.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, Sixth short ball in a row, slapped hard but straight to the point fielder. |
| Ian Bishop on-air analyses his point further. The second new ball is around the corner and that will complicate issues for Bishoo. That is why he should have been bowled earlier in the morning. |
| 79.1 : J Holder to Masakadza, Back of a length on off, Masakadza defends it off the back foot. |
| 79.2 : J Holder to H Masakadza, FOUR! Bad ball and it has been dispatched! Short and wide outside off by Holder. Seeing the width on offer, Massakadza goes after it and cuts it through backward point for a boundary. He moves onto 142. |
| 79.3 : J Holder to Masakadza, That was nicely timed as well but only for a single. Holder persists with the short ball on middle, Hamilton swivels inside the crease and pulls it to deep square leg for a run. |
| 79.4 : J Holder to Raza, FOUR LEG BYES! Poor by Holder! He errs in line and drifts it on the pads. Raza misses the flick as the ball brushes the pads, beats the diving keeper and into the fine leg fence. Second boundary of the over for Zimbabwe. |
| 79.5 : J Holder to S Raza, Better from Holder! He lands it on a length around off, Raza prods forward and blocks it. |
| 79.6 : J Holder to Raza, Bouncer! the batsman ducks under it. |
| Hamilton Masakadza now has the most number of runs in an innings for a batsman from Zimbabwe against West Indies in Tests. |
| Second new ball is due now! |
| 80.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Slower through the air outside off, spinning away further. The batsman lets it be. |
| 80.2 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Wide enough for the batsman to play at it. |
| 80.3 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Flatter one on the shorter length outside off, Masakadza smashes it through covers for a single. |
| 80.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, What's with Bishoo? He is not learning. Continuously dropping it short and once again Raza cuts it to deep cover for a single. |
| Ian Bishop is livid with the bowling from Bishoo. He wants him to bowl fuller and make the batsman come forward but Bishoo is bowling really flat and short. |
| 80.5 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, And again! Shortish around off, turning further away, punched towards Holder at short cover. |
| 80.6 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, There you go! That is the length you need to bowl Bishoo! Floats it up around off, Hamilton leans forward to defend but the ball turns away and nearly kisses the outside edge of Masakadza's bat. |
| Kraigg Brathwaite is introduced into the attack. My colleague just reminded me that he was the one who removed Masakadza in the first innings of the first Test. Can he do it again? Well, his team would love it if he does so. |
| 81.1 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Very full around middle, bunted back to the bowler. |
| 81.2 : K Brathwaite to Raza, A loopy full toss on middle, swept behind square on the leg side for a single. It was uppish but safe. |
| 81.3 : Brathwaite to Masakadza, A stifled appeal for an LBW! Pushes it quicker through the air around off, Masakadza tries to broom it away but misses and is struck on the pads. They appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Maybe, the impact would be outside the line. |
| 81.4 : K Brathwaite to Masakadza, Drops it on a length and it skids off the deck, HM does well to keep it out off the back foot. |
| 81.5 : K Brathwaite to Masakadza, Allows the ball to turn in and works it towards mid-wicket. |
| 81.6 : K Brathwaite to Masakadza, Dances down the track and eases it down to long on for a single. |
| 82.1 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, Nicely bowled! Bishoo tosses it up on middle, it drifts into the batsman, turns away sharply and also bounces extra. Masakadza goes on the back foot to defend but gets an outside edge through short third man for a couple. |
| 82.2 : D Bishoo to Masakadza, OUT! This is what you get by bowling fuller! A loss of concentration from Masakadza, a bad shot by him. Not wise to go against the spin when the ball is turning. Bishoo again bowls a loopy ball outside off, turning away. Masakadza tries to fetch it and slog sweep it over the leg side but gets a top edge which lobs besides the pitch. Dowrich runs to his left, sets himself under it and takes it. A fighting innings by Hamilton comes to an end. He falls three short of hi |
| Malcolm Waller is the next man in. |
| 82.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 82.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, Short again outside off, Raza cuts it through extra cover for a couple. |
| 82.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 82.6 : D Bishoo to S Raza, Drives it with the angle to mid on. |
| 83.1 : Brathwaite to M Waller, OUT! Waller bags a golden duck! A dream off spinner delivery! The move of not taking the second new ball is paying off. Kraigg, tosses it up outside off, inviting the batsman to drive. Waller obliges and tries to leaving a gap between bat and pad. The ball turns sharply and goes between the gap to hit timber. Two quick wickets for the Windies and they are ecstatic. |
| 0.0 : Regis Chakabva is the the next man in. |
| 83.2 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Sweeps it with the spin through square leg for a run. |
| 83.3 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Flatter on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 83.4 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Fuller outside off, Raza drives it through covers for a run. |
| 83.5 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Loopy ball on off, turns back into the batsman. Chakabva tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 83.6 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Floats it full on off, the batsman drives it to mid on. |
| 84.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 0.0 : An appeal for a stumping against Raza has been referred upstairs. |
| 84.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, NOT OUT! Loopy ball outside off, turning away. Raza plays a similar shot like Masakadza but does not connect. The keeper collects and whips the bails off and appeals. The umpire goes upstairs. Replays show that Raza never lifted his foot. |
| 84.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Floats it outside off, Raza does not fiddle with it. |
| 84.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, Fuller in length on the stumps, Raza drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 84.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Drives it with the spin to covers. |
| 84.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Gives it air on off, turning away. Chakabva tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 85.1 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Flatter down the leg side, Raza tries to pull but misses. |
| 85.2 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Quicker again on middle, Raza punches it down to long on for a run. |
| 85.3 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Better this time! He bowls it slower through the air on off, Chakabva defends it solidly. |
| 85.4 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Brathwaite is getting some sharp turn here! He again slows it up outside off, turns back in and also skids off the surface. Chakabva goes back and tries to flick it but misses and is struck on the pads. The on-air commentators believe it was worth an appeal there. Replays show there was an inside edge there and maybe the West Indians must have heard that. |
| 85.5 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Shorter outside off, Chakabva punches it through the covers for a couple. |
| 85.6 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single. Easy runs for the batsman something Holder should not be giving. A long on should be brought up. |
| 86.1 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Floats it up outside off, Chakabva defends it off the front foot. |
| 86.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 86.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 86.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Flatter on off, turns away. Chakabva gets an outside edge down towards third man for a couple. |
| 86.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 86.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Loopy ball outside off, Chakabva tries to sweep but gets beaten. A sweep shot against Bishoo not a good idea. |
| 87.1 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Advances down the track and drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 87.2 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Flicks it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 87.3 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Tosses it up on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 87.4 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Slower through the air, gets some turn off the surface. Chakabva tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 87.5 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Flatter on off, the batsman defends stoutly. |
| 87.6 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Flighted ball on middle, Chakabva drives it towards mid on where Holder dives to his left and makes a good stop. |
| 88.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Flatter on off, skids off the surface. Raza defends it towards covers. |
| 88.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Slower through the air outside off, Raza lets it be. |
| 88.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, flighted ball outside off, Raza need not play at it. |
| 88.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, Floats it up on off, turns away sharply. Raza gets beaten as he tries to defend it. |
| 88.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 88.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, Shorter in length outside off, Raza shuffles across and flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 89.1 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Tosses it up on off, Chakabva tries to defend but gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket. |
| 89.2 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Flatter on middle, the batsman defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 89.3 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Short and wide outside off, too easy for Chakabva. he is all the time in the world to rock back and cut it through point for three. |
| 89.4 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Quicker on the pads, Raza tries to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. |
| 89.5 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Flicks it to mid-wicket with the spin. |
| 89.6 : K Brathwaite to Raza, The batsman opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. They pick up a single. |
| 90.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Tosses it up on middle, very full so the spin is out of contention. Raza drives it towards mid on for a run. |
| 90.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Drags his length back on off, Chakabva goes back and pulls it towards wide mid on for a run. |
| 90.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, BEATEN! It is turning square! Bishoo tosses it up on middle, the ball drifts into the batsman and turns away. Raza prods forward and tries to defend but gets beaten. A peach! |
| 90.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman has driven it straight back to the bowler. |
| 90.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Sweeps it through square leg for a run. |
| 90.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! 100 Test wickets for Bishoo! He once again tosses it up, full on middle. Chakabva goes down on knee and tries to sweep but misses the. The ball goes between bat and pad and hits the middle stump. Chakabva's struggle comes to an end. Zimbabwe are losing their way now. Bishoo gets his second. Bishoo is the 5th West Indian spinner to achieve this feat. |
| Graeme Cremer strides out to the middle. |
| 91.1 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Flatter on off, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 91.2 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Tosses it up on off,Raza defends it watchfully. |
| 91.3 : K Brathwaite to S Raza, Floats it outside off, Raza drives it down towards mid off for a run. |
| 91.4 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 91.5 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Loopy ball outside off, turning back in. Cremer tries to defend but gets hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire remains put. |
| Review time! The Windies have taken a review for LBW against Cremer. Looks close! |
| 91.6 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, NOT OUT! Cremer survives and the Windies lose a review! Brathwaite once again tosses it up outside off, this one too turns back in. Cremer prods forward to defend but gets beaten and is hit on the pads. The Windies appeal and the umpire shakes his head. Holder after a chat with his teammates opts to review. Replays show there is not bat involved but the ball is missing the leg stump. |
| 92.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 92.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 92.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, SIX! Fifty for Raza. His fifth! He brings it up in style! A long hop by Bishoo on middle, Raza goes back and picks the bones out of it as he deposits it over the mid-wicket fence. |
| 92.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, Tosses it up outside off, Raza pushes it to covers. |
| 92.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 92.6 : D Bishoo to S Raza, Fuller outside off, Raza drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 93.1 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Flatter on off, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 93.2 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 93.3 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Quicker on off, Raza defends it watchfully. |
| 93.4 : K Brathwaite to Raza, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 93.5 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Almost! Raza comes down the track and tries to drive the ball through the off side. The ball turns in sharply but luckily for Raza he gets an inside edge towards short fine leg for a run. |
| 93.6 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 94.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Floats it wide outside off, Raza shoulders his arms to it. |
| 94.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Tosses it up on off, Raza defends it off the front foot. |
| 94.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman has driven that ball straight back. |
| 94.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, FOUR! A gift by Bishoo! A full toss on middle, Raza goes down on one knee and sweeps it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 94.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Drags his length back outside off, Raza punches it through covers for a run. |
| 94.6 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 95.1 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Shorter in length on middle, turning back in. Raza works it to short leg. |
| 95.2 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Quicker on leg stump, Raza flicks it to short leg. |
| 95.3 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Shorter in length outside off, Raza, against the spin, punches it through the cover region for a couple. |
| 95.4 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Dances down the track and times it through covers for a run. |
| 95.5 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Flicks it to mid-wicket with the spin. |
| 95.6 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 96.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Flighted ball outside off, Raza leans into it and drives it through covers for a run. |
| 96.2 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Floats it up on off, Cremer defends it solidly. |
| 96.3 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Flatter on off, also shorter in length. Cremer defends it off the back foot. |
| 96.4 : D Bishoo to Cremer, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 96.5 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Cremer is off the mark! Short and wide outside off, from Bishoo. Graeme cuts it through point. The outfield is not that quick to take the ball to the fence. The fielder dives and pulls it back in to save a run for his side. |
| 96.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, Slower through the air outside off, turning away. Raza tries to drive but gets beaten. |
| 97.1 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Ambitious appeal but nothing from the umpire! Flatter on middle, turning back in. Cremer tries to defend but it goes off the pads to the man at short leg. |
| 97.2 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Cremer waits for the ball to spin into him and flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 97.3 : K Brathwaite to Raza, A full toss on middle, Raza drives it down the ground for a run. |
| 97.4 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 97.5 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Floats it on off, Cremer defends it off the front foot. |
| 97.6 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 98.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Loopy ball on off, Raza drives it to the man at covers. |
| 0.0 : A conversation between the two batsmen. Sikandar walks across to Cremer to have a word as he wants to eat up time and make sure that this is the last over before lunch. |
| 98.2 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Slower through the air on off, turning away. Cremer tries to defend but gets an outside edge towards short third man for a run. |
| 98.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 98.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, Advances down the track, looses his balance in the process but Raza somehow manages to drives it back to the bowler. |
| 98.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Goes onto the back foot and punches it through covers for a run. |
| 98.6 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Floats it on off, Cremer defends it off the front foot. |
| Still a minute to go and we will have one more in before lunch... |
| 99.1 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Advances down the track and drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 0.0 : A leg slip in place. |
| 99.2 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Flatter on off, Cremer defends it off the back foot. |
| 99.3 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Quicker on off, turning back in. Cremer tries to work it on the leg side but gets an inside edge and on the bounce to short leg. |
| 99.4 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Shorter in length outside off, the batsman pushes it on the off side for a run. |
| 99.5 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Comes down the track. Kraigg pulls his length back. Raza adjusts and defends it. |
| 99.6 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Fuller outside off, Raza drives it through covers to keep strike after LUNCH ON DAY 2! |
| Session highlights - 39 Overs, 127 Runs and 3 Wickets! It's been a good extended session for both these sides. Zimbabwe continued to have the upper hand over the visitors with Masakadza and Raza churning the runs with ease in the first hour. Holder didn't opt for the second new ball and asked his spinners to bowl. Bishoo was way too short in his initial burst but once he pitched the ball up, he reaped huge dividends. Brathwaite from the other end offered him handy support as the duo extracted en |
| Sikandar Raza has fought hard and already crossed the fifty-run mark. He has his skipper for company. Will they bat well and take the total in excess of 350 or will the visitors come out and wrap things up quickly? Join us in a while to find what happens next... |
| ... Day 2, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. The good thing is that the sun is out in all its glory at the moment. Sikandar Raza and Graeme Cremer to continue their innings. Shannon Gabriel to bowl first up after lunch. The second new ball has also been taken. Two slips and a gully in place. |
| 100.1 : S Gabriel to Raza, Good length delivery around off, Raza taps it besides the pitch on the off side and sets off for a run. The gully fielder comes charging in and so Cremer sends his partner back. |
| 100.2 : S Gabriel to Raza, Full length ball on middle and off, Sikandar clips it to fine leg for a single. |
| 100.3 : S Gabriel to Cremer, Full delivery attacking the stumps, Cremer comes half-forward and plays it with an angled bat face to point. |
| 100.4 : S Gabriel to Cremer, Fractionally overpitched on off, Graeme leans into it nicely and punches it on the up to the mid on fielder. |
| 100.5 : S Gabriel to Cremer, Well-directed bouncer on middle and leg, Cremer sways away of the line of the delivery and drops his wrists to evade it. |
| 100.6 : S Gabriel to Cremer, This time he angles in a short delivery from outside off, the skipper watches it closely and watches it sail through to the keeper. |
| Kemar Roach to share the second new ball from the other end. Two slips and a gully in place for him as well. |
| 101.1 : K Roach to Raza, Good length delivery in the zone of apprehension, Raza doesn't fiddle with it. The ball went on the bounce to the keeper. |
| 101.2 : K Roach to Raza, FOUR! Well played! Fractionally overpitched outside off, Raza drills it through cover-point and the ball races to the fence. Good attacking batting from Sikandar. |
| 101.3 : K Roach to Raza, Roach goes wide of the crease and hits the deck hard outside off, Raza points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 101.4 : K Roach to Raza, Back of a length delivery just outside off, Sikandar makes good use of the depth of the crease and blocks it solidly. |
| 101.5 : K Roach to Raza, Angling in on a length from around off, Raza defends it solidly off the back foot. |
| 101.6 : K Roach to Raza, Short of a length outside off, holding its line. Raza doesn't flirt with it. |
| 102.1 : S Gabriel to G Cremer, Full delivery outside off, Cremer strides forward and strokes it towards extra cover. Holder runs to his left, dives half-heartedly to his left and stops it partially. Two runs taken. |
| 102.2 : S Gabriel to Cremer, How did that miss the off stump? So, so close. Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Cremer opts to point his bat skywards as the ball nips back in substantially and just goes over the off stump. An older ball would have crashed into the stumps. |
| 102.3 : S Gabriel to Cremer, In the zone outside off, Graeme lets it go safely. |
| 102.4 : S Gabriel to Cremer, Gabriel bowls this one fuller in length outside off, Cremer stays composed in his leave. |
| 102.5 : S Gabriel to Cremer, Gabriel is in good rhythm. He steams in and bowls a length delivery at 147 clicks outside off, gets it to seam in appreciably off the deck. Cremer knows where his off stump is and makes a confident leave. |
| 102.6 : S Gabriel to Cremer, Full delivery well outside off, the temptation is there to go for an expansive drive but Cremer resists. End of a probing over from Gabriel. |
| 103.1 : K Roach to Raza, That was not far away from the stumps! Good length delivery outside off, curving in. Raza lets it go and it just whizzes past the off pole. Both the new ball bowlers are extracting substantial movement from the deck. |
| 103.2 : K Roach to Raza, On a length, shaping into Raza. He covers the line and defends it solidly. |
| 103.3 : K Roach to Raza, FOUR! All about timing and grace! Full length delivery in line of the stumps, Raza clips it beautifully through wide mid on. Chase gives it a chase from mid-wicket, looks to keep the ball in play but fails do so. He should have put in a slide there. Raza is now the leading run-scorer for Zimbabwe in Tests this year, going past Hamilton Masakadza. |
| 103.4 : K Roach to Raza, Short delivery outside off, Sikandar goes for a pull across the line but gets foxed. |
| 103.5 : K Roach to Raza, Straying on the pads, worked around the corner for a single. |
| 103.6 : K Roach to Cremer, Fractionally overpitched around off, Cremer puts in a nice stride forward and eases it to the cover region. |
| 104.1 : S Gabriel to S Raza, Edged! Full length ball outside off, swinging away a touch. Raza pushes at it with minimal foot movement but gets an outside edge past the gully region for a couple. |
| 104.2 : S Gabriel to S Raza, OUT! Gabriel was making the ball talk and he finally reaps the dividends! He steams in and hurls a fuller length ball outside off on a scrambled seam. After pitching, the ball keeps on coming in with the angle. Raza feels for it and gets a thick outside edge towards second slip. Kyle Hope stationed there takes it comfortably. Thankfully, for the Windies, he hasn't overstepped on this occasion. Raza departs after an enterprising knock. He would be disappointed to miss |
| Tendai Chisoro comes out to bat. This is his debut Test. |
| 104.3 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, FOUR! Almost another one! Gabriel comes from around the wicket and bowls a pinpoint yorker on off, Chisoro looks to jam it out but gets an inside edge past the off stump. The ball beats the diving keeper and races to the fine leg fence. Tendai is off the mark in Test cricket in a nervy manner. |
| 104.4 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 104.5 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, Full delivery outside off, Tendai leaves it alone. His front foot is well behind the crease. Good discipline from him. |
| 104.6 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, Fuller in length around off, pushed off the front foot to the cover region. End of a productive over for Gabriel. |
| 105.1 : K Roach to Cremer, On a good length, shaping in. Cremer works it through backward square leg for a couple. |
| 105.2 : K Roach to Cremer, Very full delivery, tailing in. Cremer keeps it out towards Roach. |
| 105.3 : K Roach to Cremer, Back of a length delivery around off, Graeme places it to backward point. |
| 105.4 : K Roach to Cremer, Length delivery in line of the stumps, Graeme tucks it to mid-wicket and wants a run but is rightly sent back. |
| 105.5 : K Roach to Cremer, Good length ball around off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 105.6 : K Roach to Cremer, Full length ball attacking the stumps, Cremer taps it to the fielder at mid on. |
| 106.1 : S Gabriel to T Chisoro, Full length ball just outside off, Chisoro strides ahead and plays it with soft hands to covers. |
| 106.2 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, Length delivery around off, Chisoro hangs back and buries it into the track. |
| 106.3 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, Short delivery down the leg side, doesn't rise as much as expected. Tendai doesn't commit himself to the hook shot and hence, misses it. |
| 106.4 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, Full length ball on middle, Chisoro drives it towards mid on. The fielder attacks the ball and denies the single. |
| 106.5 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, Gabriel comes from around the wicket and bowls a pacy full length delivery outside off, Tendai plants his front foot across and lets it sail into the gloves of the keeper. |
| 106.6 : Gabriel to Chisoro, Bowls a very full delivery, attacking the base of off stump. Chisoro keeps it out to the mid-wicket region. |
| 107.1 : K Roach to Cremer, Roach goes wider of the crease and angles in a fullish delivery on off. Cremer pushes at it tentatively and gets it off the inner half through backward square leg. A run taken. |
| 107.2 : K Roach to G Cremer, What was the skipper doing there? That was a schoolboy error which almost proved fatal. Roach goes around the wicket and bowls a fuller length ball outside off, Chisoro plays it off the outer half towards gully and sets off initially. Cremer keeps running and the debutant has to eventually go for the run. Gabriel goes to his right and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. The replays show that in an attempt to avoid the throw, he took his eyes off the ball and wa |
| 107.3 : K Roach to Cremer, Fullish delivery, defended off the front foot. |
| 107.4 : K Roach to Cremer, Shaping in from a length outside off, Cremer leaves it alone and the ball goes past the off stump. |
| 107.5 : K Roach to Cremer, That was a loose shot! Short and room on offer, Cremer flashes at it but gets beaten. |
| 107.6 : K Roach to Cremer, Fullish delivery, tailing in. Cremer works it to mid-wicket. |
| 108.1 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, Uppish but safe! Fullish delivery around off, Chisoro drives it with minimal foot movement in the gap between mid off and extra cover. A run taken. This time Cremer wanted the second but was sent back. |
| 0.0 : Direct hits are always close and Holder believes that he has his man. Great work from the skipper and it's taken upstairs. Cremer seems to be struggling here... |
| 108.2 : S Gabriel to Cremer, OUT! Bull's eye brings the downfall of Cremer! Full length delivery, Graeme drives it crisply towards mid off and sets off for a run. He takes on the arm of his counterpart, Holder who is very quick to attack the ball. He moves to his left, picks it up cleanly and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end as Cremer tries to get in desperately. It is referred upstairs. The replays find the Zimbabwean skipper short of his crease. He took the longer route to avoid the thro |
| Chris Mpofu is the last man in. |
| 108.3 : S Gabriel to Chisoro, Full delivery on off, Chisoro heaves it off the inner half to deep mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 108.4 : S Gabriel to T Chisoro, Short delivery down the leg side, helped along with a pull to fine leg for a run. |
| 108.5 : Gabriel to Mpofu, A loud shout for a caught behind denied! Fullish delivery outside off, Mpofu pokes at it but gets beaten. Gabriel roars in an appeal but the umpire stays put. The replays show there was clear daylight between bat and ball. |
| 108.6 : S Gabriel to Mpofu, FOUR! Nicely done! Fuller length ball outside off, Mpofu pushes it with an angled bat face past the second slip fielder for a boundary. |
| Chisoro has been adjudged LBW. He takes the review straightaway. Is there an inside edge? |
| 109.1 : K Roach to Chisoro, OUT! No inside edge and Chisoro is a goner! Roach comes from around the wicket and bowls a slower ball on a full length on leg stump. Chisoro looks to keep it out but is hit on the boot. The Windies appeal in unison and up goes the umpire's finger. Tendai decides to challenge the decision. Time for the replays. It shows three reds and the debutant is a dead duck. Surprisingly, the Hawk Eye revealed that the ball pitched on leg stump and deviated in to hit the middle st |
| It has been a decent show from Zimbabwe after electing to bat first. To begin with, it was a horrid start for them as they lost three wickets for only 14. In came Peter Moor and along with Hamilton Masakadza steadied the ship for the home side. The duo stitched a 142-run stand and played sensible cricket. Masakadza scored a big ton while Moor scored a patient fifty. Raza down the order played an enterprising knock to take the hosts past 300. |
| The visitors were good in the field. Roach and Gabriel bowled well with both the new balls and took wickets. Bishoo was wayward to begin with but settled into a rhythm to pick up 100 wickets in Test cricket. They will be pleased to restrict the home side under 350. There are no real demons on the track but it is taking slow turn and there is movement for the pace bowlers. Let's see how the Windies reply with the bat... |
| 0.1 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Starts off with a full length ball outside off, Brathwaite plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 0.2 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Good length ball angling in from outside off, Brathwaite hangs back and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 0.3 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Mpofu loses his radar and slips this one down the leg side, Kraigg tries to help it away but misses. Chakabva dives to his left but fails to stop it cleanly. Two byes taken. |
| 0.4 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Full length delivery on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 0.5 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Fullish delivery, swinging in sharply. Brathwaite brings his bat down at an angle and clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 0.6 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, On a length, extra bounce on that. Brathwaite keeps it out off the inner half of the bat to fine leg. A run taken. |
| Solomon Mire to share the new ball from the other end. He has been handed the responsibility as Kyle Jarvis is not playing in this game. |
| 1.1 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Fullish delivery in line of the stumps, Brathwaite flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 1.2 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Brathwaite shuffles a bit and taps this one with a closed bat face to the leg side. |
| 1.3 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Fullish delivery around off, Brathwaite shuffles a touch and works it to square leg. |
| 1.4 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Fractionally overpitched on off, eased off the front foot to mid off. |
| 1.5 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Fuller length ball outside off, keeps low. Kraigg lets it go. That died on the keeper. Signs of things to come? |
| 1.6 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Fullish delivery on leg stump, nudged round the corner for a single. |
| 2.1 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Short and room on offer, Brathwaite slaps it past the point region for a boundary. |
| 2.2 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Good length delivery around off, Kraigg hangs back and defends it stoutly. |
| 2.3 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 2.4 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Full length delivery around off, pushed off the bottom half of the bat to mid off. |
| 2.5 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Good length delivery just outside off, Brathwaite remains composed in defense. |
| 2.6 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Short of a length outside off, holding its line. Kraigg doesn't bother to play at it. |
| The hammer comes out. The groundsman is settling the area near the bowler's landing. |
| 3.1 : S Mire to Powell, Full delivery wide outside off, Powell is not bothered to play at it. |
| 3.2 : S Mire to Powell, Very full delivery on off, Powell jams it out back to the bowler. Mire is not looking his hundred percent and might be bowling with an injury. |
| 3.3 : S Mire to Powell, Full length delivery, Kieran lunges forward in defense. |
| 3.4 : S Mire to Powell, Straying on the pads, turned around the corner for a single. |
| Fazeer Mohammed on-air mentions a good point. He mentions that it is important to have quality bowlers bowling upfront with the new ball. It gives the side a cushion and they can attack more. |
| 3.5 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Length delivery around off, Brathwaite waits for it and blocks it. |
| 3.6 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Fuller in length outside off, Kraigg pushes it off the front foot to covers. |
| 4.1 : C Mpofu to Powell, Back of a length delivery outside off, tapped with an open bat face to point. |
| 4.2 : C Mpofu to Powell, Hurls one in the channel outside off at 139 clicks, much more than his usual pace. Powell makes a watchful leave. He is really running in and giving it his all. The crowd is also cheering for him. |
| 4.3 : C Mpofu to Powell, Good length delivery outside off, zips off the surface. Kieran keeps his bat inside the line and lets it go. |
| 4.4 : C Mpofu to Powell, A bit fuller outside off, Powell makes the third leave in a row. |
| 4.5 : C Mpofu to Powell, Short of a length outside off, Powell plays it with an angled bat face towards point. |
| 4.6 : C Mpofu to Powell, FOUR! Streaky runs! This is good bowling from Mpofu. He bowls a full length ball outside off, Powell pushes at it with minimal foot movement and gets an outside edge through the gap between the slip cordon and gully. Picks up his first boundary. |
| 5.1 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Full delivery on off, Kraigg puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 5.2 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Good length delivery in the zone outside off, Kraigg shuffles a bit and punches it firmly to the cover region. |
| 5.3 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Rises with the bounce to the short of the length delivery and taps it to the off side. |
| 5.4 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Mire opts to go full again and attacks the base of the off stump. Brathwaite comes forward and defends it with a high elbow. |
| 5.5 : S Mire to K Brathwaite, Full length delivery on middle, a bit of away swing there. Brathwaite closes his bat face early on the clip and hence, gets a soft leading edge towards the second slip fielder. |
| 5.6 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Full in length on off, driven crisply to the man at mid on. End of a maiden. |
| 6.1 : C Mpofu to Powell, Back of a length delivery, angling in from outside off. Powell shuffles a touch and stonewalls it. |
| 6.2 : C Mpofu to Powell, On a length on off, tucked off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket. |
| 6.3 : C Mpofu to Powell, On a driving length well outside off, Powell resists the urge to drive it and lets it go through safely. |
| 6.4 : C Mpofu to Powell, Full delivery outside off, Powell doesn't flirt with it. |
| 6.5 : C Mpofu to Powell, Good carry and bounce! Length delivery outside off, lifts appreciably after pitching as Kieran points his bat skywards. |
| 6.6 : C Mpofu to Powell, Fullish delivery but wide outside off, Powell lets it go. Back-to-back maidens. |
| 7.1 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Brathwaite moves across his stumps and defends it solidly. |
| 7.2 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Full delivery on middle, Kraigg leans ahead and plays it with soft hands to mid on. |
| 7.3 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Another full delivery in line of the stumps, Kraigg comes forward to defend it but gets it off the outer half to covers. |
| 7.4 : S Mire to Brathwaite, On a driving length outside off, the temptation is there to go for the drive but Kraigg remains circumspect in approach. |
| 7.5 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Same length but wider outside off, the right-hander is not bothered to play at that one. |
| 7.6 : S Mire to Brathwaite, Shuffles across to the length delivery and buries it into the track. |
| 8.1 : C Mpofu to Powell, Mpofu steams in and bowls a back of a length delivery on off, Powell hangs back and taps it to the point fielder. |
| 8.2 : C Mpofu to Powell, In the channel outside off, Kieran doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 8.3 : C Mpofu to Powell, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 8.4 : C Mpofu to Powell, Length delivery outside off, holding its line. Powell doesn't flirt with it. |
| 8.5 : C Mpofu to Powell, Well bowled! Coming in with the angle from around off and straightens after pitching. Powell does well to not follow it. |
| 8.6 : C Mpofu to Powell, In the zone outside off, left alone. Fourth maiden in a row. Looks like the Windies are playing out for tea. |
| Time for Graeme Cremer to roll his arm over. We saw Bishoo extracting good purchase from the surface and the skipper will look to give his best. |
| 9.1 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Tossed up on off, Brathwaite lunges forward to defend it. |
| 9.2 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, In line of the stumps, turned through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 9.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Stays back to the flatter delivery and blocks it. |
| 9.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Slow through the air this time, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 9.5 : G Cremer to K Powell, Already something happening from the skipper. Tossed up on a shortish length outside off, gets it to spin in appreciably. Powell hangs back and looks to defend it but gets an outside edge past first slip. Three runs taken. Kieran should have played that off the front foot. |
| 9.6 : G Cremer to K Brathwaite, Fraction short, pulled to wide long on for a run. |
| 10.1 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, A lot of swing there. Fullish delivery outside off, jagging back sharply. Brathwaite clips it off the inner half to deep backward square leg. A run taken. |
| 10.2 : C Mpofu to Powell, Mpofu comes back to around the wicket angle to the southpaw and bowls it on a length outside off. Tapped nicely to the point region. |
| 10.3 : C Mpofu to Powell, Good length delivery outside off, Kieran plants his front foot across to let it go. |
| 10.4 : C Mpofu to Powell, On a length on off, stays a bit low. Powell hangs back and adjusts well to block it. |
| 10.5 : C Mpofu to Powell, Fullish in length outside off, pushed off the front foot to covers. |
| 10.6 : C Mpofu to K Powell, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Powell leans into it and drives it crisply to extra cover. Finally a run in this over. |
| 11.1 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Quicker through the air around off, Kraigg stays back and defends it towards point. |
| 11.2 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Full on off, Brathwaite lunges forward in defense. |
| 11.3 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Quick and flat around off, spinning away. The right-hander shuffles a bit and defends it nicely. |
| 11.4 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Leans forward to this one and blocks it. |
| 11.5 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, A fraction short this time, Brathwaite rocks back and cuts it through covers. Raza hares after it and does well to keep it down to a couple. |
| 11.6 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Lack of game awareness from the hosts. Tossed up on off, Kraigg drives it firmly towards mid off. The fielder is late to react and allows the single. |
| Sikandar Raza comes into the attack. Can he pick up a wicket before tea? |
| 12.1 : S Raza to Brathwaite, A loud shout for an LBW turned down. A good first delivery. Outside off, turning in sharply. Brathwaite looks to defend it but misses to get rapped on the pads. Raza is confident but the umpire stays put. Cremer looks towards his keeper and he says that the impact is outside the line. Kraigg got out to Raza in the first Test and he is already posing some problems for the right-hander. |
| 12.2 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Tossed up delivery, kept out watchfully. |
| 12.3 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Plays this one with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 12.4 : S Raza to K Brathwaite, Fullish delivery, eased to mid on. |
| 12.5 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Tossed up outside off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 12.6 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Floated outside off, driven against the spin to covers. Good start from Raza. |
| Brathwaite seems to be struggling a bit. He calls the physio out, helping him in some stretching... |
| 13.1 : G Cremer to Powell, Powell uses his feet to this one and wrists it to the short mid-wicket fielder. |
| 13.2 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Quicker through the air, tapped with the spin to point. |
| 13.3 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 13.4 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Full delivery on middle, played with soft hands down back to the bowler. |
| 13.5 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Tossed up delivery, Brathwaite lunges forward in defense. |
| 13.6 : G Cremer to K Brathwaite, Quicker one outside off, Kraigg pushes it to long off for a run. Easy singles on offer, not good cricket from Zimbabwe. |
| Ian Bishop is not happy with the field placement of Cremer. Like Holder, he too has spread the field. Why would you want to allow those easy singles down the ground? Imply more pressure, frustrate the batsmen and make them desperate to go for a false stroke... |
| 14.1 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Flat and quick, kept out watchfully. |
| 14.2 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Spinning towards the pads, helped to the leg side. |
| 14.3 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Spinning in from outside off, Brathwaite smothers it nicely. |
| 14.4 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Eased to covers off the front foot this time. |
| 14.5 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Streaky! Full outside off, Brathwaite pushes at it with hard hands but gets it off the outer half to short third man. |
| 14.6 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 15.1 : G Cremer to Powell, Full delivery, driven crisply to mid off. |
| 15.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Flatter one, blocked off the back foot. |
| 15.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Slips in the googly this time, Powell reads it well and defends it solidly. |
| 15.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Sits deep in the crease and blocks it watchfully. |
| 15.5 : G Cremer to Powell, Spinning down the leg side, worked to fine leg for a single. |
| 15.6 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Slow through the air, Brathwaite is opened up in his stance a bit but does well to keep it out. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 2! |
| A session that belongs to West Indies! Not that they have run away with the game but they have done really well so far. Firstly, they wiped the hosts' tail quickly and then their openers, Brathwaite and Powell, have safely negotiated the tricky period before the break. The Zimbabwe bowlers bowled superbly, especially Mpofu, who ran in with all his might but didn't get any success. Skipper Cremer and Raza too got the ball to turn and grip which must have put some questions in the mind of the bats |
| ... Day 2, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the third session. Brathwaite and Powell to continue their innings. Will their approach be the same? Digging out everything and keeping the hosts at bay? Let's wait and find out... Sikandar Raza to continue his spell. A slip and short leg in place. Here we go... |
| 16.1 : S Raza to Powell, Tossed up outside off, spinning away. Powell lets it go. |
| 16.2 : S Raza to Powell, Drifting towards the pads, played with soft hands to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 16.3 : S Raza to Brathwaite, On the pads again, nudged to the man at short fine leg. |
| 16.4 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Spinning in sharply into Brathwaite who looks to keep it out but is struck on the pads. The ball lobs to the short leg fielder. |
| 16.5 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Gets right forward to this one and blocks it right under his nose. |
| 16.6 : S Raza to Brathwaite, In the air... but safe! Turning into Brathwaite who clips it uppishly past the short leg fielder. The ball is certainly spinning a lot. |
| Graeme Cremer to bowl from the other end. |
| 17.1 : Cremer to Powell, Was that a return catch? Oh, yes! It was. Graeme Cremer has spilled a dolly of a catch. Butter fingers, I tell you! Floated delivery around middle, Powell comes dacing down the track and chips it back to the bowler who fails to grab that one. Initially it seemed like a bumped ball but replays show it wasn't. A chance goes down abegging. |
| 17.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Flighted delivery around middle, clipped towards mid-wicket. |
| 17.3 : Cremer to Powell, Another chance! But this one was relatively tough! Floats it up on the stumps, Powell skips down the track and drills it back down the ground. Cremer moves to his left and then tries to catch it but it bursts through his fingers down to long on for a single. Two chances created in the same over! |
| 17.4 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, FOUR! That's a poor delivery and had HIT ME written all over it. Short ball, Kraigg camps back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 17.5 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Quicker through the air outside off, left alone. |
| 17.6 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Flatter ball on middle, punched back to the bowler. |
| 18.1 : S Raza to Powell, Raza pushes it quicker through the air, outside off, Powell gets on the front foot and then makes a leave. |
| 18.2 : S Raza to Powell, Loopy ball around middle and off, defended off the front foot. |
| 18.3 : S Raza to Powell, Kieran shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 18.4 : S Raza to Powell, Flighted ball outside off, Kieran leans forward and lets it be. |
| 18.5 : S Raza to Powell, Drops it short, spinning away, punched towards cover. |
| 18.6 : S Raza to Powell, Slower one outside off, dabbed away towards point. |
| 19.1 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Flighted around off, blocked off the front foot gently. |
| 19.2 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, On a shorter length and spinning further away, Brathwaite leans across and makes a leave at the last moment. |
| 19.3 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Loops it up around off, defended into the ground. |
| 19.4 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Keeps it full on off, watchfully kept out. |
| 19.5 : G Cremer to K Brathwaite, Takes a stride forward and pushes it towards mid off. |
| 19.6 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Short and turning away from a length, KB hangs back and defends. |
| 20.1 : S Raza to Powell, Around middle, turning away, stabbed off the back foot. |
| 20.2 : S Raza to Powell, Raza smartly slows it through the air, bowls it around middle, it turns away. Powell looks to flick but gets a leading edge which falls short of the bowler. Powell is living dangerously here. |
| 20.3 : S Raza to Powell, Darts it around the pads, worked in front of mid-wicket. |
| 20.4 : S Raza to Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 20.5 : S Raza to Powell, Loopy delivery around middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 20.6 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Goes over the wicket, drops it around middle, Kraigg goes back and works it with the spin towards square leg. |
| 21.1 : G Cremer to Powell, A bit flatter through the air outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover. |
| 21.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Loops it up around middle, nudged straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 21.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Fuller around off, bunted towards the fielder at mid off. |
| 21.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Kieran comes down the track this time and drives it wide of mid off to get a single. |
| 21.5 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, There comes a loose ball! The leg-spinners are ought to deliver one. A loopy full toss, dipping in, flicked off the inner half through mid-wicket by Brathwaite for one. |
| 21.6 : G Cremer to Powell, Bowls a googly around middle, Powell goes back and shows a straight blade. |
| 22.1 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Fired very full, almost a yorker, jammed out back to the bowler. |
| 22.2 : S Raza to Brathwaite, This one spins back in from around off, flicked towards mid-wicket. |
| 22.3 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Goes back and tucks it past short leg. |
| 22.4 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 22.5 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Tossed up around off, turning in, Brathwaite goes back and flicks it towards backward square leg. |
| 22.6 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Leans ahead and buries it into the ground. A maiden for Raza. |
| 23.1 : G Cremer to Powell, FOUR! Glorious! That was a flashy drive from Powell! Cremer tosses it up wider outside off, it's a gentle half-volley. Powell gets across and drills it past the diving extra cover fielder to pick up a boundary. |
| 23.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Stays on the back foot and meets it with a straight bat. |
| 23.3 : G Cremer to K Powell, Tossed up around off, Powell lunges forward to defend but the ball turns in, takes the inside edge and rolls past the man at short leg. |
| 23.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Reads the wrong 'un from the hand does Powell and quickly goes deep in the crease to negotiate. |
| 23.5 : G Cremer to Powell, A bit short on middle, defended off the back foot. |
| 23.6 : G Cremer to Powell, Short and outside off, Powell rocks back and flays it through covers. Peter Moor gives it a chase and pulls the ball back in play near the rope. Two taken. |
| 24.1 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Tossed up outside off, driven hard but finds the cover fielder. |
| 24.2 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Lets the ball turn in and with the spin works it behind square on the leg side. |
| 24.3 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Flatter one on middle, punched off the back foot towards mid-wicket. |
| 24.4 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 24.5 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Good shot and good stop too! Raza gives it some nice air, keeps it full outside off. Brathwaite presses forward and laces it through wide mid off. Tendai Chisoro from mid off sprints after it and does extremely well to save a run for his side. |
| 24.6 : S Raza to Powell, What a delivery! Ripper is what you sound apt for it! Raza lands it around middle, it's not that short but Powell goes back to defend. This one turns away with a little bit of bounce, beats the outside edge and was millimeters away from kissing the off stump. |
| 25.1 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Googly around off, Kraigg reads it well and defends it off the back foot. |
| 25.2 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Flighted delivery around off, defended by coming forward. |
| 25.3 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Drags his length back a bit, Brathwaite pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 25.4 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Gets right behind the line and blocks it out watchfully. |
| 25.5 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Fuller on middle, driven off the inner half towards mid on. |
| 25.6 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 26.1 : S Raza to Powell, Flatter one outside off, Powell has got nothing to do with that. |
| 26.2 : S Raza to Powell, Is it another dropped chance? Nope, it's not! Raza lands it around middle and zips off the surface to beat the outside edge of the bat. It seemed like an edge but the replays confirm there wasn't any. |
| 26.3 : S Raza to Powell, Around middle and off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 26.4 : S Raza to Powell, Flattish through the air around middle, defended off the back foot. |
| 26.5 : S Raza to Powell, Hangs back and keeps it out of the crease. |
| 26.6 : S Raza to Powell, Fuller outside off, pushed towards short cover. Raza is running through his over, he has completed it in just over a minute. |
| 27.1 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Drops it short on middle, pulled off the back foot through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 27.2 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Too full in length, Brathwaite looks to drive it through the line but gets it off the inner half towards mid on. |
| 27.3 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Loopy full toss, dipping in, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 27.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Short and turning in, tucked with the spin towards backward square leg. |
| 27.5 : G Cremer to Powell, Dances down the track and drives it through covers for a single. |
| 27.6 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, It's the googly from the skipper again, Brathwaite fails to pick it up. Manages to tuck it past short leg somehow. |
| 28.1 : S Raza to Powell, Darts it around the leg, Powell wrists it through mid-wicket for a single. The 50-run stand comes up for the Windies. These two have done a really good job. Can they build on this now? |
| 28.2 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Floats it up around middle, defended by lunging forward. |
| The commentator on-air informs that 28 overs have been bowled in 1 and a half hours. Brilliant over rate from Zimbabwe. Seems like they are going to easily make up for the overs lost yesterday. |
| 28.3 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Leans forward and drives it towards short cover. |
| 28.4 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Goes deep in the crease and tucks it towards square leg. |
| 28.5 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Floats it up on the stumps, Kraigg dead bats it. |
| 28.6 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Flatter one around middle, tucked off the back foot towards forward short leg. |
| Tendai Chisoro is brought into the attack now. Let's see what the debutant can extract from the surface. To start with, he was a left-arm pace bowler but he bowls off spin now. |
| 29.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, Starts off from over the wicket and keeps it full around middle, defended nicely off the back foot. |
| 29.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, In the air... just falls short of Mire at long on! Chisoro gives it nice flight, Powell clears his front leg and thumps it down the ground towards long on. It went flat and Mire stationed there moves quickly across to his left, dives forward to take it but it falls short. Tendai lauds the fielding effort from the Zimbabwe opener. A single picked up. |
| 29.3 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Darted on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 29.4 : T Chisoro to Powell, On middle and leg, nudged towards the leg side. |
| 29.5 : T Chisoro to Powell, Flighted ball outside off, pushed into the cover region. |
| 29.6 : T Chisoro to Powell, Goes back and defends it towards the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 30.1 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Fullish on off, pushed off the front foot to mid on. |
| 30.2 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Nervy moment for Brathwaite! Pushed quicker through the air on off, Brathwaite hangs back to block it but gets it off the outer half towards point for a single. He departed in the first Test to the same bowler as he was adjudged LBW. This time a little bit of bat saves him. |
| 30.3 : S Raza to Powell, Tossed up on off, stays low. Powell camps back to block it. |
| 30.4 : S Raza to Powell, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 30.5 : S Raza to K Powell, Leans into this one and eases it to long on for a single. |
| 30.6 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Tossed up on middle, dealt with expertly. |
| 31.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, Flighted delivery miles outside off, Powell gets his front foot across and pads it away towards the first slip fielder. |
| 31.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, Loopy full toss outside off, should have been put away but Powell finds the fielder at short cover. |
| 31.3 : T Chisoro to Powell, Tosses it up around off, bunted back to the bowler. |
| 31.4 : T Chisoro to Powell, A bit quicker through the air around middle and off, defended off the back foot. |
| 31.5 : T Chisoro to Powell, Nice flight, landed full on off, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot. |
| 31.6 : T Chisoro to Powell, Stays back footed and tucks it behind square on the leg side. |
| 32.1 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Raza lands it around middle, turning in, Kraigg works it with the spin towards square leg. |
| 32.2 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Quicker through the air around middle, worked on the bounce towards the man at short leg. |
| 32.3 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Fired full on the pads, defended in front of the short leg fielder. |
| 32.4 : S Raza to Brathwaite, Comes a touch forward and plays it with the spin towards square leg. |
| 32.5 : S Raza to Brathwaite, A bit fuller outside off, driven back to the bowler. |
| 32.6 : S Raza to Brathwaite, On middle and leg, wristed towards mid-wicket. |
| 33.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, Tossed up delivery on off, Powell dances down the track and blocks it back down the pitch. |
| 33.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, Flighted ball around middle and off, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 33.3 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, That's more like it! Chisoro needs to pitch more of those there! a loopy delivery outside off, lures Brathwaite to defend it and the batsman obliges. The ball turns away with a little bit of bounce to beat the outside edge of his bat. |
| 33.4 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Gets behind the line this time and pokes it towards cover. |
| 33.5 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Slower through the air outside off, pushed with an angled bat towards backward point. |
| 33.6 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Another superb delivery! Tendai Chisoro loops it up outside off, Kraigg once again lunges forward to defend. Is done in by the flight as the ball turns away a touch to beat the outside edge. In the process he nearly loses his balance but recovers in time before the keeper takes the bails off. Well bowled, Tendai! |
| Cremer and Raza are having a conversation. They are trying to get the fielders in their exact positions. |
| 34.1 : S Raza to Powell, Tossed up delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot towards cover. |
| 34.2 : S Raza to Powell, Too full around off, blocked off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 34.3 : S Raza to Powell, Slower ball, landed full around off, kept out gently. |
| 34.4 : S Raza to Powell, Short and turning away from a length, punched nicely off the back foot but fails to pierce the gap through cover. |
| 34.5 : S Raza to Powell, Slower again around middle, Kieran comes forward to defend but the ball turns away and it goes off the outer half of the bat towards point. |
| 34.6 : S Raza to Powell, Touch short outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover for a brisk single. |
| 35.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, FOUR! Down the track and gets the result! Kieran Powell breaks the shackles! Chisoro tosses it up outside off, Powell dances down the track and thrashes it wide of mid off for a boundary. It was a bit uppish but in the gap too. |
| 35.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, More flight from Tendai, whipped through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 35.3 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Around middle and off, pushed towards the cover region. |
| 35.4 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Loopy ball outside off, driven towards the fielder at mid off. |
| 35.5 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, A bit short and flatter in nature, dabbed off the back foot towards backward point. |
| 35.6 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Bowls it short and outside off, Brathwaite says I have got nothing to offer to this one as he leaves it alone. |
| Drinks are on the field! Phew! We needed a break! The Zimbabwe spinners are bowling in tandem, no respite at all. Just 11 overs are left in the day with an hour to go. But Kudos to the Windies' openers as they have dealt with anything and everything thrown at them. They have kept the hosts at bay and it would be interesting to see if they can go into day 3 unscathed. Powell especially, was dropped twice and he would be looking to make it count. Meanwhile, Chris Mpofu returns for a bowl. A lot of |
| 36.1 : C Mpofu to Powell, Runs in from around the wicket and bowls a length ball on leg stump, Powell looks to work it away but is hit around the hips. |
| 36.2 : C Mpofu to Powell, Similar delivery, this time Powell gets some bat on it and gets it towards square leg. For some strange reason, the umpire signals it as a leg bye. |
| 36.3 : C Mpofu to K Brathwaite, Full length delivery in line of the stumps, played with soft hands to mid on. |
| 36.4 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Fullish and tailing in from around off, Kaigg closes his bat face and eases it to the man in front of square leg. |
| 36.5 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Substantial movement! Fullish again, swinging in a long way. Brathwaite covers the line and tucks it to short mid-wicket. |
| 36.6 : C Mpofu to K Brathwaite, Attacking the stumps with another in dipper, Kraigg is up to it as he eases it to mid on. |
| 37.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, Pushed quicker through the air on middle, pushed defensively to the man at short leg. |
| 37.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, Full delivery on off, Powell winds up for a big shot but the length is not there to execute it. Ends up jamming it back to the bowler. |
| 37.3 : T Chisoro to Powell, Around the pads, turned around the corner for a single. |
| 37.4 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, On middle and leg, worked to the man at 45. |
| Chisoro is bowling quick through the air and he needs to slow it up. The track is conducive for spin and he needs to realize that quickly to be more effective. |
| 37.5 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Stays back to the flatter delivery and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 37.6 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Short delivery, Brathwaite hangs back and cuts it with the spin to the point region. |
| 38.1 : C Mpofu to Powell, Full length delivery around off, Powell strides forward and strokes it to mid off. |
| 38.2 : C Mpofu to Powell, Very full delivery, coming in with the angle. Kieran jams it out down the track. |
| 38.3 : C Mpofu to Powell, Length delivery this time, shaping in sharply. Powell makes use of the depth of the crease to tuck it to short mid-wicket. |
| 38.4 : C Mpofu to Powell, Good length delivery in the zone of apprehension, Powell points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 38.5 : C Mpofu to Powell, Fuller in length outside off, coming in substantially. Powell covers his off stump and makes a good leave. |
| 38.6 : C Mpofu to Powell, Good bowling! On a driving length outside off, it seams away after pitching. Kieran doesn't fiddle with it. A maiden for Mpofu. |
| 39.1 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, That's a peach! Slow through the air on middle and gets it to spin away sharply. Brathwaite prods forward to defend but gets beaten all ends up. The keeper collects it and whips off the bails in a flash but the batsman is in. Just when he slowed down his speed, he has got one to whizz past the outside edge of the batsman. |
| 39.2 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Shortish this time, cut with the spin to backward point. |
| 39.3 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Rocks back to the flatter delivery and punches it to cover-point. |
| 39.4 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Very full on off, jammed out to mid on. |
| 39.5 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Ripper! Quicker through the air on off, Brathwaite has no option but to play at it and gets foxed all ends up by the sharp turn and bounce. |
| 39.6 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Tossed up delivery, Brathwaite lunges forward in defense. A testing over from Chisoro. |
| 40.1 : C Mpofu to Powell, In the corridor of uncertainty, angling in but not that much. Powell lets it go. |
| 40.2 : C Mpofu to Powell, Kieran shuffles a bit to the fullish delivery and blocks it solidly to mid off. |
| 40.3 : C Mpofu to Powell, Length delivery on off, defended neatly to mid off. |
| 40.4 : C Mpofu to Powell, Slower one on a full length on off, Powell spots it and drills it to the fielder at mid on. |
| 40.5 : C Mpofu to Powell, Pacy delivery well outside off, Kieran plants his front foot across and doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 40.6 : C Mpofu to Powell, Good length delivery angling into Powell who answers it with a straight bat. |
| 41.1 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Slow through the air on middle, Brathwaite prods forward and smothers the turn smartly. |
| 41.2 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, This is really good bowling from Chisoro. Tossed up on off, Kraigg comes forward to block it but is beaten black and blue by the sharp turn. It stays low as well but Chakabva does really well to gather it. |
| 41.3 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Spinning away from Brathwaite and he lets it go this time. |
| 41.4 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Fuller in length, tapped to mid on. |
| 41.5 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Sharp turn and bounce again as Brathwaite makes a good leave. |
| 41.6 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Quick and flat on middle, jammed out to the short mid-wicket fielder. Another maiden for Chisoro. |
| 42.1 : C Mpofu to Powell, Was that a chance? The replays confirm it was a chance. Half-volley outside off, Powell leans into it and drills it past the diving Taylor at short extra cover. He got a hand to it and hence, the ball slows down on the outfield. Mire gives it a chase and saves a run for his side. Very tough to take those, it was hit very hard. |
| 42.2 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 42.3 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Angling into Brathwaite who turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 42.4 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Slightly overpitched outside off, Brathwaite creams it through covers. Three fielders rush after it and it is Raza who is the quickest. He slides near the ropes to keep the ball in play. Saves a run for his side. |
| A man at deep square leg now. |
| 42.5 : C Mpofu to Powell, As expected, with a man in the deep on the leg side, Mpofu brings out the short delivery. It is well-directed as well and Powell ducks under the bumper. |
| 42.6 : C Mpofu to Powell, Another bouncer but down the leg side, Powell makes an easy leave. |
| 43.1 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Quicker through the air around off, turning away. Kraigg waits for it and lets it go. |
| 43.2 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Drifting towards the pads, clipped with the angle to short fine leg. |
| 43.3 : T Chisoro to K Brathwaite, Steep turn and bounce! Tossed up on middle, shoots off the surface. Brathwaite comes forward to block it but the ball hits the high part of the willow and lobs towards the point region. |
| 43.4 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, A bit shorter this time which allows Brathwaite to hang back and block it. |
| 43.5 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 43.6 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Coming in with the arm, defended besides the pitch on the leg side. Fourth consecutive maiden for Chisoro. |
| 44.1 : C Mpofu to Powell, Back of a length on middle, Powell shuffles across and turns it through mid-wicket for an easy single. |
| 44.2 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Well bowled! A bit of nibble in the air and it is enough to trouble the batsman. Full length ball, swinging in sharply. Brathwaite tries to clip it away with the angle but the bat turns in his hands. He ends up getting it off the inner half and on the bounce to the man at square leg. Three fielders have been strategically placed, two short mid-wickets are there in place as well to wait for the false shot. |
| 44.3 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Full delivery on middle and leg, defended to the leg side. |
| 44.4 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Fuller in length on off, some extra bounce on that. Brathwaite adjusts well and blocks it solidly. |
| 44.5 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Wider outside off this time, Kraigg doesn't poke at it. |
| 44.6 : C Mpofu to Brathwaite, Fullish delivery, tailing into Brathwaite. The bat again turns in his hands as he clips it off the inner half to short mid-wicket. Testing over from Mpofu. |
| 45.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, FOUR! A boundary after ages. Finally runs scored off Chisoro's bowling after 4 consecutive maidens. Spinning down the leg side, Powell whips it past the short leg fielder. There is no protection in the deep and the ball races to the fence. |
| 45.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, Good running! Powell taps the fullish delivery to covers and calls his partner through for a swift single. |
| 45.3 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Short delivery which allows enough time to Brathwaite to rock back and cut it to backward point. |
| What happened there? The home side are claiming a catch at short leg. However, the on-field umpires' soft signal is not out. Let's wait and find out whether it carried on the full... |
| 45.4 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Not Out! Clearly a bump ball. Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Brathwaite jams it out and it goes towards the short leg fielder who catches it and appeals. The rest of the Zimbabwe players join in. The umpires get together and decide to refer it upstairs. Time for the replays. At the first look only, it is confirmed that it is a bump ball. |
| 45.5 : T Chisoro to Brathwaite, Clipped with the spin to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 45.6 : T Chisoro to Powell, Quicker delivery on leg stump, Powell looks to keep it out but is hit on the pads. |
| Graeme Cremer has brought himself back into the attack. |
| 46.1 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Tossed up delivery on middle, Brathwaite lunges forward in defense. |
| 46.2 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Fullish in line of the stumps, a bit of drift in the air. Brathwaite comes forward and smothers the spin nicely. |
| 46.3 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Tossed up on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 46.4 : G Cremer to Brathwaite, Full delivery, kept out watchfully. |
| Now, then... The umpires check for the front foot no ball. It looks very close. |
| 46.5 : G Cremer to K Brathwaite, OUT! The skipper brings himself back into the attack and strikes straightaway right at the stroke of stumps. Brilliant bowling from him and he gets the reward. Drops this one shorter on off, quicker in pace too and it spins away appreciably. Brathwaite hangs back to keep it out but gets an outside edge. The ball flies towards Masakadza at first slip who bends to take a good catch. The umpires tell Kraigg to wait as they check for the front foot no ball. The replay |
| The nightwatchman, Devendra Bishoo is the new man in. Can he do the job for what he has been sent for? |
| 46.6 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Flatter delivery, defended solidly off the back foot. End of a productive over. |
| We are done in for the overs scheduled for the day. But we still have over 5 minutes remaining in the day, which means we can get in a couple of overs more. There is a change, Sikandar Raza is back on. |
| 47.1 : S Raza to Powell, Flatter and bowled outside off, crunched off the back foot through covers for a single. |
| 47.2 : S Raza to Bishoo, Slower through the air around off, Bishoo blocks it solidly off the front foot. |
| 47.3 : S Raza to Bishoo, A bit short and outside off, seeing the width Bishoo goes back and slaps it. Finds the man at cover-point. |
| 47.4 : S Raza to Bishoo, Stays behind the line and blocks it out watchfully. |
| 47.5 : S Raza to Bishoo, Fuller and looped outside off, buried into the ground. |
| 47.6 : S Raza to Bishoo, Gets a stride forward and drives it straight to silly point who wears it on his chest. |
| Possibly the last over of the day... |
| 48.1 : G Cremer to Powell, Drifts it away outside off, Powell drives it down to long off to bring Bishoo back on strike. |
| 48.2 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Tossed up ball around middle and leg, Bishoo blocks it down. |
| 48.3 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Leans a bit across to this ball outside off and defends. |
| 48.4 : G Cremer to Bishoo, A bit full around middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 48.5 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Excellent googly and it's acknowledged by Bishoo! A bit short, turning the other way, Bishoo goes chasing after it and is almost done in by it. |
| Drama on the last ball of the day! A stumping appeal against Bishoo is taken upstairs but the batsman seems to be confident. Let's wait and find out... |
| 48.6 : G Cremer to Bishoo, SAFE! Devendra Bishoo survives! But this is another superb delivery from the skipper. He drifts it across the nightwatchman, Bishoo once again falls in the trap as he looks to drive. Misses and Chakabva behind the stumps takes the bails off. They refer it upstairs and replays show that Bishoo had his foot grounded. STUMPS DECLARED ON DAY 2! |
| An absorbing day of Test cricket comes to a close. The Windies openers did a really good job of grinding it out in the middle. They were going strong but the Zimbabwe skipper came back for a bowl and removed Brathwaite with a beauty just prior to the end of Day 2. Powell has been rather lucky. He was dropped twice by Cremer and is making reasonable use of the lives. |
| The spinners did the bulk of the bowling for the home side and ran through the overs. Mpofu also bowled his heart out but didn't get any reward. Earlier in the day, the hosts batted really well to get past the 300-run mark courtesy Masakadza and Raza. The former scored a brilliant ton while the latter missed it by a small margin. However, the visitors have responded well. The hosts need to pick up wickets at consistent intervals to pull back the initiative. Join us for an eventful third day's pl |
| ... Day 3, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome for Day 3 of the second and final Test between Zimbabwe and West Indies in Bulawayo. The match is nicely poised at the moment with the visitors holding a bit of the upper hand courtesy a grinding opening stand. However, it will be a stern test for the batsmen as the surface has already started to grip and turn. If the tourists provide a sniff to the home side, that might just lead them to slope downhill. |
| The away side played rather slowly yesterday. Their run rate is 1.59 per over at the moment which they will strive to better by taking the initiative. The scoreboard needs to be kept ticking otherwise the home side can put a lot of pressure on West Indies. The wicket will only get harder as time progresses and that should be kept in mind. The third day is often considered to be the moving one of a Test match and expect a lot of action today. The good news is that the sun is shining in all its gl |
| PITCH REPORT - Tino Mawoyo doing the pitch report says that the track has started to deteriorate. Mentions that the man who stood out here was Masakadza. Feels that the surface has dried up and Chisoro has extracted good purchase from the City End. Reckons that the Windies batted a bit slow yesterday but they have got a good platform. |
| We are set to get rolling. The Zimbabwe side is in a huddle and Cremer has some words of wisdom for his teammates. Much warmer conditions today which is a good sign for the players as well as the crowd. Kieran Powell to continue his innings and the nightwatchman, Devendra Bishoo joins him at the crease. Tendai Chisoro to start off with the ball. A slip and short leg in place. |
| 49.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, Full on middle and leg, clipped with the spin to short mid-wicket. |
| 0.0 : Leg slip in place for Bishoo and long on also comes in. |
| 49.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, Similar delivery, Powell wrists it nicely to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 49.3 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Floated delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 49.4 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, What happened there? Full delivery around off, Bishoo looks to jam it out but misses it. It seems that the ball clipped the pads of the keeper and deflected onto the stumps. The home side looks towards the square leg umpire but he stays put. The replays confirm that it deflected from the keeper. There was no chance of a stumping either as Bishoo's back foot was well in the crease. |
| 49.5 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Stays back to this one and keeps it out. |
| 49.6 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Down the leg side, Bishoo gets a bit of bat on it and the ball goes past the diving leg slip fielder towards fine leg. Two runs taken. |
| Graeme Cremer to bowl from the other end. |
| 50.1 : G Cremer to Powell, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Short and outside off, Powell rocks back and cuts it through cover for a boundary. |
| 50.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Floated delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 50.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Flatter delivery, Powell hangs back and defends it solidly. |
| 50.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Slower through the air, Kieran presses forward in defense. |
| 50.5 : G Cremer to Powell, Spinning into Powell who hangs deep in the crease and works it past short leg to rotate strike. |
| 50.6 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Intent from Bishoo! Tossed up outside off, Bishoo creams it through covers for a brace. 7 from the over, good start from West Indies. |
| 51.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, Floated around off, Powell drives it back to the bowler. |
| 51.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, Short and spinning away, cut hard but straight to the man at backward point. |
| 51.3 : T Chisoro to Powell, 4th Test fifty for Kieran Powell! He was dropped twice in the same over by Cremer of his own bowling and is making merry at the moment. Spinning into Powell, he tucks it nicely to deep mid-wicket for a single. Masakadza was also given a life and he scored a big one. Kieran will look to follow in his footsteps. He scored a half century in the previous game as well but could not carry on. He will aim for a big one here. |
| 51.4 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Floated delivery, Bishoo lunges forward in defense. |
| 51.5 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Drifting towards the pads, Devendra works it to the leg side for a run. |
| 51.6 : T Chisoro to Powell, Flatter and quick delivery, kept out watchfully. |
| 52.1 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Full on middle, knocked down to long on for a run. |
| 52.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Quicker through the air, Kieran stays back and stonewalls it. |
| 52.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 52.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Floated outside off, driven against the spin to the cover region. |
| 52.5 : G Cremer to Powell, Short on middle, Powell rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and cuts it off. Two runs taken. |
| 52.6 : G Cremer to Powell, Camps back and places it against the spin to point for a single. |
| This is not good captaincy from Cremer. He has pushed back the fielders to long on and deep mid-wicket for Bishoo as well. Early in the day, you need to put pressure on the batsmen. More so when you are still leading by a substantial margin. |
| 53.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, Flighted delivery, Powell puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 53.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, FOUR! In the arc and hit away with ease! Full on middle, Powell clears his front leg and hoicks it over mid-wicket. The fielder at wide long on races to his left but has no chance to stop it. There comes the intent from the West Indies. Could not see much of it yesterday. |
| 53.3 : T Chisoro to Powell, Coming in with the arm, tucked through square leg for a run. |
| 53.4 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, The short leg was in the firing zone there! Short deivery, Bishoo hammers it hard and it just evades the fielder. Races towards deep square leg for a couple. |
| 53.5 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, That was close! That was nicely bowled. A bit quicker through the air, not much spin. Bishoo prods forward to defend but gets an outside edge. Masakadza at first slip dives to his right but the ball falls just short of him and goes past him to third man. Two runs taken. |
| 53.6 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Bishoo drills this one straight to Chisoro who makes a good save and mimes a throw back. |
| 54.1 : G Cremer to Powell, Floated delivery, Powell strides forward and blocks it. |
| 54.2 : G Cremer to K Powell, Fullish delivery, Powell drives it to the left side of Cremer who moves across and stops it nicely. |
| 54.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Around off, driven crisply to mid off for a run. |
| 54.4 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Bishoo is on the move as he taps it with soft hands to mid on. |
| 54.5 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Slow through the air, Bishoo defends it solidly. |
| 54.6 : G Cremer to D Bishoo, Shortish delivery, extra bounce there. Bishoo is surprised by it and gets an outside edge past first slip. A run taken. |
| 55.1 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Tossed up delivery, Bishoo smothers the spin nicely. |
| 55.2 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 55.3 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Spinning down the leg side, Bishoo tries to play it across but misses. The keeper doesn't stop it cleanly. |
| 55.4 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, On middle and leg, Bishoo turns it through square leg to get off strike. |
| 55.5 : T Chisoro to Powell, That was streaky! Arm ball from Chisoro. Powell is not sure whether to come forward or go back. Is stranded and gets an outside edge past first slip. Two runs taken. |
| 55.6 : T Chisoro to Powell, Quicker in pace, worked to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 56.1 : G Cremer to Powell, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total. |
| 56.2 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Spinning into Bishoo. He stays back and turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 56.3 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Bishoo looks to drive this one but gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket. A run taken. |
| 56.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Sits deep in the crease and works this flatter delivery to the leg side for a single. |
| 56.5 : G Cremer to Bishoo, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 56.6 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Some nice flight on this one, Bishoo blocks it right under his nose. |
| 57.1 : T Chisoro to Powell, Around leg stump, Powell looks to work it past short leg but gets hit on the pads. The ball lobs to Ervine at short leg. Powell has a wry smile on his face. |
| 57.2 : T Chisoro to Powell, Quicker in pace, around leg stump. Powell tries to whip it across but is struck on the pads. A chirpy appeal for an LBW is denied. That seemed to be pitching outside leg and might have also been going down. |
| 57.3 : T Chisoro to Powell, 98 kph in pace on middle and leg, Powell looks to keep it out but gets a thick inside edge towards fine leg. A run taken. |
| 57.4 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, FOUR! Well played! Bishoo is shining in his batting as well. Tossed up outside off, Bishoo extends his arms and lifts it over mid off for a boundary. This will be frustrating for Zimbabwe. |
| 57.5 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Slow through the air, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 57.6 : T Chisoro to Bishoo, Stays back and works it through backward square leg for a single. |
| There is a conversation going on between the Zimbabwe players. Something out of the box might do the trick to break this stand. Taylor bowls handy off spin while Masakadza also has a knack of breaking partnerships. |
| 58.1 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Quick and flat, Bishoo lunges forward in defense. |
| 58.2 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Full on middle, Bishoo leans forward and strokes it to mid off. |
| 58.3 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Similar delivery, Devendra pushes hard at it but gets it off the outer half to short third man. A run taken. |
| 58.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Hangs deep in the crease and has ample time to clip this through square leg to rotate strike. |
| 58.5 : G Cremer to Bishoo, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 58.6 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Bishoo shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 59.1 : S Raza to Powell, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 59.2 : S Raza to Powell, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 59.3 : S Raza to Powell, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 59.4 : S Raza to Bishoo, Played through mid-wicket by Bishoo. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 59.5 : S Raza to Powell, Driven through mid on by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 59.6 : S Raza to Bishoo, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 60.1 : G Cremer to Powell, Tossed up delivery, driven to deepish mid off for a single. |
| 60.2 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Dropped! You won't get an easier catch than that. Slow through the air and on a fullish length on off, Bishoo goes for the big sweep but top edges it. Brendan Taylor at mid-wicket goes back a bit, seems to have it covered but drops a sitter. He is complaining about the sun but he had his sunglasses on. |
| 60.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Floated delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 60.4 : G Cremer to Powell, Tossed up delivery, eased through mid off for a single. That brings up the 50-run stand between the two. Vital stand this, good going from the duo. |
| 60.5 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Driven towards the mid on region. They pick up a single. |
| 60.6 : G Cremer to Powell, Powell taps this one to the off side for a run and will retain strike. |
| 61.1 : S Raza to Powell, Floated delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 61.2 : S Raza to Powell, Full on off, Powell presses forward in defense. |
| 61.3 : S Raza to Powell, Leans into this one and strokes it straight to Raza. |
| 61.4 : S Raza to Powell, Around off, spins away. Powell makes a tight leave. |
| 61.5 : S Raza to Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 61.6 : S Raza to Powell, Slow through the air, Kieran strides forward and strokes it towards mid off. |
| 62.1 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Shortish delivery, Bishoo hangs back and cuts it nicely to sweeper cover. A run taken. Low risk cricket this from the nightwatchman. |
| 62.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Floated delivery, Powell lunges forward in defense. |
| 62.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Full outside off, Powell eases it through covers to rotate strike. |
| 62.4 : G Cremer to Bishoo, Quicker through the air, Bishoo makes use of the depth of the crease to stonewall it. |
| 62.5 : G Cremer to Bishoo, The wrong one from Cremer. Bishoo spots it well and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 62.6 : G Cremer to D Bishoo, Full and straight, clipped to deepish mid on for a single. |
| 63.1 : S Raza to Powell, Floated around off, Powell hangs back and guides it to third man for a run. |
| 63.2 : S Raza to Bishoo, A bit shorter this time, Devendra hangs back and blocks it. |
| 63.3 : S Raza to Bishoo, Slow through the air, Bishoo comes forward and blocks it right under his eyes. |
| 63.4 : Raza to Bishoo, OUT! The resistance from the nightwatchman has come to a close but he has done a decent job for his side. Slow through the air on middle, Bishoo cleans his front leg and goes at it with hard hands. Ends up playing it straight back to Raza who cusps it safely. Bishoo was dropped on 20 but it hasn't cost much. The 55-run stand also comes to an end. |
| Kyle Hope comes out to bat. |
| 63.5 : S Raza to Hope, Full toss outside off, Hope goes for an expansive drive but mistimes it down the wicket. |
| Right then, review time! Has Raza taken two wickets in the same over? He convinces his skipper to go for the review. However, it seems that the impact is outside the line. |
| 63.6 : S Raza to Hope, Not Out! The impact saves Kyle Hope! Floated outside off, spinning in. Hope prods forward to defend but is hit on the back leg. The hosts roar in an appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Raza is confident and tells his skipper to take the review. Time for the replays. The Snicko shows a deviation but it is of the bat hitting the ground. The Hawk Eye rolls in. It shows the impact is outside off and that's the end of the story. End of an eventful over. |
| 64.1 : G Cremer to Powell, Quicker in pace, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 64.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Drifting towards the pads, turned to the leg side. |
| 64.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Slower through the air, Powell comes forward and blocks it. |
| 64.4 : G Cremer to Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 64.5 : G Cremer to Powell, On leg stump, Powell tries to clip it across but is hit on the pads. |
| 64.6 : G Cremer to Powell, Clips this one with the spin past short leg. |
| The sun is shining brightly and that has led to the wicket drying up even more. As a result, the ball is spinning and gripping and the batsmen are finding it difficult. |
| 65.1 : S Raza to Hope, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 65.2 : S Raza to Hope, Floated delivery, Hope puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 65.3 : S Raza to Hope, Slow through the air, Hope strides forward and buries it into the track. |
| 65.4 : S Raza to Hope, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 65.5 : S Raza to Hope, On a flatter trajectory, Hope works it through square leg for a run. Easy singles are on offer. The mid on should be perhaps brought up. |
| 65.6 : S Raza to Powell, Covers the line to this one and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 66.1 : G Cremer to Hope, Tossed up delivery, Kyle prods forward and blocks it stoutly. |
| 66.2 : G Cremer to Hope, Leans confidently ahead and strokes it to the cover region. |
| 66.3 : G Cremer to Hope, Straighter on this occasion, Hope stonewalls it. |
| 66.4 : G Cremer to Hope, Fraction short this time, cut away to the point region. |
| 66.5 : G Cremer to Hope, Slow through the air, Kyle presses forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 66.6 : G Cremer to Hope, That was a jaffa! Quicker through the air on middle, Hope has no option but to play at it and is convincingly beaten by the sharp away turn and bounce. He is lucky to survive that. Cremer's followthrough suggests that he enjoyed that. |
| 67.1 : S Raza to Powell, Flatter delivery, Powell stays back and blocks it. |
| 67.2 : S Raza to Powell, Did that carry? Raza is in the midst of a good spell. Quicker around off, Powell pushes at it with hard hands and gets an outside edge. Masakadza dives to his left but the ball just goes wide of him and towards third man. A couple taken. |
| 67.3 : S Raza to Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 67.4 : S Raza to Powell, Spinning away from Powell, he rocks back and places it to point. |
| 67.5 : S Raza to Powell, Waits deep in the crease and steers it to third man for a run. |
| 67.6 : S Raza to Hope, On middle and leg, helped with the spin to the leg side. |
| 68.1 : G Cremer to Powell, On a flatter trajectory, Powell sits back and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 68.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Tossed up delivery, eased off the front foot to mid on. |
| 68.3 : G Cremer to Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 68.4 : G Cremer to Powell, That's a brute of a delivery! Wrong one at a quicker pace on off, Powell looks to counter it by staying back but is beaten by the sharp away turn. |
| 68.5 : G Cremer to Powell, Outside off, Powell plants his front foot across and pads it away. |
| 68.6 : Cremer to Powell, A vociferous appeal for a catch turned down! Floated outside off, Powell strides forward to defend but it looks like he has missed it. The ball deflects off the pads and carries to Masakadza at first slip. Only the keeper, Chakabva is confident. Cremer walks across to him and asks him whether he should challenge the decision. They decide not to do it. Rightly so, as the Snicko doesn't spot a nick. |
| Zimbabwe are breathing fire at the moment! Kyle Hope has been adjudged LBW and he looks like a goner but he opts for the review. |
| 69.1 : S Raza to Hope, OUT! It was not a wise decision to take the review and the visitors have exhausted one. Since Raza has come into the attack, he has been on the money and is reaping the dividends. Bowls this one slow through the well outside off, gets substantial inward spin after the ball pitches. Hope hangs deep in the crease and tries to block it but misses to get hit low on the pads. Zimbabwe appeal vociferously and up goes the umpire's finger. Kyle walks across to Powell and consults w |
| 0.0 : Time for Drinks. Meanwhile, Shai Hope strides out to bat. He is a solid middle order batsman and he look to brave out the tough conditions. |
| 69.2 : S Raza to S Hope, Fullish delivery, Shai drives it confidently to mid on. |
| 69.3 : S Raza to Hope, Around leg stump, turning away sharply. Shai goes back and tucks it to backward square leg. |
| 69.4 : S Raza to Hope, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. |
| 69.5 : S Raza to Hope, Tossed up delivery, eased to deepish mid off for a run. |
| 69.6 : S Raza to Powell, Shorter delivery at a quicker pace, punched off the back foot. A productive over for Raza. |
| 70.1 : G Cremer to S Hope, Backs away to this one and strokes it to mid on. |
| 70.2 : G Cremer to S Hope, Full in line of the stumps, Hope makes room and taps it to mid off. |
| 70.3 : G Cremer to S Hope, Short delivery, spinning away. Hope cuts it nicely through cover-point. The fielder from point hares after it and keeps it down to a couple. |
| 70.4 : G Cremer to Hope, Strides forward to this one and defends it confidently. |
| 70.5 : G Cremer to Hope, That almost sneaked through! Cremer slips in the googly, Hope reads it very late, perhaps off the pitch and somehow manages to play it to backward square leg. |
| 70.6 : G Cremer to Hope, Floated delivery, eased to mid off. |
| 71.1 : S Raza to Powell, Short delivery, Powell hangs back and cuts it to backward point. |
| 71.2 : S Raza to Powell, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 71.3 : S Raza to Powell, Sloppy work! Full toss on middle, Powell knocks it towards Mire at mid on and sets off to the danger end. Mire attacks the ball but makes a meal of the effort. Concedes two runs. |
| 71.4 : S Raza to Powell, FOUR! A welcome boundary for Windies! Short and spinning away, Powell rocks back and slaps it through covers to find the fence. |
| 71.5 : S Raza to Powell, Coming in with the arm, tucked to the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 71.6 : S Raza to Powell, Tossed up outside off, played with an angled bat to point. |
| 72.1 : G Cremer to Hope, Hope reads the googly this time and works it nicely to square leg. |
| 72.2 : G Cremer to Hope, Slow through the air, Shai presses forward and buries it into the track. |
| 72.3 : G Cremer to Hope, Backs away to the full delivery and strokes it to short cover. |
| 72.4 : G Cremer to Hope, He is looking confident at the crease. Leans ahead nicely and drives it to the same fielder. |
| 72.5 : G Cremer to S Hope, Well played! Not that short but Hope hangs back and cuts it expertly with the spin through cover-point. Raza from the cover region sprints after it. He is lightning quick across the turf and slides near the rope to keep the ball in play. Two runs taken. |
| 72.6 : G Cremer to Hope, Tossed up delivery, dealt with nicely by coming forward. |
| 73.1 : S Raza to Powell, He played that very, very late! Coming in with the arm, sliding on. Powell waits ages for it and keeps it out past short leg at the last moment. |
| 73.2 : S Raza to Powell, Intelligent stuff from Raza. Subtle variations from him deceives Powell. Slow through the air on middle, Powell prods forward to defend but this time the ball spins away to beat him. |
| 73.3 : S Raza to Powell, A leading edge goes to long off, that's a rare sight! Fullish around off, Powell looks to whip it but gets a leading edge. A run taken. |
| 73.4 : S Raza to Hope, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 73.5 : S Raza to Hope, Fullish around off, Hope pushes at it with hard hands but gets an inside edge towards short leg. |
| 73.6 : S Raza to Hope, Hope is looking jittery, very unlike him. Floated outside off, Shai goes for a booming drive but mistimes it down the track. |
| 74.1 : G Cremer to Powell, Short delivery, pulled away to the leg side. Not sure where the ball is as the cameraman is failing to spot it. We have the replays now. It was hit straight to Ervine at short leg who took a blow on his leg. |
| 74.2 : G Cremer to Powell, On middle and leg, helped away towards square leg. |
| 74.3 : G Cremer to Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 74.4 : G Cremer to K Powell, Floated outside off, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| 74.5 : G Cremer to Powell, Spinning into Powell who works it to backward square leg. |
| 74.6 : G Cremer to Powell, Down the leg side, Kieran looks to work it away but is hit on the thigh pad. |
| West Indies have only scored 16 from the last 11 overs that means, only one and a half per over. Till Bishoo was at the crease, they had scored 53 in 15 overs but since his dismissal, they are crawling at a snail's pace. It is not good to get in your shell. |
| 75.1 : S Raza to Hope, Hangs back to the flatter delivery and blocks it. |
| 75.2 : S Raza to Hope, Hope is on the move as he eases it to deepish mid on for a run. |
| Howzzat? The Zimbabwe players are getting excited and there is a long discussion. It is for an LBW decision against Powell and they challenge the decision. Was there bat? Seems to be pad first but the impact is a question. |
| 75.3 : S Raza to Powell, Not Out! One of the worst reviews that must have been taken. There was no bat as well. Tossed up outside off, coming in with the arm. Powell looks to keep it out but seems to have been struck on the back pad. Raza is very confident and the keeper also appeals loudly. The bowler is adamant and goes up to his skipper. Eggs him to challenge the decision and he does so. Time for the replays. They show that the ball has brushed the back pad but the impact is miles outside off, |
| 75.4 : S Raza to Powell, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 75.5 : S Raza to Hope, Hangs back and tucks it to the leg side. |
| 75.6 : S Raza to Hope, Hangs back to the quicker delivery and blocks it solidly. |
| 76.1 : G Cremer to Powell, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 76.2 : G Cremer to Powell, Floated delivery, Powell strides forward and blocks it solidly. |
| 76.3 : G Cremer to Powell, Fullish in length, eased to mid on for a quick run. |
| 76.4 : G Cremer to Hope, Looks to keep this one out but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 76.5 : G Cremer to S Hope, FOUR! Easy pickings! Half-tracker on middle, Hope rocks back and pulls it with aplomb over mid-wicket to pick up a boundary. The visitors need much more of those. |
| 76.6 : G Cremer to Hope, Floated outside off, eased to covers. |
| 77.1 : S Raza to Powell, Quicker in pace, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 77.2 : S Raza to Powell, Makes room to the flighted delivery and stonewalls it. |
| 77.3 : S Raza to Powell, Shorter in length, Powell hangs back and blocks it solidly to covers. |
| 77.4 : S Raza to Powell, Turn and bounce again! Tossed up on middle, Powell lunges forward to defend but the ball turns away to beat the outside edge of the bat. |
| 77.5 : S Raza to Powell, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 77.6 : S Raza to Powell, That's a peach, past the outside edge again. Slow through the air on middle, Kieran prods forward to block it but is foxed by the massive turn and bounce. |
| 78.1 : G Cremer to Hope, Slow through the air, eased off the front foot to the cover region. |
| 78.2 : G Cremer to Hope, Tossed up delivery, Hope lunges forward in defense. |
| 78.3 : G Cremer to Hope, Hope has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 78.4 : Cremer to Powell, Dropped! This is the third time Cremer has put Powell down off his own bowling. He dropped the southpaw twice on 11 and now on 85. Tossed up on middle, Powell drills it straight back to the skipper who tries to take it with both his hands but the ball pops out. This was not easy but needs to be taken at this point of the game. Powell must be thanking his stars. He is leading a charmed life. |
| 78.5 : G Cremer to Powell, Slow through the air, patted back to the bowler. Cremer picks it up and throws it in frustration. It hits Masakadza straight on his hands and he rings it in pain. |
| 78.6 : G Cremer to Powell, Outside off, Powell waits for it and dabs it to third man. Three runs taken. |
| Masakadza walks off the field. He was hit hard in the hand in the previous over and seems to be hurt. Hope he is alright. |
| 79.1 : S Raza to Powell, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 79.2 : S Raza to Powell, In line of the stumps, Powell strides forward and blocks it solidly. |
| 79.3 : S Raza to Powell, On a flatter trajectory, Powell hangs back and plays it to point. |
| 79.4 : S Raza to Powell, Floated delivery, Powell comes forward and defends it. |
| 79.5 : S Raza to Powell, Hangs back to the flatter delivery and defends it solidly. |
| 79.6 : S Raza to Powell, Quicker through the air outside off, Powell waits for it and glides it down to third man for a couple. |
| The second new ball is available and it has been taken straightaway. Chris Mpofu is the lone frontline seamer and he will have a burst with it. |
| 80.1 : C Mpofu to Hope, Right on the money! Starts off with a very full delivery outside off, Hope tries to carve it away through square of the wicket on the off side but misses. |
| 80.2 : C Mpofu to Hope, Another full delivery outside off, swinging away. Shai Hope plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 80.3 : C Mpofu to Hope, Movement again! Fullish delivery, shaping away. Hope stands his ground and looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. His partner calls him through for a run and they steal it. |
| 80.4 : C Mpofu to Powell, Once again on a full length, allowing the ball to swing. Powell covers the line and defends it nicely. |
| 80.5 : C Mpofu to Powell, Wider outside off, an easy leave for the southpaw. |
| 80.6 : C Mpofu to Powell, In the corridor of uncertainty, Powell doesn't fiddle with it. |
| Tendai Chisoro to share the second new ball from the other end. A slip and short leg in place for him. |
| 81.1 : T Chisoro to S Hope, Short delivery, Hope cuts it with the spin to the man at backward point. |
| 81.2 : T Chisoro to S Hope, Well bowled! Quicker through the air around off, Shai plays for the spin but there is none. An outside edge is induced past the first slip fielder. Two runs taken. |
| 81.3 : T Chisoro to Hope, Tossed up on off, spinning away. Hope is composed in his leave. |
| 81.4 : T Chisoro to Hope, Coming in with the arm, Shai looks to turn it away but is struck on the pads. It will be better if Chisoro varies his pace on this track. He is only bowling quick at the moment. |
| 81.5 : T Chisoro to Hope, Risky! Flat and quick on off, Hope somehow manages to jam it out to backward point. |
| 81.6 : T Chisoro to Hope, Shortish delivery on off, Shai is in two minds whether to leave it or play at it. He eventually pokes at it and gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 82.1 : C Mpofu to Powell, Good length delivery, Powell makes good use of the depth of the crease and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 82.2 : C Mpofu to Powell, Slanting away from Powell, he plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 82.3 : C Mpofu to Powell, OUT! Brilliant, brilliant bowling from Mpofu! Finally, Powell runs out of his luck after being dropped thrice by Cremer. Mpofu steams in from around the wicket and bowls a short delivery outside off, coming in with the angle with extra bounce. Powell is taken aback and is caught in a tangle. Tries to fend it away with a hop but gets a thick outside edge towards Craig Ervine at gully. He dives full length to his right and takes a gem of a catch. The umpires check for the |
| Roston Chase is the new man in. He scored a 95 in the second innings of the first Test. West Indies are in a tricky position at the moment. Can he steady the ship for them? |
| 82.4 : C Mpofu to Chase, Welcomes Chase with a sharp bouncer around off, he ducks under it quickly to evade it. Mpofu is breathing fire at the moment. |
| 82.5 : C Mpofu to Chase, Angling into Chase who works it through square leg for a run. |
| 82.6 : C Mpofu to Hope, Length delivery on off, Hope hangs back and the ball hits the high part of his willow. A terrific over from Mpofu. |
| 83.1 : T Chisoro to Chase, Is that another dropped catch? No, the replays confirm it isn't. On a flatter trajectory on off, Chase strides forward to defend but keeps his bat inside the line. The keeper fails to collect it cleanly. |
| 83.2 : T Chisoro to Chase, Shorter in length, punched off the back foot to covers. |
| 83.3 : T Chisoro to Chase, Coming in with the arm, worked through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 83.4 : T Chisoro to Chase, Flatter one, kept out watchfully. |
| 83.5 : T Chisoro to Chase, FOUR! Nicely done! Shorter in length in line of the stumps, Chase rocks back and whips it uppishly through mid-wicket to find the fence. |
| 83.6 : T Chisoro to Chase, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 84.1 : C Mpofu to Hope, In the channel outside off, Hope lets it go. |
| 84.2 : C Mpofu to Hope, A lot happening at the moment! Good length delivery on middle and leg, Hope hops back and tries to tuck it through square leg but misses to get pinged on the pads. Mpofu appeals loudly along with his teammates but the umpire shakes his head. Mpofu has a look at his skipper but there is no more review left. The height was a factor there. |
| 84.3 : C Mpofu to Hope, Yorker on middle, Hope jams it out to mid on. |
| 84.4 : C Mpofu to Hope, Very full on middle, Shai blocks it to mid-wicket. Mpofu has his tail up. |
| 84.5 : C Mpofu to Hope, Slower delivery on a fullish length on off, Hope looks to keep it out but the bat turns in his hands and he gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 84.6 : C Mpofu to S Hope, Short delivery on middle, Hope drags his pull to fine leg for a run. |
| 85.1 : T Chisoro to Hope, FOUR! That's a gift and it is duly accepted! Juicy full toss outside off, Hope flat-bats it over mid off to pick up a boundary. |
| 85.2 : T Chisoro to Hope, Slower through the air, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 85.3 : T Chisoro to Hope, Quicker delivery in line of the stumps, Hope hangs back and punches it back to Chisoro. |
| The new ball needs trimming. Out comes the scissor and the necessary has been done. |
| 85.4 : T Chisoro to Hope, Slider on this occasion, Shai reads it and blocks it nicely. |
| 85.5 : T Chisoro to Hope, Slower through the air on middle, Hope lunges forward in defense. |
| 85.6 : T Chisoro to Hope, Quicker through the air, Shai hops back and answers it with a straight bat. |
| Leg gully in place for Roston Chase. |
| 86.1 : C Mpofu to Chase, Good length delivery in the off stump channel, Chase hangs back and defends it stoutly. |
| 86.2 : C Mpofu to Chase, Back of a length delivery outside off, shoots off the deck. Chase lifts his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 86.3 : C Mpofu to Chase, Mpofu switches his angle and comes around the wicket. Bowls a shortish delivery on off, Chase rises with the bounce and keeps it out safely. |
| 86.4 : C Mpofu to Chase, Bouncer this time but the direction is not right. It is down the leg side and there is no trouble for Chase to leave it. |
| 86.5 : C Mpofu to Chase, Mpofu comes back to over the wicket and bowls it on a length in the zone of apprehension. No such movement there and Roston makes an easy leave. |
| 86.6 : C Mpofu to Chase, Ooh.. close shave! A touch fuller around off, shaping in. Chase is a little late on it but manages to get an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 87.1 : T Chisoro to Hope, A lot of oohs and aahs from the home side. They are in the zone at the moment. Quicker through the air, drifting towards the leg stump. Hope keeps it out off the inner half of the bat. |
| 87.2 : T Chisoro to Hope, Now that is unplayable! Lands on middle and spins away with appreciable bounce. Hope looks to counter it by staying back but has no answer to the ripper. |
| 87.3 : T Chisoro to Hope, Hangs back to the flatter delivery and pushes it to covers. |
| 87.4 : T Chisoro to Hope, On a flatter trajectory, eased to the same region. |
| 87.5 : T Chisoro to Hope, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| Should be the last ball before lunch... |
| 87.6 : T Chisoro to Hope, Seems like a movie is in its climax phase. Quicker through the air on leg stump, Hope makes room to bludgeon it over covers but gets beaten on the outside edge. Chakabva behind the stumps fails to collect it cleanly. That was close to the edge as well as to the off stump. End of an eventful over. |
| There is still a minute to go and the umpires say we can get one more over in. Skipper Graeme Cremer comes on to bowl... |
| 88.1 : G Cremer to Chase, SIX! Ultra positive batting from Chase! Tossed up delivery on middle, Chase clears his front leg and tonks it down the ground to send it sailing over the fence. He hit that clean as a whistle. |
| 88.2 : G Cremer to Chase, Flatter delivery, blocked from the crease. |
| 88.3 : G Cremer to Chase, Short delivery, punched off the back foot to mid off. |
| 88.4 : G Cremer to Chase, Loopy ball, Chase tries to whip it across but ends up dragging it through mid-wicket. Three runs taken. |
| 88.5 : G Cremer to Hope, Slow through the air, driven off the inner half down the track. |
| 88.6 : G Cremer to S Hope, FOUR! Confidence at its best! Full toss in line of the stumps, Hope backs away and whacks it through extra cover to find the fence. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 3! |
| It has been a really action-packed session of cricket - 40 overs, 110 runs, 3 wickets. The day begun with Powell and the nightwatchman, Bishoo braving out the spinners. Both of them took initiative and scored at a good click. However, once Bishoo's gritty resistance came to a close and the 55-run stand ended, the visitors once again went into their shell, allowing the opposition to take hold of things. |
| The spinners extracted a lot of spin and bounce and kept the batsmen on their toes. It was Raza who provided two important breakthroughs. Powell was riding his luck but finally departed after being put down thrice by Cremer, thereby missing out on a ton by a mere 10 runs. |
| With the way the track is deteriorating, it will be a stern test for the batsmen. Will the hosts dominate the afternoon session or will the pair of Hope and Chase keep them at bay? Let's find out shortly... |
| ... Day 3, Session 2 ... |
| Welcome back for the second session! The Windies batsmen, Chase and Hope are back in the middle. Will they dominate the session? Let's wait and find out. Tendai Chisoro will be the one to start first up. A slip and a short leg in place. |
| 89.1 : T Chisoro to Chase, From around the wicket, Tendai fires in a fuller ball on middle, it's jammed out well by Chase. |
| 89.2 : T Chisoro to Chase, Bowls it around off, it turns away, left alone. |
| 89.3 : T Chisoro to Chase, Floats it up outside off, driven off the outer half of the bat towards backward point. |
| 89.4 : T Chisoro to Chase, Gets behind the line and keeps it out. |
| 89.5 : T Chisoro to Chase, Slider around middle and leg, Chase misses his tuck and is hit on the pads. |
| 89.6 : T Chisoro to Chase, Floats it up outside off, driven towards extra cover. A maiden to start with! |
| Chris Mpofu to share the attack from the other end. |
| 90.1 : C Mpofu to Hope, Low full toss on off, Shai whips it straight to the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 90.2 : C Mpofu to Hope, Intent from Mpofu! Full length ball attacking the stumps, Hope drives it straight back to Mpofu who picks it up and mimes a throw at the keeper's end. |
| 90.3 : C Mpofu to Hope, Length delivery in the zone of apprehension, Shai Hope points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 90.4 : C Mpofu to Hope, Full delivery, a bit of inward swing. Shai covers the line and eases it off the front foot to mid on. |
| 90.5 : C Mpofu to Hope, Similar delivery, driven nicely but straight to the same fielder. |
| 90.6 : C Mpofu to Hope, Keeps it nice and full again, Shai jams it out back to the bowler. |
| 91.1 : T Chisoro to Chase, Tossed up on off, Chase presses forward and eases it off the front foot to covers. |
| 91.2 : T Chisoro to Chase, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Short and room on offer, Chase makes good use of the crease and slaps it through the vacant point region for a boundary. |
| 91.3 : T Chisoro to Chase, Subtle change of pace from Chisoro. It is in line of the stumps as Chase answers it with a straight bat. |
| 91.4 : T Chisoro to R Chase, Drifting in with the arm, Chase makes room and drives it crisply to covers. |
| 91.5 : T Chisoro to Chase, Quicker through the air, spinning away. Roston lets it go. |
| 91.6 : T Chisoro to Chase, Sits deep in the crease to the flatter delivery and works it to square leg for a run. |
| 92.1 : C Mpofu to Chase, Full length delivery outside off, Chase goes for an expansive drive but mistimes it back to Chisoro. |
| 92.2 : C Mpofu to Chase, Similar length delivery, Roston leans into it and strokes it to covers for an easy single. |
| 92.3 : C Mpofu to Hope, Hurls in on a slightly fuller length on the fifth stump line, left alone by Shai Hope. |
| 92.4 : C Mpofu to Hope, Cutting back in from outside off, Hope covers the line well and lets it be. |
| 92.5 : C Mpofu to Hope, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, another easy leave for the batsman. |
| 92.6 : C Mpofu to Hope, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 93.1 : T Chisoro to Chase, From around the wicket, it's dropped short outside off, Roston Chase goes back and cuts it to sweeper cover for one. |
| 93.2 : T Chisoro to Hope, Oooh! Close. Chisoro darts it quick on middle and off, Hope shuffles across, gets behind the line and just about manages to bring his bat down to defend. |
| 93.3 : T Chisoro to Hope, FOUR! Poor ball and it's dispatched! He's not going to miss out on those, Shai Hope. Short and flat around off, he picks up the length early, rocks back and muscles the pull over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 93.4 : T Chisoro to Hope, Fired down the leg side, Hope makes room and looks to flick, but it goes off his pads and down the leg side as the batsmen take a leg bye. |
| 93.5 : T Chisoro to Chase, Stays deep inside the crease to this flat ball and offers a firm punch to long on for a single. |
| 93.6 : T Chisoro to Hope, Floats it up outside the line of off stump, pushed into the covers for a single. |
| 94.1 : C Mpofu to Hope, Great effort from PJ Moor! Saved a certain boundary there. Length delivery outside off, Hope cuts this hard square of the wicket. Moor at point dives full stretch to his right, gets a hand to it and parries it towards covers. Saves two vital runs for his side. |
| 94.2 : C Mpofu to Hope, Shaping back in on a fuller length, worked away to mid-wicket off the inner half. |
| 94.3 : C Mpofu to S Hope, FOUR! That's an excellent shot! The sound off the bat was majestic, nicely timed. Gentle half-volley outside off, Shai Hope leans into the shot and drives it through the gap in the covers for a boundary. |
| 94.4 : C Mpofu to S Hope, Keeps it full again but keep it close to off this time, a solid drive from Hope which finds the man at mid on. |
| 94.5 : C Mpofu to Hope, Short of a good length into the body, he swivels inside the line and helps the pull behind square leg for a single. |
| 94.6 : C Mpofu to Chase, Back of a length, moving into the batsman off the seam, Chase is watchful as he taps it down on the off side with soft hands. |
| 95.1 : T Chisoro to Hope, Drifting in on middle and leg, a bit too straight in line which allows Hope to works it to square leg. |
| 95.2 : T Chisoro to S Hope, Almost had him! Almost. Too close for comfort for Shai Hope. He goes deep inside the crease to flick it away but the ball is pushed quicker through the air this time. Almost raps him on the pads as he just manages to get some bat on it and put it away on the leg side. |
| 95.3 : T Chisoro to Hope, Looped up outside off, driven into the off side for a single. |
| 95.4 : T Chisoro to Chase, Pushes this full delivery just wide of the mid off fielder and both batsmen scurry across for a quick single. Nicely done. |
| 95.5 : T Chisoro to Hope, Tossed right up there, Hope presses forward and buries it into the track. |
| 95.6 : T Chisoro to Hope, On the fuller side of things once more, some more flight on it this time. Shai Hope meets it with the full face of the bat to end the over. |
| 96.1 : C Mpofu to Chase, On a good length well outside off, no way the batsman will bother himself with that. |
| 96.2 : C Mpofu to Chase, Smartly bowled by Chris Mpofu. Takes the pace off it and bowls an off cutter around off, it comes back in and goes past the inside edge of Chase's bat who is done in because of the lack of pace. Kept a little low too. |
| 96.3 : C Mpofu to Chase, FOUR! Comfortably done. Easy for any batsman in the world really to put that away. Angling down leg, Chase just helps it along its way and across the fine leg fence for a boundary. With that, the 50-run stand is up as well. |
| 96.4 : C Mpofu to Chase, On the pads again, flicked away on the leg side for a single. |
| 96.5 : C Mpofu to Hope, Fullish in length attacking the stumps, tapped in front of mid-wicket for a brisk run. |
| 96.6 : C Mpofu to Chase, Veering back in on middle and leg, full in length, flicked through the right of the short mid-wicket to keep strike. |
| 97.1 : T Chisoro to Chase, Spinning away on a shorter length, outside off, cracked square through point which enables Roston to take a run. |
| 97.2 : T Chisoro to Hope, Very full on off with some drift into Shai Hope, he strides ahead and blocks. |
| 97.3 : T Chisoro to Hope, Dropped! There was a clear edge, oh boy! Regis Chakabva should have taken that. Classical delivery from Tendai Chisoro. Lands it on off and gets it turn just enough. Hope who is back to defend is squared up a touch and gets a feather. It goes behind and the keeper cannot hold onto it. Big chance, could very well come back to haunt them. |
| 97.4 : T Chisoro to Hope, Loud shout for an lbw! It's close, really close, but the umpire doesn't think so. On off again and it spins away a shade, Hope is back again in defense and is caught on the pads. Big, big appeal from the Windies, but since the impact is outside off, however marginal it may be, the umpire declines. |
| 97.5 : T Chisoro to Hope, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 97.6 : T Chisoro to Hope, Outside off, placed to point for no run. |
| Sikandar Raza returns. |
| 98.1 : S Raza to Chase, Off spinner outside off, Chase plays with the turn and works it on the leg side. |
| 98.2 : S Raza to Chase, Once again he works it away on the leg side. No run taken. |
| Review time! Roston Chase has been caught leg before and adjudged out. He's quickly taken the review. Looks like he might be gone... |
| 98.3 : S Raza to Chase, OUT! HE'S GONE! This is a big wicket and it's Sikandar Raza again who's got the breakthrough! Zimbabwe needed the wicket and he's done it for his side. Chase played his part too, bit of an unnecessary shot to play with the ball turning so much. Landed around off and it spins it a touch, Chase brings out the reverse sweep and does not connect. Is caught on the front pad and after a long hard think, umpire Dharmasena raises his finger in response to the appeal. Roston review |
| Jermaine Blackwood is the next batsman in. |
| 98.4 : S Raza to Blackwood, FOUR! Turning in on middle and leg, Blackwood is off the mark in a flash! Rocks back and pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary. |
| 98.5 : S Raza to Blackwood, Zimbabwe excited, half-celebrate but then that's short lived. Spinning in sharply on middle and leg, Blackwood goes back to tuck it away and it lobs off his pads to short leg. They thought there was bat, but that wasn't the case. |
| 98.6 : S Raza to Blackwood, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 99.1 : T Chisoro to Hope, Straighter on the stumps, Hope stays right behind the line and defends. |
| 99.2 : T Chisoro to Hope, Against the spin this time, some bite on this for Chisoro. He goes back and works it away on the leg side for one. |
| 99.3 : T Chisoro to Blackwood, Some extra loop from the left-armer, Blackwood is forward in defense. |
| 99.4 : T Chisoro to Blackwood, Brings the wrists into the play and works it on the leg side. |
| 99.5 : T Chisoro to Blackwood, Jermaine Blackwood has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 99.6 : T Chisoro to Blackwood, Off the back foot again, bit quicker and flatter on off, turned towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 100.1 : S Raza to J Blackwood, Some turn and bounce for Raza. Kicks off the deck a bit and goes off the inside edge of Blackwood's bat and flies past short leg. |
| 100.2 : S Raza to Blackwood, Provides some decent air around off, Jermaine plants his front foot forward and meets it with the full face of the bat. |
| 100.3 : S Raza to Blackwood, Drags the length back around off, kept out off the back foot. |
| 100.4 : S Raza to Blackwood, Floats it up around off, another front foot defense by the batsman. |
| 100.5 : S Raza to Blackwood, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 100.6 : S Raza to Blackwood, OUT! It's Sikandar Raza again, Zimbabwe's He-Man! What a player. Come in and got two wickets in quick succession. Brings his side right back into this contest. Spinning in around off, Blackwood goes back and works it uppishly on the leg side. Straight into the hands of Graeme Cremer who takes a good catch. Throws it in the air and celebrates loudly, he knows this is their opening to get in. Blackwood departs, Windies in some trouble. This is now Raza's best figures in |
| Shane Dowrich is the next man in. |
| 101.1 : T Chisoro to Hope, Flatter around off, kept out by getting behind the line. |
| 101.2 : T Chisoro to Hope, Spinning away from around off, played away towards point for a single. |
| 101.3 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Looped up on middle and off, blocked off the front foot with the full face of the bat. |
| 101.4 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Some flight again and outside off, Dowrich gets an outside edge which runs down towards third man for a single. |
| 101.5 : T Chisoro to Hope, Flat and short, Hope from within the crease blocks it out. |
| 101.6 : T Chisoro to Hope, Comes forward, gets to the pitch of the ball and meets it at its pitch. |
| 102.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Dowrich watches this very close as he turns it towards the mid-wicket area. Stays inside the crease and plays it well. |
| 102.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Straighter one on the stumps, played back to the bowler. |
| 102.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Another one played with the spin. Flicked to mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 102.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Pushes it to the cover region. Another dot ball. |
| 102.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Shortens the length a bit on this occasion, Dowrich is on the back foot as he defends it with a straight blade. |
| 102.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Flicked to the mid-wicket fielder again and it's the end of the over. |
| 103.1 : T Chisoro to Hope, Shai Hope hangs back to this shorter ball and punches it to covers. |
| 103.2 : T Chisoro to Hope, Not much turn on this occasion, Shai Hope reads the line well and blocks. |
| 103.3 : T Chisoro to Hope, Darts it full and outside off, left alone. |
| 103.4 : T Chisoro to Hope, Leans across and knocks this full ball into the covers. |
| 103.5 : T Chisoro to S Hope, Short and wide outside off, Hope cuts it from the back foot through point and gets a run for doing so. |
| 103.6 : T Chisoro to S Dowrich, This time Dowrich unfurls the cut and places it behind square on the leg side. Third man inside the ring chases after it and keeps the batsmen down to two. |
| 104.1 : S Raza to S Hope, OUT! Sikandara Raza, oh you masterful beauty! 3 wickets in no time and it's the dangerman Shai Hope who's been sent back. Windies in the deep end here now, brilliant from the offie. He changes the angle and comes from around the wicket, flights in on middle. Hope is forward and plays for the turn when there is none. Proves to be his undoing as the ball goes straight on. Takes the off stump with it and that spells the end to Shai Hope's innings. Maiden 5-fer for Sikandar |
| 0.0 : Drinks break! What an incredible phase of play for the hosts. Sikandar Raza has done all the damage with his three wickets and dismissed the Windies' middle order in no time at all. Matter of cleaning up the tail now for Zimbabwe, can they do it quickly? |
| Jason Holder, the Windies skipper, is the new man in. He has a big job in front of him. His team needs him to really step up. |
| 104.2 : S Raza to J Holder, Loopy and full on middle and leg, Holder comes forward and wrists it down to long on for a single. |
| 104.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Turning in a long way on leg, Dowrich moves inside his crease and whips it past short leg. |
| 104.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Quite full again from Raza, another front foot defensive shot by the batsman. |
| 104.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Positions himself perfectly behind the line and defends. |
| 104.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Goes with the turn again and punches it straight to Graeme Cremer at short mid-wicket. |
| Graeme Cremer comes back on. |
| 105.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Turning away from the Windies skipper from around off, Jason Holder off the back foot punches it down to long off for a single. |
| 105.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Tad short again and outside off, Dowrich taps it away on the off side. |
| 105.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Floated delivery from Gremer, Dowrich with a solid front foot defense. |
| 105.4 : G Cremer to S Dowrich, Nicely done! Tossed up outside off, Dowrich leans into the stroke before the ball can turn and drives it through the gap in the covers. Solomon Mire chases after it and just about manages to pull it back inside the rope. Saves a vital run for his side. |
| 105.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Full in length once again, stroked through the covers for one. |
| 105.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Darted fuller outside off, no shot offered by the batsman. |
| 106.1 : S Raza to Holder, Quicker delivery on the off stick, Holder is careful as he blocks it out back down the track. |
| 106.2 : S Raza to Holder, Some flight on this from Raza, attacks the stumps as Holder takes a big lunge forward to defend. |
| 106.3 : S Raza to Holder, Spinning in, it's played with soft hands in front of short leg. |
| 106.4 : S Raza to Holder, An appreciable amount of turn for Sikandar, Jason Holder goes with the turn and bisects the gap between mid-wicket and mid on for a double. |
| 106.5 : S Raza to Holder, FOUR! Beautiful shot. Full outside off, Holder uses his reach well and drives it through the line. The fielder attempts to chase it down but cannot stop it before it reaches the cover boundary. |
| 106.6 : S Raza to Holder, Knocks this full delivery down to mid on by leaning ahead. |
| 107.1 : G Cremer to S Dowrich, A lot of air from the leggie, but it's too full on middle, Dowrich forces it to mid off by clearing his front leg. |
| 107.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Ripper from Cremer! Lands it on middle and off and it just takes off. Spins a lot as well and beats the outside edge of Shane Dowrich's bat. |
| 107.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Not much turn here, allows Shane to turn it away towards backward square leg. |
| 107.4 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Moves inside his crease well. Stays right behind the line and presents a tight defensive shot to keep it out. |
| 107.5 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Short and wide outside off, turning away, Dowrich should have put this away but can only find the man at point. |
| 107.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Full around leg, wristed just wide of mid on for an easy run. |
| 108.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Pushes it quicker through the air with minimal air around off, Dowrich gets back and punches it out. |
| 108.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Quicker in pace again, punched back to the bowler this time off the back foot. |
| 108.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, At 82 kph, Raza attacks the stumps. The batsman is well forward in defense. |
| 108.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Darts it on off stump, Shane meets the ball by bringing down a straight blade. |
| 108.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Shorter and flat on middle and off, whipped away through the mid-wicket region to get off strike. |
| 108.6 : S Raza to Holder, Jason Holder comfortably punches this down to long on for a single. Wasn't much turn on it, which made it easier for him to play the shot. |
| 109.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Overpitched on off, allows Holder to push the ball away to the covers before it turns. |
| 109.2 : G Cremer to Holder, Should have been forward but Holder is caught in his crease. Could have been his undoing. Just back of a driving length, Holder is two minds about what to do, just loosely plays at it away from his body and the spinning ball beats the outside edge of his bat. |
| 109.3 : G Cremer to Holder, Looped up outside off, Holder is a bit early into the drive. Chips it in front of Brendan Taylor at cover-point who dives to his left and stops it. |
| 109.4 : G Cremer to Holder, Fuller in length on the stumps, wristed down the ground to long on for a single. |
| 109.5 : G Cremer to Dowrich, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 109.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, FOUR! Good shot, it's earned him a much-needed boundary. Too straight in line on a fuller length, Dowrich flicks it elegantly through the mid-wicket region. The man in the deep runs fast to his left in an attempt to stop it but it's too far away from him. |
| 110.1 : S Raza to Holder, Oh dear, oh dear! Umpire Dharmasena has got that completely wrong. Jason Holder survives but he should have been out of here. Sikandar Raza denied another wicket. Comes from around the wicket and bowls an off spinner on off, Holder is back to defend but is caught on the pads. Loud appeal, nothing from the umpire. He indicates there's an inside edge but replays confirm there's no bat involved. The Windies skipper gets a life. |
| 110.2 : S Raza to Holder, Floats it up on middle and off, Holder comes ahead and blocks. |
| 110.3 : S Raza to Holder, Makes use of his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and hits the ball off the inside edge on the leg side. |
| 110.4 : S Raza to Holder, Loopy and fullish in length again, Holder prods forward to block it out. |
| 110.5 : S Raza to Holder, Flatter, quicker and down the leg side, Holder looks to swing it away square on the leg side but misses. Raza however doesn't think so. As Chakabva is unable to gather it cleanly, he goes down in disappointment. |
| 110.6 : S Raza to Holder, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 111.1 : G Cremer to Dowrich, FOUR! Cremer has a tendency of doing that, he does occasionally drop it short. Dowrich latches onto it and cuts it square through point for a boundary. |
| 111.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Fuller in length again, kept out off the front foot. |
| 111.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Shane Dowrich has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 111.4 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Touch short again outside off, patted away to the covers from the back foot for a single. |
| 111.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Hangs deep inside his crease and blocks it out with a straight blade. |
| 111.6 : G Cremer to Holder, The googly on middle and leg, Holder doesn't exactly pick it up. Gets a leading which makes its way towards mid-wicket. |
| 112.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Continues from around the wicket and tosses it up on off, drilled back down the track towards the bowler. |
| 112.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Full and straight on the stumps, drilled back down to the bowler again. |
| 112.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Picks it off his pads and tucks it away through backward square leg for a run. |
| 112.4 : S Raza to Holder, Straighter in line and going on straight, on the stumps, blocked. |
| 112.5 : S Raza to Holder, Takes the aerial route and clears the infield with ease. Holder slog sweeps it over mid-wicket and crosses over. |
| 112.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Tossed up delivery on the off stick, Dowrich comes ahead and smothers the ball in its tracks. Windies still trail by 69 runs. |
| 113.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Tossed up delivery around middle, Holder takes a stride forward and defends. |
| 113.2 : G Cremer to Holder, Flatter delivery around middle, Holder hangs back and defends. |
| 113.3 : G Cremer to Holder, Loopy ball around off, Jason prods forward in defense. |
| 113.4 : Cremer to Holder, Shout for a catch at short leg! A bit slower through the air, dipping in, Holder tries to go for the big slog across the line but misses and it lobs off something towards short leg. They appeal but nothing from the umpire. Replays show it went off the pads. |
| 113.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Goes back to this flatter one and keeps it out gently. |
| 113.6 : G Cremer to Holder, Flighted delivery on middle, bunted back to the bowler. |
| The seam is coming off from the ball. Umpire Dharmasena removes the scissor and does the needful. |
| 114.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Tosses up on leg, Dowrich gets down to sweep but fails to get any wood on it. |
| 114.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, FOUR! Put away! Raza drops it short on middle, Dowrich rocks back and pulls it hard. The man at short leg takes the evasive action and the ball travels uppishly through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 114.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Lands it around leg, Dowrich goes back to flick but gets it off the pads towards short leg. |
| 114.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, FOUR! Beautiful shot! Raza gives it a decent flight, bowls it near middle and off, Dowrich comes down the track and drives it cleanly through mid off to pick up the second boundary of the over. |
| 114.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Fired on leg, worked towards backward square leg. |
| 114.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Floats it up around middle and leg, the batsman gets forward and nudges it away. |
| 115.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Flattish through the air around middle, Holder gets back and defends. |
| 115.2 : G Cremer to Holder, Takes a long stride forward and smothers it down. |
| 115.3 : G Cremer to Holder, FOUR! Cremer serves a gift to his opposite number. He drops it short on middle, Holder is quick to pounce on it. He rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 115.4 : G Cremer to Holder, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 115.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Tossed up on off, pushed towards mid off. |
| 115.6 : G Cremer to Holder, FOUR! Runs coming thick and fast for the Windies! Floats it up wider outside off, Holder takes the aerial route and lofts it inside out over extra cover for a boundary. |
| 116.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Gets back and works it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 116.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Loopy delivery on off, blocked watchfully off the front foot. |
| 116.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Loops it up outside off, Dowrich lunges forward in defense. |
| 116.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Gets back quickly to this short ball and offers a straight bat. |
| 116.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, FOUR! The deficit is brought under 50 now! This is good batting from the duo! Loopy ball outside off, Dowrich presses forward and strokes it beautifully through covers for a boundary. |
| 116.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Blocked off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Tendai Chisoro is brought back into the attack. |
| 117.1 : T Chisoro to Holder, Tossed up on off, driven towards cover. |
| 117.2 : T Chisoro to Holder, Fires it on middle, Jason gets low and jams it out back to the bowler. |
| 117.3 : T Chisoro to Holder, Drops it around middle, turns towards off, Holder leans forward to defend. |
| 117.4 : T Chisoro to Holder, A bit flatter through the air around middle, Holder uses the depth of the crease and whips it through mid-wicket to collect two. |
| 117.5 : T Chisoro to Holder, Holder comes forward again to defend but the ball turns away, takes the outside edge of the bat and rolls towards point. |
| 117.6 : T Chisoro to Holder, Flighted delivery around middle and off, Holder prods forward in defense. |
| 118.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Raza comes from around the wicket and pitches it on middle, punched towards mid on. |
| 118.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Flattish through the air, blocked off the back foot. |
| 118.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Slides it across and stays a bit low as well, Dowrich goes deep in the crease and does extremely well to cut it through backward point. He calls for the third and gets it comfortably in the end. Good running! 50-run stand comes up as well! |
| 118.4 : S Raza to Holder, Fuller on off, driven past the diving extra cover fielder for a single. |
| 118.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Tossed up delivery on middle, swept towards backward square leg. |
| 118.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, A bit too full on middle, Shane leans ahead and blocks. |
| 119.1 : T Chisoro to Holder, Loops it up on off, Holder takes his front foot across and eases it down to long off for a single. |
| 119.2 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Floated ball outside off, defended towards the short cover fielder. |
| 119.3 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Zimbabwe spinners are bowling too many short balls! Drops it short on middle, Dowrich camps back and pulls it over mid-wicket and gets two for doing so. |
| 119.4 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 119.5 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Gets nicely forward and blocks it into the ground. |
| 119.6 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Flat ball around middle and off, SD rocks back to keep it out. |
| Graeme Cremer to bowl the last over before tea. Can he strike? |
| 120.1 : G Cremer to Holder, A bit short on off, Jason Holder cuts it with the spin towards point. |
| 120.2 : G Cremer to Holder, Flighted delivery on middle, defended by coming forward. |
| 120.3 : G Cremer to Holder, Short and turning away once again, Holder tries cutting it away but mistimes it towards short cover. |
| 120.4 : G Cremer to Holder, Tosses it up around middle and leg, milked down to long on for a single. |
| 120.5 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Googly on middle, tucked towards backward square leg. |
| 120.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Flighted ball around middle and leg, Shane Dowrich lunges forward and wrists it through mid-wicket for one. TEA ON DAY 3! |
| Session highlights - 32 Overs, 100 Runs, 3 Wickets! A fairly good session for both the sides. The hosts had a good first hour where they got timely breakthroughs, courtesy Sikandar Raza who registered his maiden 5-fer and spun the web magnificently to dictate terms. Just when it seemed like Zimbabwe would run through the batting line-up, Holder and Dowrich denied them. The duo took their time to get in and once they did, they got some freebies which indeed helped their cause. The current stand i |
| The Zimbabwe spinners would need to be patient to induce false strokes. They looked flat in the second hour and bowled too many short balls. Can they pick the remaining three wickets quickly or will the current pair bat well to wipe off the deficit and take a handy lead? Join us in a short while to see what happens next... |
| ... Day 3, Session 3 ... |
| The players return for play. The two West Indian batsmen are Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich. Zimbabwe begin the session with Tendai Chisoro taking the ball first up.... |
| 121.1 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Chisoro from around the wicket loop sit up around off, Dowirch presses forward in defense. |
| 121.2 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, A bit of flight outside off, pushed off the front foot towards cover. |
| 121.3 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Floated ball outside off, driven straight to the cover fielder. |
| 121.4 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Full and delivered around off, defended into the ground. |
| 121.5 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Short and turning away after pitching, punched off the back foot towards point. |
| 121.6 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Fires a low full toss on middle, driven easily down to mid on. |
| Chris Mpofu is asked to bowl from the other end. |
| 122.1 : C Mpofu to Holder, Mpofu angles it in from over the wicket, Holder lunges forward to defend but there is a little bit of inward movement and hence it goes off the inner half through backward square leg for a couple. |
| 122.2 : C Mpofu to Holder, Back of a length delivery on middle, Holder defends it down. |
| Silly mid on in place. |
| 122.3 : C Mpofu to Holder, A loud shout for an LBW! Chris angles it in on a fuller length, it keeps nipping back in, Holder tries to slog it across the line but misses and is hit on the pads. The Zimbabwe players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Replays show why, there was a faint inside edge. |
| 122.4 : C Mpofu to Holder, FOUR! Up and over! This is good batting from the skipper. He sees the length, picks it up early and smokes it over mid off. Hits it cleanly and picks up a boundary to his name. |
| 122.5 : C Mpofu to Holder, On a fuller length on off, pushy drive but straight to the cover fielder. |
| 122.6 : C Mpofu to Holder, FOUR! Runs continue to leak! Short of a length delivery on the body, Holder swivels and pulls it with complete control through backward square leg. Second boundary of the over, 10 off it! |
| 123.1 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Too full around off, driven towards the man at mid off. |
| 123.2 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Flighted delivery on middle, nudged through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 123.3 : T Chisoro to Holder, Flighted delivery outside off, driven hard but finds the man at extra cover. |
| 123.4 : T Chisoro to Holder, Flatter delivery outside off, Holder rocks back and thrashes it through covers for a single. |
| 123.5 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Fuller in length and angling in, blocked off the front foot. |
| 123.6 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Flatter and quicker through the air outside off, Dowrich lets it be. |
| 124.1 : C Mpofu to Holder, Mpofu rolls his fingers over the ball, bowls it on middle, Holder works it straight to mid on. |
| 124.2 : C Mpofu to Holder, Short of a length delivery on middle, Jason gets right behind the line and offers a straight bat. |
| 124.3 : C Mpofu to Holder, Mpofu once again bowls a slower fuller ball on off, Holder doesn't get greedy seeing it. He just pushes it towards the mid on fielder. |
| 124.4 : C Mpofu to J Holder, Short and wider on off, Jason Holder quickly opts to pull seeing the length. But ends up dragging it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 124.5 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 124.6 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Once again a slower delivery on the stumps, Dowrich defends. |
| 125.1 : T Chisoro to Holder, Beaten! Chisoro lands it on a length around off, Holder leans across to defend but the ball turns away and beats the outside edge of Holder's bat. Tendai needs some fortunes here. |
| 125.2 : T Chisoro to Holder, Flighted delivery outside off, thrashed towards sweeper cover for a single. |
| 125.3 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, FOUR! What a shot, that! Chisoro gives nice flight but drops it in Dowrich's arc who smashes it straight back over the bowler's head for a boundary. |
| 125.4 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Flatter outside off, left alone. |
| 125.5 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Lets the ball turn and then dabs it towards backward point. |
| 125.6 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Slider around middle, kept out off the front foot. |
| Graeme Cremer to bowl now. |
| 126.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Turning away from a length, Holder cuts it to point. |
| 126.2 : G Cremer to Holder, Cremer drops it short, turning away, this time Holder hits it through backward point for a single. |
| 126.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, A bit too full on middle, driven back to the bowler. |
| 126.4 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Flighted leg-break outside off, pushed with an angled bat towards point. |
| 126.5 : G Cremer to Dowrich, FOUR! That had HIT ME! written all over it! This is really poor bowling from Cremer. Once again drags his length short, easy pickings for Dowrich who rocks back and pummels it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 126.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Flatter delivery outside off, Dowrich dabs it square of the wicket on the off side. The fielder gives it a chase but they run three. |
| 127.1 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Almost... that just bounced over the stumps! A bit slower through the air, Dowrich rocks back to punch it through the line but gets a bottom edge which just goes over the stumps to the keeper. No luck for the hosts whatsoever. |
| 127.2 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Fires it full on middle, blocked by getting behind the line. |
| 127.3 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, FOUR! There it is! 6th Test fifty for Shane Dowrich! It means so much to him, he punches the air in joy. Skipper Holder acknowledges it as well. He needed this as he was having a lean patch with the bat since a while. Very full outside off, Dowrich opens the bat face and gets it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 127.4 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Darted on middle, blocked. |
| 127.5 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 127.6 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Short and outside off, punched towards sweeper cover for a single. |
| 128.1 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Flatter through the air around middle, punched off the back foot towards mid-wicket. |
| 128.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Cremer once again bowls a short ball, luckily for him Dowrich finds the man in the deep at mid-wicket for a single. |
| 128.3 : G Cremer to Holder, Goes around the wicket now, land sit around the rough, Holder defends. |
| 128.4 : G Cremer to Holder, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 128.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Holder takes a stride forward and stonewalls it. |
| 128.6 : G Cremer to Holder, Loopy full toss on middle and leg, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 129.1 : T Chisoro to Holder, Shortish ball outside off, Holder cuts it towards extra cover. |
| 129.2 : T Chisoro to Holder, Flatter on off, left alone. |
| 129.3 : T Chisoro to Holder, Flighted delivery outside off, Holder looks to drive it away but is beaten by the away turn. |
| 129.4 : T Chisoro to Holder, Goes back and pushes it with the turn towards point. |
| 129.5 : T Chisoro to Holder, Takes a long stride forward does Holder and drives it towards cover. |
| 129.6 : T Chisoro to Holder, 1 run. |
| 130.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Floated ball on the stumps, driven towards long off for a single. |
| 130.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, From around the wicket, Cremer bowls it outside leg, Dowrich pads it away. |
| 130.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Tries to put bat on ball to the delivery pitched on leg, misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 130.4 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Shane has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 130.5 : G Cremer to Dowrich, A bit too full on middle, bunted back to the bowler. |
| 130.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, On the flatter trajectory, turning in, Dowrich has his stumps covered and shows a straight bat. |
| 131.1 : T Chisoro to Holder, Flighted delivery outside off, turning away, Holder makes an easy leave. |
| 131.2 : T Chisoro to Holder, A bit too full, served outside off, driven towards backward point. |
| 131.3 : T Chisoro to Holder, Leans forward and buries it into the ground. |
| 131.4 : T Chisoro to Holder, Holder takes a stride forward and blocks it into the ground. |
| 131.5 : T Chisoro to Holder, West Indies just trail by 1 run! Short and outside off, cracked off the back foot towards cover for a couple. |
| 131.6 : T Chisoro to Holder, SCORES ARE LEVEL NOW! Chisoro drops it a bit short outside off, Jason Holder punches it through the same region and settles for one. |
| The commentators on air discuss as to what should Cremer do now? His bowlers look down and out now. His spinners are dealt with ease at the moment. Should he risk bringing an injured Solomon Mire back on? Because Tendai Chisoro has already bowled over 35 overs and looks tired. Let's see what does Cremer opt for. |
| 132.1 : G Cremer to Holder, That ball nearly rolls back on the stumps! Spinning in from outside off, Holder looks to drive but gets an inside edge which nearly rolls back on the stumps. |
| 132.2 : G Cremer to Holder, Gets down to play the reverse sweep now but is beaten again. |
| 132.3 : G Cremer to Holder, Pitches it outside leg, Jason Holder leans ahead to defend but it goes off the outer half of the bat towards the off side. |
| 132.4 : G Cremer to Holder, Goes deep in the crease and tucks it around the corner. |
| 132.5 : G Cremer to Holder, On middle and leg, clipped towards short fine leg for a single. West Indies are now officially into the lead. This has been superb effort from these two. At one stage it seemed like they won't even wipe the deficit out. Can they swell it to somewhere near 100? If they do, they will have a great chance to seal this one. |
| 132.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Sikandar Raza is brought back into the attack. Can this man provide a breakthrough again? |
| 133.1 : S Raza to Holder, Flatter on middle, clipped on the bounce to short leg. |
| 133.2 : S Raza to Holder, Flatter again, defended off the back foot comfortably. |
| 133.3 : S Raza to Holder, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 133.4 : S Raza to Holder, Darted on the pads, whipped to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 133.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Flighted delivery on the stumps, blokced into the ground. |
| 133.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Short delivery on middle, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 134.1 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Cremer bowls it down leg, Dowrich lets it be. |
| 134.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, There you go! This could be risky Mr. Dowrich! When you are trying to pad it away if it's pitched outside leg then you need to keep your front leg in line. He fails to do so as the ball spins in and hits the back leg. |
| 134.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Flatter delivery outside off, Dowrich rocks back to pull but the ball sneaks under his bat and goes between his legs to the keeper. |
| 134.4 : G Cremer to S Dowrich, Brings up the 100-run stand now! What a turnaround from these two this! They are going from strength-to-strength. Fuller ball on middle, driven down to long on for a single. |
| 134.5 : G Cremer to Holder, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 134.6 : G Cremer to Holder, FOUR! Reverse sweeps and connects one this time! It's also a moment for the skipper to rejoice, it's his 7th Test fifty! Raises the bat to the dressing room and they all laud for the effort! Loopy ball outside leg, Holder gets down and nails the reverse sweep behind point for a boundary. |
| 135.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Gets forward and defends it down. |
| 135.2 : S Raza to S Dowrich, Around middle and leg, pushed towards mid on. |
| 135.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 135.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Fuller on the stumps, driven back to the bowler. |
| 135.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Tossed up outside off, driven towards cover. |
| 135.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Dowrich leans forward and dead-bats it. |
| 136.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Loopy delivery outside leg, Holder takes a stride forward and smothers it down. |
| 136.2 : G Cremer to J Holder, Gives it loop and bowls it full outside off, Holder makes room and drives it down to long off for a single. |
| 136.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Around leg, tucked towards mid-wicket. |
| 136.4 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Loopy delivery down leg, Dowrich gets down and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 136.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Jason Holder leans forward, keeps his bat close to the pad and smothers it out. |
| 136.6 : G Cremer to Holder, This one dips in around the pads, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 137.1 : S Raza to J Holder, Flighted delivery outside off, Jason drives it towards mid off by making a bit of room. |
| 137.2 : S Raza to Holder, Uppish but no damage done! Raza floats it up around middle and leg, Holder clears the front leg to hit it across the line but seems to have been deceived in the flight. Drags it off the inner half towards wide long on for a couple. |
| 137.3 : S Raza to Holder, SIX! Down the track and bludgeons it, does Holder! He gets to the pitch of the delivery this time and unfurls a clean strike over long on for a maximum. |
| 137.4 : S Raza to Holder, Tossed up ball around off, pushed into the cover region. |
| 137.5 : S Raza to Holder, Goes back and clips it on the bounce towards the short leg fielder. |
| 137.6 : S Raza to Holder, Beaten! Fuller and quicker through the air, Holder leans across to drive but there is a bit of drift and as a result Holder nearly gets an outside edge. |
| Drinks break! So, just 9 overs to go in the day and we have around an hour to play. It means Zimbabwe will definitely bowl more than 98 overs in the day but over rate won't be of any use. They need wickets and that too quickly as the match is slowly dragging away from them. If the current pair of Holder and Dowrich bat the whole day and take the lead say over 50 odd, it could well prove to be a handy one. Final hour then, what do we have in store? |
| 138.1 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Extremely full on middle stump, jammed back to the bowler. |
| 138.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Full and outside off, drilled through towards sweeper cover for a single. |
| 138.3 : G Cremer to Holder, Pushes it quicker through the air on off, Holder plants his front foot forward and meets it with a straight blade. |
| 138.4 : G Cremer to J Holder, Loopy delivery outside off, Holder drives it through the cover region for couple of runs. |
| 138.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Dropped a bit short on off, turning away, cut away hard through cover-point and the batsman crosses over. |
| Ed Rainsford on air makes a real good point. He says Zimbabwe wasted a review against Powell earlier during the first session and to be honest it was really a poor call from Cremer. And then one against Holder (which was dead plumb) they couldn't opt for as they didn't have any in the bank. At that time when Holder was struck on the pads, his team was trailing by 99 runs. So it means how important it is to keep the reviews, it can completely change the course of the game... |
| 138.6 : G Cremer to S Dowrich, Short ball around off, drags the pull through mid-wicket for one. The 350 is up for West Indies. |
| 139.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Down the leg side, Dowrich swivels and then helps it towards short fine leg. |
| 139.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Straighter in line on middle and leg, defended away on the leg side, past the short leg fielder. |
| 139.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Looped up on the stumps, Dowrich keeps bat and pad close together and blocks it out. |
| 139.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Flat, short and on the stumps, worked away in front of square leg to rotate strike. |
| 139.5 : S Raza to Holder, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 139.6 : S Raza to Holder, On a bit of a fuller length, close to off, met with the full face of the bat to keep it out. |
| 140.1 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Quicker in pace and very close to off, spinning away a touch, Dowrich goes back and blocks. |
| 140.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Shane Dowrich gets right behind the line of this one and blocks it out. |
| 140.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Brings the wrists into play and works it away on the leg side. |
| 140.4 : G Cremer to Dowrich, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single. |
| 140.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Slower through the air, quite loopy outside off, driven through the covers. No run taken. |
| 140.6 : G Cremer to Holder, Darts it way outside off, Holder has no intention of playing at that. Lets it be. |
| We have a slight halt in play. Regis Chakabva seems to have sprained his ankle a bit, so is having the magic spray applied on it. The players have decided to use this break to get some refreshments. |
| 141.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Tossed up around middle, Dowrich defends it off the front foot. |
| 141.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Flatter through the air around middle, Dowrich shows a straight bat. |
| 141.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, FOUR! That had to be put away and Dowrich does so! Short delivery around middle and off, Shane camps back and cuts it through covers for a boundary. |
| 141.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Gets across a bit and clips it to short fine leg. |
| 141.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Floated delivery outside off, Dowrich leans forward and blocks it out. |
| 141.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Raza keeps it full on the stumps, Dowrich clips it towards silly mid on. |
| Zimbabwe are wasting time now! They are doing everything slowly. They now bring Hamilton Masakadza into the attack. |
| 142.1 : H Masakadza to Holder, Masakadza from over the wicket bowls a short ball outside off, Holder punches it towards the cover fielder. |
| 142.2 : H Masakadza to Holder, Good length delivery bowled outside off, Holder gets on top of the bounce and punches it through covers for a single. |
| 142.3 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Length delivery outside off, Dowrich slaps it square of the wicket on the off side for a single. |
| 142.4 : H Masakadza to Holder, On a fuller length with no pace on it, eased through covers for a single. |
| 142.5 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Back of a length delivery outside off, Shane waits for it and at the last moment dabs it deftly behind point for a couple of runs. |
| 142.6 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Good take from Chakabva, this! Sprays it down leg, Dowrich misses his clip but Regis quickly moves to his left and collects it. He had a tough time with the gloves today but this should give him some confidence. |
| 143.1 : S Raza to Holder, Flighted delivery around middle, Holder gets back and tucks it with the spin through square leg for a single. |
| 143.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Fuller on the stumps, Shane drives it back to the bowler who fails to stop it with a dive to his right. The ball goes down to long on for a single |
| 143.3 : S Raza to Holder, Goes around the wicket and bowls it around leg, Holder looks to flick but the ball turns down further and the batsman misses his attempted flick shot. |
| 143.4 : S Raza to Holder, The tall man lunges forward and dead-bats it solidly. |
| 143.5 : S Raza to Holder, A bit of flight around middle, bunted back to the bowler. |
| 143.6 : S Raza to Holder, Quicker one around middle, punched off the back foot towards the bowler. |
| 144.1 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Short of a length delivery outside off, Dowrich punches it through covers for a single. |
| 144.2 : H Masakadza to J Holder, Hamilton spears in a fuller ball, comes back in a touch. Holder with no foot movement tries to keep it out but gets an inside edge towards the square leg fielder. |
| 144.3 : H Masakadza to Holder, Stump-to-stump line from Masakadza. Holder punches it down to long on for a single. |
| 144.4 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Fuller and on the middle stump, nudged towards mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 144.5 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, On a fuller length but the line is wide outside off, Dowrich shoulders his arms to it. |
| 144.6 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Once again keeps it full, angles it in on middle, wristed straight towards short mid-wicket. |
| 145.1 : S Raza to Holder, Floats it up wider outside off, milked down to long off for a single. |
| 145.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Loopy delivery around middle and leg, Dowrich gets back and blocks. |
| 145.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, A bit short and turning in from around middle, Shane tries tucking it away but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 145.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, This time he is successful. Stays back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 145.5 : S Raza to Holder, Flatter delivery around middle, defended off the back foot. |
| 145.6 : S Raza to Holder, Quicker one but around leg, Holder clips it towards short fine leg. Wants the single but Dowrich doesn't respond. |
| 146.1 : Masakadza to Dowrich, A stifled appeal for an LBW! But umpire Dharmasena shakes his head! Masakadza gets one to swing back in, Dowrich tries clipping it but misses and is hit on the pads. The keeper and the bowler appeal but it was clearly going down leg. This is what Masakadza needs to bowl. Keep pitching it up. |
| 146.2 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Fuller in length, swinging in, played off the front foot. |
| 146.3 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Length delivery outside off, Shane lets it go. |
| 146.4 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Straighter in line of the stumps, Dowrich drives it with a straight bat down the ground. |
| 146.5 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Fuller in length and angling in, Dowrich presents a straight face of the bat down the ground. Good running between the wickets allows them to come back for the second. |
| 146.6 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Fuller length delivery on off, defended by getting right behind the line of it. |
| So we are done with the scheduled overs for the day. We still have 15 minutes to go and it means we can easily get in 3-4 overs. There is a bit of delay as Holder is getting some stretching from the physio while the Zimbabwe fielders enjoy some refreshments... |
| 147.1 : S Raza to Holder, Raza continues from around the wicket and loops it up around middle and leg. Holder prods forward in defense. |
| 147.2 : S Raza to Holder, Once again leans forward and blocks it out on the ground. |
| 147.3 : S Raza to Holder, Sloppy from the fielder, it's Tendai Chisoro who lets one go. Flatter delivery outside leg, clipped towards square leg where Chisoro misfields. Tired bodies? Anyway, the batsmen will run. |
| 147.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Fuller around leg, defended into the ground by Shane. |
| 147.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Shorter on middle and leg, Dowrich flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 147.6 : S Raza to Holder, Beaten! Raza drifts one across Holder and lures the West Indian skipper to go after it. He does so but it turns away to beat the outside edge. So close that was! |
| 148.1 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Angles it in from around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 148.2 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Length delivery, bowled a bit wider outside off, Dowrich looks to go after it but fails to get any wood on it. |
| 148.3 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, A bit short and angling in, defended off the back foot towards mid on. |
| 148.4 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Fuller and sprayed wider on off, Dowrich looks to go after it but then at the last moment leaves it alone. |
| 148.5 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Fuller and targeting the base of middle stump, Dowrich clips it with the angle towards short mid-wicket. |
| 148.6 : H Masakadza to Dowrich, Touch fuller outside off, Dowrich drives it off the front foot towards Cremer at short cover who fumbles but they don't run. |
| Okay then! Graeme Cremer has called Solomon Mire into the attack. He didn't bowl the entire day and now is asked to when the day is about to end. Can he bring a wicket? |
| 149.1 : S Mire to Holder, Fuller in length and angling in, Holder clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 149.2 : S Mire to Holder, No ball! And it's a big, big no ball. My colleague jokes saying he has given competition to Shannon Gabriel as he has overstepped by a big margin. On the pads, flicked through square leg for a single. |
| S Mire to Dowrich, Highest Test score for Shane Dowrich! It has been a valuable knock and given that it has come when his side was in crisis will make it even more special. Sprayed on the pads, Shane clips it down to fine leg for a single. |
| One can understand the issues Cremer is facing with the current situation. Had Mire been able to bowl much earlier, things would have eased off a bit for him and other spinners as well. |
| 149.3 : S Mire to Holder, On a good length and outside off, tapped towards point. |
| 149.4 : S Mire to Holder, Mire angles it in from around off, Jason blocks it out. |
| 149.5 : S Mire to Holder, A bit short and outside off, Holder punches it towards the man at short extra cover. |
| 149.6 : S Mire to Holder, Solomon Mire angles it in on middle, Holder hangs back and defends it out towards short mid-wicket. Well done, skipper. That's STUMPS ON DAY 3, WINDIES LEAD BY 48! |
| A gripping day of Test cricket comes to an end. Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich walk back with their heads held high. The duo has done a stupendous job and literally kept the hosts at bay. They were staring down the barrel at 230/7 when Sikandar Raza scalped a few quick wickets, thereby claiming his maiden Test 5-fer to gain the upper hand in this contest. |
| As it is said, Test match is all about patience. The one who shows it for a longer period of time, often holds the aces. That's exactly proved to be the case with the Windies. Holder and Dowrich didn't give up and staged a remarkable fightback. They not only wiped off the deficit but also have taken a 48-run lead which could very well prove to be a handy one. They are amidst an unbeaten 144-run stand and are not done yet. Both are approaching their respective tons and would look to build on the |
| The hosts were made to toil hard under the sun. They bowled over 100 overs in the day, had their moments but just couldn't capitalize at the right time. The game is slowly drifting away from them and Cremer and Co. will have to regroup quickly if they are to avoid another defeat. Still, if they manage to pick the remaining wickets quickly and then bat well, you never know... this game might open up again. First session on day 4 will be crucial and could decide which way the game is heading towar |
| ...Day 4, Session 1... |
| Hello and welcome to the 4th day of the second Test between Zimbabwe and West Indies in Bulawayo. We witnessed a day full of twists and turns yesterday. The home side had the away side on the mat but could not capitalize and it has let the advantage slip towards the tourists. Now, with two set batsmen Holder and Dowrich out there, the Windies will look to stretch their lead over the 100-run mark. However, the hosts will want to come out and wrap things up as quickly as possible if they are to ge |
| PITCH REPORT - Ed Rainsford says, it is sunny and the sun will beat down on the surface, causing more abrasion. Reckons there are a lot of cracks on the track. Opines the finger spinners are going to cause more problems than the wrist spinners. Ends by saying that it is an excellent Test wicket. |
| We are ready to get underway. The men who matter are out in the middle. Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich will resume their innings. Chris Mpofu will start the proceedings for Zimbabwe. He has a gully and two short mid-wickets in place. |
| 150.1 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, He starts off with a length delivery around off, no movement off the surface for him. Dowrich defends it off the back foot with authority. |
| 150.2 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. Dowrich defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 150.3 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, The move to have two men at short mid-wicket almost paid off! Mpofu lands it on a length around off, gets it to jag back into the batsman. The ball also stops a little. Dowrich is early into the flick and does it uppishly but on the bounce to the man there. |
| 150.4 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Good length on off, Dowrich defends it off the front foot. |
| 150.5 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, First run of the day! Mpofu bowls it full on middle, Dowrich flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 150.6 : C Mpofu to Holder, Holder too gets going! Fullish length on middle, Holder tucks it around the corner to retain strike. The lead is now 50. |
| Graeme Cremer will bowl from the other end. |
| 151.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Starts off with a nice loopy ball on middle, turns away. Holder prods forward in defense. |
| 151.2 : G Cremer to Holder, Flatter outside off, Holder pushes it towards mid off for no runs. |
| 151.3 : G Cremer to Holder, Shorter in length and turning away. Jason cuts it to the man at covers. |
| 151.4 : G Cremer to J Holder, Floats it full and outside off, Holder drives it to covers. |
| 151.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Quicker but shorter in length on middle, Holder rocks back and whips it against the spin through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 151.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Drags his length back outside off, Dowrich cuts it through point for a run. |
| 152.1 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Good length outside off, the batsman need not play at it. |
| 152.2 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Highest 8th wicket partnership for West Indies in Tests! Fuller in length outside off, inviting the batsman to drive. Dowrich obliges and hits it through backward point, does not quite get it off the middle but enough to collect two. 150-run stand between the two also comes up. |
| 152.3 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Length ball on middle, Dowrich flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 152.4 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 152.5 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Lands it on a length again, the ball comes slowly off the surface. Dowrich defends it solidly. |
| 152.6 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, A huge appeal but nothing from the umpire. Mpofu comes running in and lands it on a length outside off, gets some sharp inward movement after pitching. Dowrich tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball also falls just short of the keeper who takes it on the bounce. Close call! |
| 153.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Fuller in length outside off, Holder drives it through covers for a run. |
| 153.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Flatter outside off, Dowrich lets it be. |
| 153.3 : Cremer to Dowrich, Tosses it up outside leg stump, turns in. Dowrich tries to defend but is struck high on the pads. The keeper makes an ambitious appeal but the umpire shakes his head. The bowler was not interested as the ball pitched outside leg. |
| 153.4 : G Cremer to Dowrich, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 153.5 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Slower through the air outside off, Dowrich lets the ball do its part and then guides it to point. |
| 153.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 154.1 : C Mpofu to Holder, FOUR! Edgy but Holder won't mind! He almost chopped it on there. Signs of the surface getting slower. Shorter in length by Mpofu outside off, Holder goes for the cut but gets an inside edge past the off stump and down to the fine leg fence. |
| 154.2 : C Mpofu to Holder, Good length on off, Holder defends it solidly. |
| 154.3 : C Mpofu to Holder, Slower full ball on off, Holder reads it well and defends it off the front foot. |
| 154.4 : C Mpofu to Holder, Fuller in length on middle, Holder times it to mid on. That was well evaded by Dowrich as it was hit straight at him. |
| 154.5 : C Mpofu to Holder, Once again bowls it on the length around the off stump channel. Holder camps back and defends it. |
| 154.6 : C Mpofu to Holder, Fuller in length this time, gets it to tail back in a touch. Jason lunges forward and blocks it. |
| 155.1 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Loopy ball on leg stump, Dowrich drives it down to mid on. |
| 155.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Tosses it up on middle, Dowrich tries to defend but gets it off the inner half to square leg. |
| 155.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Shorter in length outside off, Dowrich punches it through covers for a run. |
| 155.4 : G Cremer to Holder, Short and wide outside off, Holder goes for the cut but is beaten. |
| 155.5 : G Cremer to Holder, Again a similar length ball, Holder again goes for the cut but is beaten by the extra bounce. |
| 155.6 : G Cremer to Holder, DROPPED! Chakabva puts another one down! He has had a poor time with the gloves. He had this one in the gloves but then it pops out! Another reprieve for Holder. Cremer tosses it wide outside off, gets it to turn away. Holder goes for the expansive drive but gets an outside edge to the keeper. He sticks a hand out but can hold onto it. Had he let it go it would have been an easy catch for the slip fielder. Cremer can't believe it, as he walks back angrily towards the u |
| 156.1 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Drives it through mid off for a run. |
| 156.2 : T Chisoro to Holder,The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 156.3 : T Chisoro to Holder, Tosses it up on off, Holder defends it off the front foot. |
| 156.4 : T Chisoro to Holder, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 156.5 : T Chisoro to Holder, Fuller in length outside off, Holder drives it through covers for a couple. |
| 156.6 : T Chisoro to Holder, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 157.1 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Floats it up on off, Dowrich defends it solidly. |
| 157.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Loopy ball on middle, Dowrich lunges forward and defends it. |
| 157.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 157.4 : G Cremer to Dowrich, A googly on middle, turning back in. Dowrich tries to defend but gets it off the inner half through short fine leg for a couple. |
| 157.5 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Flighted ball on middle, turning away. Dowrich plants his front foot ahead and defends it. |
| 157.6 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Does well to block the ball on middle off the front foot. |
| 158.1 : T Chisoro to Holder, Drags his length back on leg stump, Holder flicks it to short fine leg. |
| 158.2 : T Chisoro to Holder, Flatter outside off, turning away. Holder tries to force it through the off side but gets an outside edge through short third man. The fielder there gives it a chase, dives and keeps it down to two. Good effort by him. |
| 158.3 : T Chisoro to Holder, Quicker outside off, Hodler looks to push it through the off side but gets beaten. |
| 158.4 : T Chisoro to Holder, Floats it up on middle, Holder lunges forward in defense. |
| 158.5 : T Chisoro to Holder, Fuller in length outside off, Holder drives it through covers for a run. |
| 158.6 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Plays it with the spin to mid off to end the over. |
| 159.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Gives it air on middle, turning away. Holder eases it down to long off for a single. |
| 159.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 159.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Loopy ball on middle, Dowrich plants his front foot forward and blocks it. |
| 159.4 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Floats it full on off, Dowrich keeps it out. |
| 159.5 : G Cremer to Dowrich, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total. |
| 159.6 : G Cremer to J Holder, Loopy ball outside off, Holder drives it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| The third new ball is due and Zimbabwe have taken it straightaway! Can the new ball bring in some wickets? Chris Mpofu to have a go with it first. |
| 160.1 : C Mpofu to Holder, Fuller in length outside off, looking for some swing but there ain't any. Holder opts not to play at it. |
| 160.2 : C Mpofu to Holder, PEACH! Holder is lucky to not have edged it! Mpofu goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman, gets it to shape away after pitching it around off. Holder tries to defend but gets beaten. Encouraging sings for Zimbabwe as there was swing on that delivery. |
| 160.3 : C Mpofu to Holder, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 160.4 : C Mpofu to Holder, Back of a length on off, Holder defends it towards point for no runs. |
| 160.5 : C Mpofu to Holder, Good length outside off, Holder lets it be. |
| 160.6 : C Mpofu to Holder, Fuller in length on off, Holder defends it solidly. A maiden for Mpofu. Good start with the third new ball. |
| Sikandar Raza is into the attack. He was brilliant with the ball yesterday. Can he repeat his heroics today? |
| 161.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, Flatter on off, Dowrich drives it to mid off. |
| 161.2 : S Raza to Dowrich, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 161.3 : S Raza to S Dowrich, FOUR! Too easy! A half-volley by Raza outside off. Dowrich leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary. |
| 161.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Quicker on middle, turning back in. Dowrich defends it off the back foot. |
| 161.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Tosses it up on off, Shane defends it solidly. |
| 161.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Works it with the spin to the man at short leg. |
| 162.1 : C Mpofu to J Holder, Good length on middle, Holder tucks it towards fine leg to change strike. |
| 162.2 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Another huge shout from Mpofu but the umpire remains put! He has really bowled well here. He angles it into the batsman. Dowrich goes for the flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Mpofu turns back and cries for the appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Hawk Eye shows the ball is just clipping leg stump. |
| 162.3 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Length outside off, Dowrich it not interested in playing at it. |
| 162.4 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Good length on off, Dowrich defends it towards covers. |
| 162.5 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, A surprise short delivery on middle, gets big on the batsman. Dowrich does well to hop defend it down onto the ground. |
| 162.6 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 163.1 : S Raza to Holder, Flatter on off, Holder defends it off the front foot. |
| 163.2 : S Raza to Holder, Fires it outside off, Holder taps it towards point for a quick single. |
| 163.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Fuller outside off, Dowrich pushes it towards cover for a run. |
| 163.4 : S Raza to Holder, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 163.5 : S Raza to Holder, Good work, Chakabva! He has had a tough time with the gloves but he did well there. Raza darts it outside off, goes on with the arm and also stays low. Holder gets beaten as he tries to defend and Chakabva crouches down low and to collect it. That should give him some confidence. |
| 163.6 : S Raza to J Holder, FOUR! Into the 90s! Raza bowls it very full outside off, Holder tries to drive but gets an outside edge through short third man for a boundary. |
| 164.1 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Fuller in length on middle, Dowrich pushes it to mid on. |
| 164.2 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Good length on off, bounces a touch more. Hits Dowrich high on his bat as he tries to defend it. |
| Dowrich has broken his bat as he tried to play the last delivery. He wants a replacement. |
| 164.3 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Length again outside off, Shane defends it towards covers. |
| 164.4 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Shorter in length outside off, Dowrich guides it to point. That made a good sound off the bat. |
| 164.5 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Short again on off, bounces a touch more. Dowrich hops and defends it onto the ground. He does well to keep it down, it could have easily popped up in the air. |
| 164.6 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Length outside off, Shane guides it to gully. |
| 165.1 : S Raza to Holder, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 165.2 : S Raza to Holder, The edges are giving Holder a lot of runs today! Raza bowls a straighter one outside off, he tries to defend but gets an outside edge through short third man for a brace. |
| 165.3 : S Raza to Holder, Tosses it up on off, Holder defends it off the front foot. |
| 165.4 : S Raza to Holder, Fuller in length outside off, the spin is out of the question here. Holder leans into it and drives it through mid off for a run. |
| 165.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Dowrich into the 90s now! Flatter outside off, Dowrich pushes it towards covers for a run. |
| 165.6 : S Raza to Holder, That stayed really low! The tall man did really well to play that! Raza fires it on middle, Holder goes back to flick it. The ball stays extremely low and hits the bottom of Holder's bat and goes on the bounce to short leg. Had he missed that was plumb in front. Sings of the pitch wearing? |
| 166.1 : C Mpofu to S Dowrich, Fuller in length on middle, Shane drives it to mid on. |
| 166.2 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 166.3 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Good length outside off, Dowrich guides it towards point. |
| 166.4 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, Come around the wicket! Time for some short stuff? Oh yes! He bangs it in on leg stump. Comes really slow off the surface, no pace at all. Dowrich jumps and blocks it towards square leg. |
| 166.5 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, He bends his back this time and bowls a bouncer. A quick one. Dowrich ducks under it. |
| 166.6 : C Mpofu to Dowrich, On the shorter side again! Shane defends it onto the ground. |
| 167.1 : S Raza to Holder, HUGE SHOUT! Raza tosses it up on off, turns back in. Holder prods forward to defend but misses and is struck on the pads. The bowler appeals but the umpire is not interested. Raza cannot belevie it, he thought that was out. It was missing leg, turned way too much. A good decision there by Simon Fry. |
| 167.2 : S Raza to Holder, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 167.3 : S Raza to Dowrich, Plays it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 167.4 : S Raza to Dowrich, Fuller outside off, Dowrich drives it to covers. |
| 167.5 : S Raza to S Dowrich, Driven through mid off by the batsman. |
| 167.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Floats it up on off, Dowrich lunges forward in defense. |
| Tendai Chisoro is into the attack. He is still searching for his first Test wicket. |
| 168.1 : T Chisoro to Holder, Flatter on off, Holder defends it off the back foot. |
| 168.2 : T Chisoro to Holder, Tosses it up on middle, Holder defends it towards covers. |
| 168.3 : T Chisoro to Holder, Drags his length back outside off, Holder punches it towards cover where Raza dives over the ball and concedes a run. |
| 168.4 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Quicker but on the shorter side. Dowrich rocks back and punches it to the man at covers. |
| 168.5 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Bowled? Oh no, the noise was of the ball hitting the keeper's pads. But that was agonizingly close to the leg pole. Chisoro fires it down the leg side, turning in. Dowrich goes for the sweep but misses and the ball nearly kisses the leg stump and hits Chakabva low on his pads. The bowler too got excited for a moment there. |
| 168.6 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Well done Peter Moor! Shorter in length outside off, Dowrich guides it through point. Moor hares after it and dives to pull it back in. They go upstairs to check whether the stop is clean and yes it is. He has saved a run for his side. |
| 169.1 : S Raza to Dowrich, BEAUTY! Raza bowls it flatter outside off, goes on with the arm. Dowrich tries to defend but gets beaten. Chakabva behind the stumps fails to collect and the batsman run a bye. Raza has bowled really well! Alan Wilkins on-air mentions he could have had 7 to 8 wickets in this innings, that is how well he has bowled. |
| 169.2 : S Raza to J Holder, Driven through mid on by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 169.3 : Raza to Dowrich, ANOTHER HUGE SHOUT! Raza is making things happen here! He fires it on middle, gets it to turn into the batsman. Dowrich tries to work it on the leg side but misses and is struck on the pads. Raza pleads to the umpire but he remains put. The ball once again is missing leg as it has turned too much. The batsmen run a leg bye. |
| 169.4 : S Raza to Holder, Drives it with the spin through mid on for a run. |
| 169.5 : S Raza to Dowrich, Works it to mid-wicket with the spin again. |
| 169.6 : S Raza to Dowrich, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| Drinks are on the field. The West Indies batsmen are going great guns and have swelled the lead to almost 100 now. Holder was dropped on 78 by Chakabva. The third new ball also created chances but none of them favored Zimbabwe. Both the batsmen are on the verge of registering their respective tons. Will they start to attack once they reach personal milestones? Remains to be seen... |
| 170.1 : T Chisoro to Holder, Quicker on off, the straighter one by Chisoro. Holder defends it stoutly. |
| 170.2 : T Chisoro to Holder, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 170.3 : T Chisoro to Holder, FOUR! Hundred for Holder. His second in Tests. What a moment for him and what a knock it has been from the skipper. He is leading from the front here and look what it means to him. Chisoro tosses it up on off, Holder leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary. He makes a loud roar as soon as he hits it. He pumps his fist and acknowledges the applause from the dressing room. He is also the first West Indian to make a Test century coming in at no.9. He kn |
| 170.4 : T Chisoro to Holder, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 170.5 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. |
| 170.6 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Flatter on the pads, Dowrich flicks it through square leg and good running helps them get three. |
| A nice moment there! Graeme Cremer goes upto Holder and congratulates him on reaching his hundred. |
| 171.1 : G Cremer to Dowrich, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 171.2 : G Cremer to Dowrich, SIX! MAIDEN TEST HUNDRED FOR DOWRICH! What a way to bring it up. A tossed up ball on off, Dowrich lofts it over the long off fence for a maximum. He too roars in joy as soon as he hits it. He walks upto his captain to receive a hug from his captain. Also this brings the 200-run stand between the two. |
| 171.3 : G Cremer to Dowrich, Drives it through mid on for a run. |
| 171.4 : G Cremer to Holder, It's been driven superbly through the covers. |
| 171.5 : G Cremer to Holder, SIX! BANG! Holder gets into the act. He sees the flighted delivery and just lifts it over the extra cover fence for a biggie. |
| 171.6 : G Cremer to Holder, Floats it full outside off, Holder goes for the expansive drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 172.1 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Driven towards the mid on region. |
| 172.2 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 172.3 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Sweeps the ball hard towards the square leg fielder who makes a good stop diving to his right. |
| 172.4 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, Floats it up on off, Dowrich defends it solidly. |
| 172.5 : T Chisoro to Dowrich, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| Review! The umpire finally gives one out but Dowrich has reviewed it. Will Chisoro finally get his first Test wicket? He is already celebrating. |
| 172.6 : Chisoro to Dowrich, OUT! Chisoro gets his first Test wicket and he is overwhelmed, not something he will be forgetting soon! He has bowled well and he deserves it. He fires it on leg stump, gets it to straighten. Dowrich tries to sweep but misses to get hit on the front pad. The players appeal and the umpire after giving it a hard thought raises his finger. Dowrich straightaway reviews it. Replays show that there is no inside edge and three reds on the Hawk Eye. West Indies also lose a re |
| Kemar Roach is the next man in. |
| 173.1 : G Cremer to Holder, Flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 173.2 : G Cremer to Roach, Tosses it up on off, Roach defends it off the front foot. |
| 173.3 : G Cremer to Roach, Floats it on off, Roach defends it solidly. |
| 173.4 : G Cremer to Roach, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 173.5 : G Cremer to Roach, BEATEN! Cremer bowls it slower through the air on off, the ball drifts into the batsman and then turns away sharply. Roach tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 173.6 : G Cremer to Roach, A googly on middle, Roach tries to defend but gets beaten and is hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Missing leg! |
| 174.1 : T Chisoro to Holder, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 174.2 : T Chisoro to Holder, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 174.3 : T Chisoro to Holder, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 174.4 : T Chisoro to Holder, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 174.5 : T Chisoro to Holder, Full and wide outside off, Holder lets it be. |
| 174.6 : Chisoro to J Holder, OUT! TIMBER! It took Chisoro almost 39 overs to get him his first Test wicket and now he gets another! He has both centurions to his name in this innings. He comes over the wicket and lands it outside leg stump, gets it to turn into the batsman. Holder tries to paddle it but misses and the ball hits the leg stump. A brilliant, brilliant knock by Holder comes to an end. A match-defying one you can say. He too walks off to huge applause from his teammates. Zimbabwe to |
| Shannon Gabriel is the last man in. |
| 175.1 : G Cremer to Roach, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 175.2 : G Cremer to Roach, Tosses it up on off, Roach tries to defend but is beaten by the away spin. |
| 175.3 : G Cremer to Roach, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 175.4 : G Cremer to Roach, Floats it on off, Roach defends it solidly. |
| 175.5 : G Cremer to Roach, Wide enough for the batsman to play at it. |
| 175.6 : G Cremer to Roach, Comes around the wicket and fires it on the pads. Roach tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 176.1 : T Chisoro to Gabriel, Full toss, flicked through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 176.2 : T Chisoro to Roach, Bowls it outside off, Roach lets it be. |
| 176.3 : T Chisoro to Roach, Flatter outside off, Roach need not play at it. |
| 176.4 : T Chisoro to Roach, Tosses it up outside off, Roach tries to drive but gets an inside edge and the ball goes on the bounce to short leg. |
| 176.5 : T Chisoro to Roach, Quicker on off, turning away. Roach tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 176.6 : T Chisoro to Roach, A similar length ball, turns away sharply. Roach again is beaten on the defense. |
| 177.1 : G Cremer to Gabriel, Floats it full on off, Gabriel defends it solidly. |
| 177.2 : G Cremer to Gabriel, Loopy ball on middle, Shannon defends it stoutly. |
| 177.3 : G Cremer to Gabriel, FOUR! Where did that come from? Shannon Gabriel says enough of blocking now. Cremer flights it on middle, Gabriel plants his front foot ahead and lofts it over the mid on fielder and it goes on the bounce for a boundary. |
| 177.4 : G Cremer to Gabriel, Loopy ball on off, the batsman defends it with authority. |
| 177.5 : G Cremer to Gabriel, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 177.6 : G Cremer to Gabriel, Gives it air on off, turns away further. Gabriel tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 178.1 : T Chisoro to Roach, Flatter on off, Roach defends it off the front foot. |
| 178.2 : Chisoro to Roach, OUT! THE WINDIES HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 448 AND THEY LEAD BY 122! Chisoro fires in an arm ball on off, Roach plays for the turn but there isn't any. He tries to defend the ball with the bat close to his pads and there is confusion whether it hit the pad first or the bat. The bowler makes a huge appeal and after a while the umpire raises his finger. Roach thinks about a review but there are none left. Replays show that it had brushed the pad before it hit the bat. |
| A brilliant batting display by the Windies skipper, Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich. Their record 212-run stand has ensured the hosts stretch their lead beyond hundred and are now in a comfortable position. They came out today morning and looked positive throughout. The Zimbabwean bowlers did bowl well but to no luck. Chisoro was their pick of the bowlers today as he picked all three wickets to fall. |
| Earlier in the innings, the West Indian top order failed to show any resistance. Except for Powell who missed out on a ton by just 10 runs were out cheaply. Raza was the tormentor as he picked up his first fifer in Test cricket. They had the away side down and out at 230-7. But then the partnership between Holder and Dowrich with both registering tons has shifted the momentum towards the tourists completely. The Zimbabweans who will be mentally tired as they were made to toil really hard in the |
| The Windies bowlers on the other hand, will look to get a wicket or two early and put pressure on this fragile batting line-up. The wicket is providing a lot of assistance to the bowlers and it is not going to be easy to bat on it. Stay tuned for third innings. |
| 0.1 : S Gabriel to H Masakadza, FOUR! Masakadza needs no sighters! Gabriel bowls it full outside off, inviting the batsman to drive. Hamilton does so and in some style, he crunches it through covers for a boundary. |
| 0.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Lands it on a length around middle, comes into the batsman. Hamilton tries to defend but is beaten to get hit high on the pads. |
| 0.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, A good length ball on off, Masakadza defends it solidly. |
| 0.4 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Goes wide of the crease and lands it on a length around off, Hamilton defends it off the back foot. |
| 0.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, A good leave! Gabriel lands it on a length just outside off, Masakadza leaves it through to the keeper. |
| 0.6 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| Kemar Roach will bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : K Roach to Mire, Good length on off, Mire pushes it to mid off. |
| 1.2 : K Roach to Mire, Just ahead of a length on off, Mire pushes it to the man at mid off. |
| 1.3 : K Roach to Mire, Shorter in length outside off, skids off the surface. Mire chops it to the keeper. |
| 1.4 : K Roach to Mire, Length ball on off, Mire defends it off the front foot. |
| 1.5 : K Roach to Mire, Shorter, aimed at the ribs of the batsman but does not bounce a lot. Mire goes the pull but misses and is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 1.6 : K Roach to Mire, Fuller outside off, Mire drives it to mid off. |
| 2.1 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Back of a length on off, Masakadza defends it off the back foot. |
| 2.2 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Good length outside off, the batsman opts not to play at it. |
| 2.3 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Fuller in length but wide outside off, Hamilton lets it be. |
| 2.4 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Back of a length, angling into the batsman. Straightens after pitching. Masakadza first thinks of playing it but then shoulders his arms to it. |
| 2.5 : S Gabriel to Masakadza, Back of a length on off, a quick delivery by Gabriel. Hamilton tries to defend but gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket. The batsmen get through for a quick run. There was hesitation to begin with, but they complete it easily. |
| 2.6 : S Gabriel to Mire, BEATEN! A brilliant delivery to finish! Gabriel angles it into the batsman and pitches it on off, gets it to nip away after pitching. Mire pokes at it and gets beaten. |
| Just a slip in place now. A short extra cover in place now. |
| 3.1 : K Roach to Masakadza, Good length on off, Hamilton guides it to gully. |
| 3.2 : K Roach to Masakadza, Length on off, Masakadza defends it with authority. |
| 3.3 : K Roach to Masakadza, OUT! KABOOM! An error in judgment has brought Masakadza's downfall. Cricket is a great leveler. A century in the first innings and he departs cheaply in the second. Brilliant from Kemar, he goes wide of the crease and angles it in from outside off. The ball keeps coming in. Hamilton plants his front foot forward and lets it be. The ball is too close to leave and it hits the top of off and sends it cartwheeling towards the keeper. An early wicket for the Windies and a |
| Craig Ervine is the next man in. |
| 3.4 : K Roach to Ervine, BEATEN! He is making the ball talk here! He goes around the wicket and bowls it fuller outside off, gets it to shape away. Ervine goes for the drive but gets beaten. A nervous start by the batsman. |
| 3.5 : K Roach to Ervine, The batsman drives this through the covers. |
| 3.6 : K Roach to Ervine, Full outside off, Ervine drives it towards wide mid off for a run. |
| Kraigg Brathwaite is into the attack. |
| 4.1 : K Brathwaite to Ervine, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 4.2 : K Brathwaite to Ervine, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 4.3 : K Brathwaite to Ervine, A huge appeal but not given! Craig Ervine opting for a sweep shot too early in the innings? Especially when it is possibly the last over before lunch. Kraigg bowls it full on middle, gets it to straighten. Ervine tries to sweep but maybe he gets an inside edge before the ball hits the front pad. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Replays show that the ball brushed the gloves before it hit the pads. Ervine survives a scare there. |
| 4.4 : K Brathwaite to Ervine, Flatter on off, Ervine defends it off the back foot. |
| 4.5 : K Brathwaite to Ervine, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 4.6 : K Brathwaite to Ervine, Fuller outside off, Craig drives it through covers for a couple. |
| This should be the last over before lunch. Will Zimbabwe negotiate it safely? |
| 5.1 : K Roach to Mire, Good length on off, Mire drives it firmly towards the bowler who makes a half-stop towards mid off. |
| 5.2 : K Roach to Mire, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| Review time! Have Zimbabwe lost another? Mire has been adjudged lbw and after a chat with his partner he has decided to review. Only an inside edge can save him. |
| 5.3 : K Roach to Mire, OUT! Another wicket, just at the stroke of lunch! Mire is the man who is walking back and Zimbabwe are in big trouble now. Totally not needed from him as this was the last over before the break. They have also lost a review. Kemar Roach is breathing fire here. He lands it on a length around middle, the ball skids off the surface. Mire goes for the pull, but the ball isn't short enough. It sneaks through and hits him on the pads. The players appeal and the umpire gives it ou |
| West Indies head into the break with their heads held high. Zimbabwe have failed to play out the short period before lunch. They have lost both their openers and they now face an uphill task, not that they weren't facing one but they now find themselves in a whirlpool. Roach has bowled quick and he has both the scalps to his name. Earlier in the day, Holder and Dowrich both scored tons to take the lead up to 122 and Zimbabwe as one would have expected, have wilted under pressure. |
| The away side would hope for the same after the break. The hosts on the other hand, will now hope for the experienced pair of Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor to stitch a partnership and get them close to the deficit. Will we see a fightback from Zimbabwe or will the visitors run through the batting line-up? Join us for the second session in a while. |
| ...Day 4, Session 2... |
| The men concerned are out in the middle. Craig Ervine will continue his innings, whereas Brendan Taylor is the new man in. Roach will continue his over, he has three balls left. Here we go... |
| 5.4 : K Roach to Taylor, Starts off with a loosener outside off, Taylor shoulders his arms to it. |
| 5.5 : Roach to Taylor, Big appeal but might be missing leg! Roach goes wide of the crease and angles it on middle, the ball stays a touch low. Taylor misses the flick and is hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Yes, it is missing leg. They even run a leg bye. |
| 5.6 : K Roach to Ervine, Good length on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot. Another successful over by Roach comes to an end. |
| Shannon Gabriel to bowl from the other end. |
| 6.1 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Fuller in length on leg stump. Ervine flicks it to the man at square leg. |
| 6.2 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Good length on off, angling into the batsman. Taylor defends it to mid on. |
| 6.3 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Too easy! Fullish in length on leg stump, a batsman of Taylor's caliber won't miss out. He flicks it through mid-wicket but does not get enough for it to reach the boundary. The batsmen fetch three. |
| 6.4 : S Gabriel to Ervine, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 6.5 : S Gabriel to Ervine, Full on the pads, Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket. He must have felt he missed out on a scoring opportunity there. |
| 6.6 : S Gabriel to Ervine, Bowls it down the leg side. Ervine misses the flick and it goes through to the keeper. |
| After a long thought Jason Holder opts to review for an LBW against Taylor. Is it bat first or pad? Also the impact is in question. |
| 7.1 : K Roach to Taylor, NOT OUT! The Windies lose a review! The impact was outside off! Roach lands it on a length outside off, gets it to jag back in. Taylor plants his front foot forward and tries to defend the ball with both bat and pad close. The ball seems to strike both. The players appeal and the umpire stays put. Roach wants it to be reviewed and Holder does so. The go upstairs. Replays show that it was pad first but the impact was outside off. |
| 7.2 : K Roach to Taylor, Back of a length on off, Taylor punches it through the off side for a run. |
| 7.3 : K Roach to Ervine, Good length on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot. |
| 7.4 : K Roach to Ervine, Wide enough for the batsman to play at it. |
| 7.5 : K Roach to Ervine, Lands it on a length on middle, Ervine plays it towards mid-wicket. |
| 7.6 : K Roach to Ervine, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 8.1 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Length ball outside off, Taylor lets it be. |
| 8.2 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Fuller in length on off, Taylor drives it towards wide mid off. |
| 8.3 : S Gabriel to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 8.4 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Fuller in length on leg stump, Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 8.5 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Stays low but not at a threatening line! Gabriel bowls it on a length outside off, Taylor does not fiddle with it. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper. |
| 8.6 : S Gabriel to Taylor, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 9.1 : K Roach to Ervine, Roach bowls it from around the wicket and lands it on a length around off. The batsman defends it solidly. |
| 9.2 : K Roach to Ervine, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 9.3 : K Roach to Ervine, Back of a length outside off, comes a bit slower off the surface and also keeps low. Ervine is early into the shot as he tries to force it through the off side. It goes off the bottom part of the bat towards mid on. |
| 9.4 : K Roach to Ervine, Fuller in length on middle, tailing back in. Ervine pushes it to mid on. |
| 9.5 : K Roach to Ervine, Good length on off, Craig defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 9.6 : K Roach to Ervine, Back of a length on off, the batsman camps back and defends it. |
| 10.1 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Good length delivery on off, Taylor defends it off the back foot. |
| 10.2 : S Gabriel to Taylor, FOUR! Too straight by Gabriel. Taylor tucks it beautifully off his pads through backward square leg for a boundary. He has looked solid till now. |
| 10.3 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Good length ball on off, Taylor defends it off the front foot. |
| 10.4 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Once again in the channel around off. Taylor lunges forward and blocks it. |
| 10.5 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Almost drags it on! Taylor got out in a similar fashion in the first innings! Gabriel lands it on a length outside off, Taylor tries to poke at it away from his body and gets an inside edge onto his pads. Away from the body on this surface is a risky ploy. |
| 10.6 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Good length outside off, Taylor is not interested at playing at it. |
| Jason Holder is now into the attack. He had a great time with the bat can he replicate his form with the ball? |
| 11.1 : J Holder to Ervine, Wide enough for the batsman to play at it. |
| 11.2 : J Holder to C Ervine, In the air.... but short! Holder bowls it full outside off, Ervine is early into the shot and drives it uppishly but on the bounce to the fielder at mid off. |
| 11.3 : J Holder to C Ervine, This was nicely timed! Fuller in length on middle, Ervine drives it through mid on. Roach hares after it and saves a run for his side. |
| 11.4 : J Holder to Taylor, Another big appeal but the umpire shakes his head! Almost a carbon copy of the review taken earlier by the Windies but this time they don't. Holder lands it on a length outside off, shapes back in. Taylor once again defends it with bat and pad close together. The ball strikes both. The players appeal and the umpire remains put. The impact was also an issue there. Replays show that the impact was outside off. |
| Slip comes out and goes to silly mid off. |
| 11.5 : J Holder to Taylor, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 11.6 : J Holder to Taylor, This one is closer! Holder lands it on a length around off, jags back in. Taylor tries to defend but it may have taken an inside edge before hitting the pads. The players appeal and the umpire once again shakes his head. Yes, replays show that there was an inside edge and the impact was also outside the line which saved Taylor. |
| 12.1 : S Gabriel to Ervine, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 12.2 : S Gabriel to Ervine, Fuller in length on off, Ervine tries to drive but gets it off the inner half through square leg for a run. |
| 12.3 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Good length on off, Taylor defends it off the front foot. |
| 12.4 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Fuller in length on off, Taylor drives it to mid off. |
| 12.5 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Just ahead of a length on off, Taylor defends it solidly. |
| 12.6 : S Gabriel to Taylor, OUCH! That must have hurt! Gabriel bangs it in short on middle, it comes in with the angle. Taylor is cramped up for room and is hit on the glove as he tries to evasive action. It might have come quicker off the surface. |
| 13.1 : J Holder to Ervine, Good length on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot. |
| 13.2 : J Holder to Ervine, Flicks it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 13.3 : J Holder to Ervine, Good length on off, straightens a touch. Ervine tries to defend but gets a soft outside edge to gully. |
| 13.4 : J Holder to C Ervine, Short outside off, cut straight to the man at point. |
| 13.5 : J Holder to Ervine, Good length on off, Ervine defends it stoutly. |
| 13.6 : J Holder to Ervine, Fuller in length on off, Ervine flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 14.1 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Fuller in length on middle, Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 14.2 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Angles it into the pads, Taylor flicks it but fails to keep it down. It goes through backward square leg for a couple. The trail is now below 100. |
| 14.3 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Good length on off, Taylor defends it off the front foot. |
| 14.4 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Back of a length on off, Taylor defends it off the back foot. |
| 14.5 : S Gabriel to Taylor, Just short of a length on off, Taylor covers the line of the ball and pushes it to mid off. |
| 14.6 : S Gabriel to Taylor, OUT! Gabriel strikes! He has bowled an extended spell, he is into his seventh consecutive over. He has kept attacking the stumps and he gets his reward at last. Gabriel bowls it on a length around off, stays a touch low and also jags back in. Taylor lunges forward to defends but gets hit on the pads. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Taylor straightaway walks away as he knew he was a dead duck. Gabriel is all pumped as he gets his first. Taylor alwa |
| Peter Moor is the new man in! |
| 15.1 : J Holder to Ervine, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 15.2 : J Holder to Ervine, Good length on off, Ervine guides it to gully. |
| 15.3 : J Holder to Ervine, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 15.4 : J Holder to Ervine, BEATEN! The Windies have their tail up now! Holder lands it on a length around off, gets it to straighten after pitching. Ervine tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 15.5 : J Holder to Ervine, Good length on off, the batsman defends it. |
| 15.6 : J Holder to C Ervine, FOUR! STREAKY! Holder gets the edge but not the desired result. He lands it on a length outside off, shapes away after pitching. Ervine tries to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and it goes along the ground down to the third man boundary. |
| 16.1 : S Gabriel to Moor, Fuller in length outside off, Moor with minimal foot movement tries to drive but gets beaten. |
| 16.2 : S Gabriel to Moor, BEATEN AGAIN! Fullish in length outside off, Moor again tries to drive but gets beaten. |
| 16.3 : S Gabriel to Moor, A yorker and Moor does well to keep it out. |
| 16.4 : S Gabriel to Moor, Beaten for the third time in the over! Good length around off, shapes away after pitching. Moor with no foot movement tries to defend but gets beaten. The Windies appeal but the umpire is not interested. Snicko shows there was no spike as the ball passes the bat. |
| 16.5 : S Gabriel to Moor, Lovely, lovely bowling! Moor is finding it very difficult to play Gabriel. He once again lands it on a length outside off. Peter tries to defend but gets beaten again. |
| 16.6 : S Gabriel to Moor, Angles it on the pads, Moor tries to flick but misses. The ball hits the thigh pad and rolls towards square leg for a leg bye. |
| 17.1 : J Holder to Moor, Just ahead of a length on off, Moor defends it solidly. |
| 17.2 : J Holder to Moor, Fuller in length on middle, Moor flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 17.3 : J Holder to Moor, Good length on off, Moor defends it stoutly. |
| 17.4 : J Holder to Moor, Back of a length outside off, Moor guides it to point. |
| 17.5 : J Holder to Moor, FOUR! That was nicely timed! He was struggling till now and this should give him some confidence. Holder lands it on a length around off, Moor drives it on the up through covers for a boundary to get off the mark. |
| 17.6 : J Holder to Moor, Good length on off, Moor defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| Drinks! The Windies pacers are on the charge here. They have really bowled well and have found the Zimbabwe batsmen wanting. It will be interesting to see when Holder turns to spin. |
| 18.1 : S Gabriel to Ervine, Length ball outside off, stays low. Ervine lets it be. |
| 18.2 : S Gabriel to Ervine, Good length outside off, Ervine need not play at it. |
| 18.3 : S Gabriel to Ervine, Fuller in length on middle, Ervine plays it to mid-wicket. |
| Ian Bishop on-air mentions that raw pace can be a real issue even on flat surfaces. As we saw before the dismissal of Taylor, he was playing quite forward to Roach but after he was hit by the bouncer bowled by Gabriel, he started playing from within the crease which ultimately brought his downfall. |
| 18.4 : S Gabriel to Ervine, This time he flicks it behind square on the leg side for a run. |
| 18.5 : S Gabriel to Moor, Bowls it on a length around off, Moor pokes at it and gets beaten. Gabriel has beaten the outside edge of Moor a number of time. |
| 18.6 : S Gabriel to Moor, Fuller in length on off, Moor checks his drive and the ball was uppish for a moment but lands safely towards covers. |
| 19.1 : J Holder to Ervine, FOUR! A slip there and Ervine would have been a goner! Holder lands it on a length around off, nips away after pitching. Craig tries to defend but gets an outside edge through the vacant first slip area for a boundary. |
| 19.2 : J Holder to Ervine, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 19.3 : J Holder to Ervine, Works it with the angle through the leg side for a brace. |
| 19.4 : J Holder to Ervine, Good length on off, Ervine defends it off the front foot. |
| 19.5 : J Holder to Ervine, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 19.6 : J Holder to Ervine, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Initially, Bishoo was supposed to come into the attack but at the last moment Holder changes his mind and sticks to pace. Kemar Roach is into the attack now. He already has two, can he get one more? |
| 20.1 : K Roach to Moor, Good length on off, Moor defends it off the front foot. |
| 20.2 : K Roach to Moor, Very full on middle, almost a yorker. Moor jams it out to mid off. |
| 20.3 : K Roach to Moor, Length on off, Moor defends it solidly. |
| 20.4 : K Roach to Moor, Fuller in length outside off, not the line Roach should be bowling. Moor guides it through point for a couple. |
| 20.5 : K Roach to Moor, This one is too short outside off, Moor chops it to point. |
| 20.6 : K Roach to P Moor, Too full again, he has bowled very full in this over. Moor drives it to mid off. |
| 21.1 : J Holder to Ervine, Lands it on a length around off, Ervine defends it off the front foot. |
| 21.2 : J Holder to Ervine, Shorter in length on middle, the batsman ducks under it. |
| 21.3 : J Holder to Ervine, Works it with the angle to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 21.4 : J Holder to C Ervine, FOUR! A half-volley outside off, Ervine leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary. That will help his cause. |
| 21.5 : J Holder to Ervine, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 21.6 : J Holder to Ervine, Back of a length on off, Ervine defends it towards mid on. |
| Time for spin! Devendra Bishoo is into the attack. |
| 22.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, A low full toss on middle, Moor flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 22.2 : Bishoo to C Ervine, OUT! The bowling change has worked wonders! If the pacers can, even I can, says Bishoo! Turn, bounce and he gets the wicket. A loopy ball outside off, turns back in sharply and also bounces a touch more. Ervine goes back and tries to keep it out. He leaves a gap between bat and pad in doing so. The ball sneaks through and hits the off pole. He should have come forward there. Zimbabwe are in dire straits now. They still trail by 76 runs. |
| Sikandar Raza is the next man in. He is the go-to man for Zimbabwe. Got a fifty, took a fifer in the first innings. Can he stand tall and bail his side out of trouble? |
| 22.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Huge appeal! An extraordinary shot to play on your first ball! Bishoo floats it outside off, turning away. Raza goes for the sweep but misses and the ball hits the pads and rolls through short third man. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head as the impact was outside off. Two leg byes taken. |
| 22.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, Drags his length back. Raza pushes it through covers for a run. |
| 22.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 22.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| Change of ends for Kemar Roach. |
| 23.1 : K Roach to Raza, Lands it on a length on off, Raza defends it solidly. |
| 23.2 : K Roach to Raza, Fuller in length on off, Raza drives it through wide mid off for a couple. |
| 23.3 : K Roach to Raza, Stays low again but outside the line of the stumps! He lands it on a length outside off, the ball stays low also shapes away a touch. Raza tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 23.4 : K Roach to Raza, Goes wide of the crease and angles it on middle, Raza defends it towards mid off. |
| 23.5 : K Roach to Raza, Back of a length on off, Raza defends it off the front foot. |
| 23.6 : K Roach to Raza, FOUR! A risky shot by Raza! Roach bowls it full on middle, Raza shuffles across and flicks it through fine leg for a boundary. He literally took that off the stumps. |
| 24.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, Tosses it up on off, the batsman drives it to covers. |
| 24.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Floats it up on middle, turning away. Moor tries to defend but gets a soft outside edge to point. |
| 24.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, Short and wide outside off, Moor lets it be. |
| 24.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 24.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Drags his length back outside off, Moor cuts it to the man at covers. |
| 24.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Flighted ball outside off, Moor defends it. |
| 25.1 : K Roach to S Raza, Roach is bowling too full here! He once again dishes out a full ball on off, Raza times it to the man at mid off. |
| 25.2 : K Roach to Raza, Slower ball outside off, Raza lets it be. The ball bounces just in front of the keeper who fumbles and concedes a bye. |
| 25.3 : K Roach to Moor, Short and wide outside off, Moor cuts it towards the man at covers who misfields but does not concede a run. |
| 25.4 : K Roach to P Moor, Fullish ball on off, Moor drives it to mid off. |
| 25.5 : K Roach to Moor, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 25.6 : K Roach to P Moor, Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. Moor tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 26.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Loopy ball on middle, Raza prods forward and blocks it. |
| 26.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Full outside off, turning away. Raza tries to drive but gets an outside edge to the man at point. |
| 26.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Floats it outside off, the batsman does not play at it. |
| 26.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, A full toss on middle, Raza drives it to the man at mid on. |
| 26.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Drags his length back outside off, Raza cuts it to the man at point. |
| 26.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, Flatter on off, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| Spin from both the ends! Roston Chase is into the attack. |
| 27.1 : R Chase to Moor, A low full toss to start off with. Moor drives it back to the bowler. |
| 27.2 : R Chase to Moor, Fires it down the leg side. The batsman lets it through. |
| 27.3 : R Chase to Moor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 27.4 : R Chase to P Moor, A straighter one on middle, Moor tries to defend but gets an outside edge towards short third man for a run. |
| 27.5 : R Chase to Raza, Flicks it with the spin towards square leg for a run. |
| 27.6 : R Chase to Moor, Flatter on off, Moor defends it solidly. |
| 28.1 : D Bishoo to S Raza, Flighted ball but very full on middle, Raza drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 28.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Very full outside off, a full toss basically. Moor tries to force it through the off side but gets it off the inner half to the bowler. |
| 28.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 28.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Gives it air on off, Moor defends it with hard hands and the ball pops out but lands well short of the man at covers. |
| 28.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 28.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Drags his length back outside off, Moor cuts it through point for a run. |
| 29.1 : R Chase to Moor, Flicks it with the spin through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 29.2 : R Chase to Raza, Tosses it up outside off, turning back in. Raza tries to defend but gets it off the inner half through square leg for a run. |
| 29.3 : R Chase to Moor, Fires it down the leg side, the batsman fails to flick it. The keeper collects and makes an appeal but he is the only one who is interested. |
| 29.4 : R Chase to Moor, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 29.5 : R Chase to Raza, Good stop, Gabriel! Fuller in length on off, Raza drives it towards mid off. The fielder there runs to his right, dives and makes a half stop and saves two runs for his team. |
| 29.6 : R Chase to Raza, Errs in line and darts it down the leg side. Raza lets it be. |
| Concerns about the condition of the ball here and it is being changed. |
| 30.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, Flatter outside off, Moor lets it be. |
| 30.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Shorter outside off, Moor pushes it to the man at covers. |
| 30.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, A flipper on middle, Moor picks it well and defends it. |
| 30.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Slower through the air on off, turning away. Moor tries to defend but gets an outside edge and on the bounce to the man at slip who dives to his right and makes a good stop. |
| 30.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 30.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Kraigg Brathwaite into the attack. He only bowled an over early on and is asked to bowl the last over before tea. |
| 31.1 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Flatter outside off, turning back in. Raza pushes it through point for a run. |
| 31.2 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Very full on middle, Moor works it with the spin on the leg side. |
| 31.3 : K Brathwaite to Moor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 31.4 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Quicker on off, Moor defends it off the back foot. |
| 31.5 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Fires it on off, Moor defends it solidly. |
| 31.6 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Tosses it up on middle, Moor defends it off the front foot. TEA ON DAY 4! |
| Another session which has belonged to the away side. They have completely dried up the runs and also have managed to take 2 wickets. Craig Ervine did show some resistance but he fell prey to Bishoo. Gabriel has been the standout bowler for the Windies in this session as he troubled the Zimbabwean batsmen and also picked up the wicket of Brendan Taylor. The home side are now staring down the barrel and would hope the pair of Raza and Moor helps them avoid an innings defeat. A wicket here could be |
| ...Day 4, Session 3... |
| We're back. We have 35 over left for today. Is it enough for the Windies to pick the remaining wickets? Well, remains to be seen. Peter Moor and Sikandar Raza will continue their innings. Devendra Bishoo will continue his spell. |
| 32.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Starts off with a short ball outside off, turning away. Raza rocks back and punches it through cover-point for a run. |
| 32.2 : D Bishoo to P Moor, Fuller in length on off, Moor drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 32.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Tosses it up on middle, Raza defends it off the front foot. |
| 32.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, Sweeps it down towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 32.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Floats it up on middle, Raza drives it to long on. |
| 32.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, A leg spinner outside off, turning away. Raza lets it be and it goes off the pads through short third man. The bowler appeals but the umpire shakes his head as the impact was outside off. The batsmen think about a run but then opt against it as there was no shot offered. |
| Kraigg Brathwaite will bowl from the other end. |
| 33.1 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Flatter on the stumps, Moor defends it off the back foot. |
| 33.2 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Shorter outside off, quicker in pace. Moor punches it through covers and picks up a brace. |
| 33.3 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Tosses it up on off, Moor defends it off the front foot. |
| 33.4 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Full and on off, Moor drives it through covers for a run. |
| 33.5 : K Brathwaite to Raza, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 33.6 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Fires it on the pads, Raza flicks it to the man at short leg. |
| 34.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, Bowls a flipper on leg stump, Moor fails to flick and is struck on the pads. |
| 34.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Flatter on off, turning away. Moor gets an outside edge as he tries to defend towards short third man. |
| 34.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, Works it against the spin through the leg side for a run. |
| 34.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, Slower through the air outside off, Raza lunges forward and defends it. |
| 34.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Quicker on off, stayts low. Raza does well to get his down bat in time and defend. |
| 34.6 : D Bishoo to S Raza, FOUR! Bad ball and dispatched! A short ball on middle, Raza rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. They now trail by 44. |
| 35.1 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Flatter on off, Moor pucnhes it back to the bowler. |
| 35.2 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Flighted ball on off, wanting the batsman to go after it. Moor's eyes did light up as he saw the flight. He tried to go big but mistimes it towards long on for a run. |
| 35.3 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 35.4 : K Brathwaite to S Raza, Works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 35.5 : K Brathwaite to S Raza, FOUR! Zimbabwe have been positive after the break! Short and wide by Brathwaite. Raza rocks back and has all the time in the world to cut it through point for a boundary. |
| 35.6 : K Brathwaite to Raza, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 36.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, Fuller outside off, Moor drives it to covers. |
| 36.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Floats it full on middle, Moor drives it back to the bowler. |
| 36.3 : D Bishoo to Moor, Gives it air on off, Peter drives it to mid off. |
| 36.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 36.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, FOUR! They are dealing in boundaries! A loopy ball outside off, wanting the batsman to drive. He obliges and does it beautifully through covers for a boundary. |
| 36.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 37.1 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Flatter outside off, from around the wicket. Raza plays it with soft hands towards Blackwood at covers. Raza thinks about a run but is sent back by his partner as the fielder is quick to the ball. Jermaine gets to it quickly and underarms a direct hit at the striker's end but Sikandar has made his ground. |
| 37.2 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Driven it with the spin through mid on for a run. |
| 37.3 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 37.4 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Fuller in length on off, Moor drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 37.5 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Fires it on leg stump, Raza flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 37.6 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Drags his length back outside off, Raza cuts it through point for a run. They are doing well to rotate strike. |
| 38.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Paddle sweeps it through short fine leg for a brace. |
| 38.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Flighted ball on off, Raza defends it off the front foot. |
| 38.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Similar delivery, Raza lunges forward in defense. |
| 38.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, SIX! BANG! This guy is just oozing in confidence! Bishoo tosses it up on middle, it is in Raza's arc. He tonks it over the long on fence for a maximum. The 50-run stand also comes up a vital one for Zimbabwe. |
| 38.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 38.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, Short and outside off, stays low. Raza tries to cut but chops it to covers. |
| 39.1 : K Brathwaite to P Moor, Slower through the air. Moor drives it to covers. |
| 39.2 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Floats it up on off, Moor lunges forward in defense. |
| 39.3 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Flighted ball on off, no turn for the bowler. Moor prods forward and blocks it. |
| 39.4 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Works it with the spin towards square leg for a run. |
| 39.5 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Fires it on the pads, Raza works it to mid-wicket. |
| 39.6 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Darts it on off, Raza defends it with authority. |
| 40.1 : D Bishoo to P Moor, Tosses it full outside off, Moor eases it down to long off for a run. The 100 is up for Zimbabwe they now only trail by another 22 runs. |
| 40.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 40.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Full outside off, Raza drives it to the man at covers. |
| 40.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 40.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Flatter on off, Raza blocks it. |
| 40.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, Shorter in length outside off, Raza cuts it to the man at point. |
| Pace is back! Jason Holder brings himself into the attack. |
| 41.1 : J Holder to P Moor, Fuller in length around off, Moor tries to drive but gets a soft outside edge to the man at gully. |
| 41.2 : J Holder to Moor, Good length on off, Moor defends it solidly. |
| 41.3 : J Holder to Moor, Length ball outside off, Moor opts not to play at it. |
| 41.4 : J Holder to Moor, Lands it on a length outside off, shapes back in a touch but not enough to make the batsman play. |
| 41.5 : J Holder to Moor, Fuller in length outside off, Moor drives it back towards the bowler. |
| 41.6 : J Holder to Moor, Bowls it on a length attacking the stumps, Moor defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 42.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Bowls a very full ball on middle, Raza goes down on one knee and paddle sweeps it through short fine leg for a couple. Smart batting by him. |
| 42.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, FOUR! Runs have started to flow for Zimbabwe! Bishoo bowls a long-hop on middle, Raza swivels inside the crease and pulls it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 42.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Wide enough for the batsman to play at it. |
| 42.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 42.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Loopy ball on off, Raza lunges forward and defends it. |
| 42.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, Flatter outside off, Raza waits for it and cuts it through point for a run. |
| 43.1 : J Holder to Raza, A very good yorker there by Holder. Raza plays it out excellently. |
| 43.2 : J Holder to Raza, Back of a length on off, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 43.3 : J Holder to Raza, Works it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 43.4 : J Holder to Raza, A short ball by Holder, does not rise as expected. Raza first thinks about ducking but seeing the low bounce somehow manages to defend it. |
| 43.5 : J Holder to Raza, Angles it into the pads, Raza flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 43.6 : J Holder to Moor, Back of a length on off, Moor defends it off the back foot. |
| Shannon Gabriel is now into the attack. He was very impressive in the session before this one. Can he break this partnership? |
| 44.1 : S Gabriel to Raza, Back of a length ball on off, Raza defends it solidly. |
| 44.2 : S Gabriel to Raza, Fuller in length on off, Raza pushes it towards point and he thinks of a run but is sent back by Moor. A good call there by Peter and it is acknowledged by Raza. |
| 44.3 : S Gabriel to Raza, Good length on off, Raza defends it towards covers. |
| 44.4 : S Gabriel to Raza, Fuller in length on off, Raza gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 44.5 : S Gabriel to Raza, Bowls it on a length around off, Raza hops and defends it. |
| 44.6 : S Gabriel to Raza, Just short of a length on off, Raza defends it by covering the line of the ball. A maiden by Gabriel. |
| 45.1 : J Holder to Moor, Good length on off, Moor defends it off the front foot. |
| 45.2 : J Holder to Moor, CLOSE SHAVE! Holder lands it on a length around off, a cutter. It jags back in. Moor tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 45.3 : J Holder to Moor, Fuller in length outside off, Moor guides it towards backward point. The fielder there makes a half stop. The batsmen run one and set off for a second. The fielder fires a throw at the keeper who whips the bails off but Peter dives to get back in. |
| 45.4 : J Holder to Moor, Fuller on middle, Moor flicks it to the man at square leg. |
| 45.5 : J Holder to P Moor, Fuller in length on middle, Moor drives it towards mid off. |
| 45.6 : J Holder to Moor, Good length on off, the batsman blocks it off the front foot. |
| 46.1 : S Gabriel to Raza, On the shorter side outside off. Raza does well to evade it. |
| 46.2 : S Gabriel to Raza, Short again outside off, Raza lets it be. |
| 46.3 : S Gabriel to Raza, After two short balls he tries to spear the yorker but bowls a full toss and Raza defends it. |
| 46.4 : S Gabriel to Raza, Slower ball on off, Raza defends it solidly. |
| 46.5 : S Gabriel to Raza, An appeal in desperation but nothing from the umpire! Gabriel goes wide of the crease and lands it on a length around off, comes in with the angle. Raza tries to flick but misses and is struck on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Missing leg! |
| 46.6 : S Gabriel to Raza, Fires it down the leg side Raza misses the flick and it goes to the keeper. |
| 47.1 : J Holder to Moor, Slower ball outside off, Moor tries to drive but gets an inside edge towards square leg. Holder tried bowling a googly there. |
| 47.2 : Holder to Moor, Yorker on middle, Moor jams it out. |
| 47.3 : J Holder to Moor, He tried another googly but this time it is way outside off and the batsman lets it be. |
| 47.4 : J Holder to Moor, Works it with the angle down to fine leg for a run. |
| 47.5 : J Holder to Raza, Another slower but off the radar. He bowls it outside off and Raza opts not to play at it. |
| 47.6 : J Holder to Raza, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| Jason Holder is walking off the field. Seems to be struggling with his left leg. |
| 48.1 : S Gabriel to Moor, Angles it in from outside off, Moor gets across before shouldering his arms. |
| 48.2 : S Gabriel to Moor, Ahead of a length around off, Peter leans ahead and defends it solidly with an angled bat towards point. |
| 48.3 : S Gabriel to Moor, Moor nearly falls for it! Gabriel drops it on a length and it moves away off the seam. Peter tries slashing it through the line but is beaten all ends up. Needs the leave those, Moor! |
| 48.4 : S Gabriel to Moor, Beaten again! What a delivery that. Raw pace at its very best! 149.5 kph was the speed at which Gabriel delivered this. Pacy ball on a fuller length, asking Moor to go after it. He obliges and nearly kisses one to the keeper. |
| 48.5 : S Gabriel to Moor, Good length delivery around off, placed with an angled bat towards point. |
| 48.6 : S Gabriel to Moor, Goes wide of the crease but sprays it on the pads, Moor tries clipping it away but fails to get any wood on it. |
| Kemar Roach is back into the attack. |
| 49.1 : K Roach to Raza, Shorter in length outside off, the ball does not bounce at all. Raza lets it be. |
| 49.2 : K Roach to S Raza, FOUR! Roach has been guilty of bowling too full and he is paying the price! He serves a half-volley outside off. Raza drives it past the diving mid off fielder for a boundary. |
| 49.3 : K Roach to Raza, Length ball on off, Raza defends it solidly. |
| 49.4 : K Roach to Raza, Bowls it on a length outside off, Raza leaves it. |
| 49.5 : K Roach to Raza, Fuller on middle, Raza plays it to mid on. |
| 49.6 : K Roach to Raza, Good length outside off, Raza lets it be. |
| 50.1 : S Gabriel to Moor, Good length on off, Moor confidently defends it. |
| 50.2 : S Gabriel to Moor, Lands it on a length outside off, Moor shoulders his arms to it. |
| 50.3 : S Gabriel to Moor, Just ahead of a length outside off, Moor pushes at it with hard hands but it lands well short of the man at covers. |
| 50.4 : S Gabriel to Moor, How many times have we seen Gabriel beating Moor today? Full outside off, Peter tries to drive but gets beaten yet again. |
| 50.5 : S Gabriel to Moor, Fullish ball outside off, stays very low. Moor lets it be. |
| 50.6 : S Gabriel to Moor, An excellent delivery to end the over, good cricket all around. Gabriel bowls a yorker on off, Moor does really well to block it. |
| Drinks! |
| 51.1 : K Roach to Raza, Good length on off, Raza defends it off the front foot. |
| 51.2 : K Roach to Raza, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 51.3 : K Roach to Raza, Fuller in length on middle, Raza drives it down to mid on. |
| 51.4 : K Roach to Raza, Back of a length on off, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 51.5 : K Roach to Raza, Short and outside off, Raza chops it to covers. |
| 51.6 : K Roach to Raza, Slower ball outside off, the batsman need not play at it. |
| Surprise, surprise! Jermaine Blackwood is into the attack. |
| 52.1 : J Blackwood to Moor, A good length delivery, skids off the surface. Moor pushes it to covers. |
| 52.2 : J Blackwood to Moor, Fuller in length, swinging away. Moor tries to flick but gets a soft leading edge towards mid on. |
| 52.3 : J Blackwood to Moor, Full on middle, Moor drives it back to the bowler. |
| 52.4 : J Blackwood to Moor, Full outside off, Moor drives it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 52.5 : J Blackwood to Raza, Flicks it with the angle through square leg for a run. |
| 52.6 : J Blackwood to Moor, A low full toss on off, Moor drives it to the man at covers. |
| 53.1 : K Roach to Raza, Good length on off, angling into the batsman. Raza, who is playing so well defends it confidently. |
| 53.2 : K Roach to Raza, Ahead of a length on middle, Raza lunges forward and defends it. |
| 53.3 : K Roach to Raza, Length ball outside off, Raza prods forward and defends it. |
| 53.4 : K Roach to Raza, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 53.5 : K Roach to Raza, Good length on off, Raza defends it stoutly. |
| 53.6 : K Roach to Raza, Back of a length on off, Raza defends it and the ball after bouncing spins back towards the stumps. Raza watchfully pushes the ball away with his bat from the stumps. |
| 54.1 : J Blackwood to Moor, Shorter in length outside off, Moor cuts it to covers. |
| 54.2 : J Blackwood to Moor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 54.3 : J Blackwood to Moor, Fuller on off, Moor drives it to covers. |
| 54.4 : J Blackwood to Moor, Good length on off, Moor defends it solidly. |
| 54.5 : J Blackwood to Moor, Fuller in length outside off, Moor pushes it to covers. |
| 54.6 : J Blackwood to Moor, Lands it on a length around off, Moor lunges forward and blocks it. |
| 55.1 : K Roach to Raza, Flicks it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 55.2 : K Roach to Raza, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 55.3 : K Roach to Raza, Fuller in length, tailing back in. Raza drives it to mid on. |
| 55.4 : K Roach to Raza, Wide outside off, the batsman has not interest in playing it. |
| 55.5 : K Roach to S Raza, Fuller in length on off, Raza drives it to mid off. |
| 55.6 : K Roach to Raza, Good length on off, Raza confidently defends it. |
| 56.1 : J Blackwood to Moor, Short and wide outside off, Moor cuts it through point. There is protection in the deep so they batsmen get only a single. |
| 56.2 : J Blackwood to Raza, The batsman drives it to mid off. |
| 56.3 : J Blackwood to S Raza, Fuller in length outside off, Raza drives it to covers. |
| 56.4 : J Blackwood to Raza, Fullish ball outside off, Raza leans into it and drives it through covers for a run. They trail only by 3 now. |
| 56.5 : J Blackwood to Moor, SCORES LEVEL! Flicks it down to fine leg with the angle and some good running helps the batsmen take three. Zimbabwe have wiped out the deficit, who would have thought that after a horrid start. |
| 56.6 : J Blackwood to Raza, Drives the full ball outside off through covers for a run. The lead by a run now. |
| Jason Holder comes back into the attack. |
| 57.1 : J Holder to Raza, Angles it down the leg side, Raza misses the flick and the ball goes to the keeper. |
| 57.2 : J Holder to Raza, Good length, shapes back in length. Raza does well to adjust and play it to mid-wicket. |
| 57.3 : J Holder to Raza, Good length on off, Raza defends it towards mid on. |
| 57.4 : J Holder to Raza, Fifty for Raza. 6th Test fifty for him. He is the first Zimbabwean player to register back-to-back fifties and a fifer in the same Test. A very important knock by the go-to man for Zimbabwe. He still has a long way to go. Fuller in length on middle, Raza drives it towards mid on for a run. |
| 57.5 : J Holder to Moor, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 57.6 : J Holder to Moor, Good length on off, Moor defends it off the front foot. |
| 58.1 : J Blackwood to Raza, Fuller in length on leg stump, Raza flicks it to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 58.2 : J Blackwood to Raza, Angles it into the pads, Raza misses the flick and is struck on the pads as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. The bowler makes an ambitious appeal but the umpire shakes his head. The batsmen take a leg bye. |
| 58.3 : J Blackwood to Moor, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 58.4 : J Blackwood to Moor, Good length on off, Moor defends it solidly. |
| 58.5 : J Blackwood to Moor, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 58.6 : J Blackwood to Moor, Flicks it with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 59.1 : J Holder to Raza, Fuller in length on middle, Raza drives it back to the bowler. |
| 59.2 : J Holder to Raza, Fuller in length on the pads, Holder errs in line. Raza flicks it through mid-wicket and bags a brace. |
| 59.3 : J Holder to Raza, Lands it on a length on off, Raza defends it solidly. |
| 59.4 : J Holder to Raza, Bowls it on a length on off, Raza defends it stoutly. |
| 59.5 : J Holder to Raza, Slower ball on off, on a fullish length. Raza pushes it towards mid off for a quick run. |
| 59.6 : J Holder to Moor, Angles it on middle, Moor defends it towards mid-wicket for no runs. |
| 60.1 : J Blackwood to Raza, On a length around middle, shapes away a touch. Raza gets an outside edge as he tries to defend it. |
| 60.2 : J Blackwood to Raza, Length outside off, Raza guides it towards point and wants a run but is sent back by his partner. |
| 60.3 : J Blackwood to Raza, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 60.4 : J Blackwood to Raza, Full and wide outside off, Raza tries to jam it out but gets beaten. |
| 60.5 : J Blackwood to Raza, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 60.6 : J Blackwood to Raza, The batsman shoulders arms to the ball outside off. |
| Kraigg Brathwaite is back into the attack. |
| 61.1 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Tosses it up on off, Moor defends it off the front foot. |
| 61.2 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Fuller outside off, Moor drives it to the man at covers. |
| 61.3 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Flatter and on a fuller length on off, Moor lunges forward and blocks it. |
| 61.4 : K Brathwaite to Moor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 61.5 : K Brathwaite to P Moor, Very full in length on off, Moor drives it to covers. |
| 61.6 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Slower through the air on off, Moor defends it solidly. |
| 62.1 : J Blackwood to S Raza, Shorter in length, sits up to be hit. Raza pulls it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 62.2 : J Blackwood to Moor, Shorter in length outside off, Moor guides it through point for a run. |
| 62.3 : J Blackwood to S Raza, Full outside off, Raza crunches it through covers but there is a man in the deep who runs to his right and keeps it down to one. |
| 62.4 : J Blackwood to Moor, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 62.5 : Blackwood to Moor, Very full almost a yorker on off, the batsman digs it out. |
| 62.6 : J Blackwood to Moor, Fuller in length on off, Moor drives it back to the bowler. |
| 63.1 : K Brathwaite to S Raza, Drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 63.2 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Flatter on off, Moor defends it off the front foot. |
| 63.3 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Tosses it up on middle, Moor drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 63.4 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Flicks it with the spin to square leg. |
| 63.5 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Quicker and fuller on off, Raza drives it back to the bowler. |
| 63.6 : K Brathwaite to Raza, Slower through the air outside off, Raza drives it to covers. Three overs left in the day. |
| Devendra Bishoo is back into the attack. Can he take a wicket and end the day on a high for his side? |
| 64.1 : D Bishoo to Moor, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 64.2 : D Bishoo to Moor, Tosses it up on off, Moor drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 64.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Flatter on middle, Raza defends it off the back foot. |
| 64.4 : D Bishoo to Raza, Quicker on off, Raza blocks it. |
| 64.5 : D Bishoo to Raza, Full toss on middle, Raza flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 64.6 : D Bishoo to Moor, Very full outside off, it was the googly. Moor drives it through cover-point for a run. |
| 65.1 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Fuller outside off, Moor eases it to mid off. |
| 65.2 : K Brathwaite to Moor, A similar delivery to the last one. Moor drives it to mid off. |
| 65.3 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Flicks it with the spin towards mid-wicket where the fielder misfields and concedes two. |
| 65.4 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Slower through the air on middle, turning in. Moor flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 65.5 : K Brathwaite to Moor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 65.6 : K Brathwaite to Moor, Drags his length back on middle, Moor pushes it back to the bowler. Brathwaite bowled it with a different action there, not an usual off spinner's action. |
| 66.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Tosses it up on off, Raza defends it off the front foot. |
| 66.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Loopy ball on off, Raza lunges forward and blocks it. |
| 66.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Shorter in length outside off, Raza punches it through the off side for a run. |
| 66.4 : D Bishoo to Moor, Slower through the air outside off, the batsman lets it be. |
| 66.5 : D Bishoo to Moor, Drifts it down the leg side, Moor flicks it towards short fine leg for a run. |
| 66.6 : D Bishoo to Raza, Raza sees off the day! Excellent batting by these two. Bishoo tosses it up on off, turning away. Raza covers the spin and defends it off the front foot. STUMPS ON DAY 4! |
| Test cricket at its best! Yet another absorbing day of cricket comes to an end. If it was Holder and Dowrich yesterday, it's Raza and Moor today who have shown immense patience and resistance to keep the bowlers at bay. With a deficit of 122 runs Zimbabwe were already under the pump. They needed a good start but the Windies pacers denied them. They rattled the top order in a jiffy and had the hosts on the mat at 46/4. It seemed like the visitors would run through their batting, but it wasn't mea |
| Sikandar Raza and Peter Moor then got into the act and dealt anything and everything that was thrown at them. The former continued his rich form and registered yet another fifty to his name and along with Moor bailed his side out of the early stutter. The pacers and spinners could do nothing and the batsmen started to take the advantage of the tired bodies. Firstly, they wiped off the deficit and then also managed to get into the lead. Though it's not a big one but the way these two have batted |
| Right then, this match is poised perfectly for a cracking day 5 finish. Zimbabwe have 6 wickets in the bank and it would be interesting to see if they can take a lead over 150. West Indies, on the other hand, would be thinking the other way round. They would come out afresh and look to break this stand which is already worth 94. Can they wrap things up quickly or will the hosts take a big lead? Remember, there is a 5-minute early start to the original scheduled time. Do join us for the final day |
| ... Day 5, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome for day 5 of the second and final Test between Zimbabwe and West Indies. The hosts were in a fragile situation but the pair of Raza and Moor has stood tall to ensure their side is in with a chance. Though it is only a slender 18-run lead with only 6 wickets in hand, there is still belief in the camp. If the home side sets a target over the 150-run mark, they will be confident that their bowlers can make a match out of it. |
| On the other hand, the visitors are still holding the edge. There is enough spin and bounce on this track to unsettle the batsmen. They will be aiming to make early inroads today and trigger a collapse. If the Windies restrict the lead to around 100, they will better their chances to win this game. All three results are possible. A thrilling finish to the series awaits us! |
| PITCH REPORT - Tino Mawoyo doing the pitch report says that the surface is pretty dry now and there are rough patches outside the off stump for the left-handers. Adds that the good length areas have variable bounce. Feels that if Zimbabwe get a score about 200, it will be an interesting match. |
| We are set to get underway. Another day of bright sunshine welcomes us. Sikandar Raza and Peter Moor to continue their innings. Kemar Roach to start off with the ball first up this morning. Only a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 67.1 : K Roach to Moor, Right on the money! Starts off with a fuller length ball in the zone of apprehension, holding its line. Moor plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 67.2 : K Roach to Moor, Roach goes wider of the crease, the angle which he uses to really good effect. Angles in a full delivery attacking the base of off stump. Peter covers the line and pushes it to mid on. |
| 67.3 : K Roach to Moor, Angling in substantially from a fuller length outside off, Moor defends it solidly with a high elbow. |
| 67.4 : K Roach to Moor, Continues to persist with a driving length in the corridor of uncertainty. Moor resists the urge to go for an ambitious stroke. |
| 67.5 : K Roach to Moor, Fullish delivery on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 67.6 : K Roach to Moor, Well bowled! Shaping in prodigiously from around off, Moor pushes at it with hard hands but gets it off the inner half of the bat to fine leg. A single taken and that is the first run of the day. |
| Shannon Gabriel to bowl from the other end. A wide slip, gully and silly mid off in place. |
| 68.1 : S Gabriel to Moor, Starts off with a full length ball just outside off, Moor strides forward confidently and taps it to covers. |
| 68.2 : S Gabriel to Moor, A bit of nibble in the air. Fullish delivery, shaping in. Peter shuffles a touch and blocks it besides the pitch on the leg side. Gabriel and the silly mid off fielder almost collide. After that, they share a light moment together. |
| 68.3 : S Gabriel to Moor, Nicely done! Good length delivery well outside off, Moor makes good use of the depth of the crease and glides it nicely past gully for a brace. |
| 68.4 : S Gabriel to Moor, No ball! The issue of overstepping comes back to haunt Gabriel. It is a good delivery though. Back of a length on off, shooting off the pitch. Moor rises with the bounce and fends it towards point. The replays show that he overstepped by a long, long margin. |
| S Gabriel to Moor, Length delivery on middle and leg, Peter hops and tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 68.5 : S Gabriel to Moor, OUT! What a start for West Indies, just what they needed. They are all pumped up and why not! Good awareness from Holder. He knew that the batsman has been playing well through that region. So, he placed the gully a bit inside and himself stood a bit wide in the first slip area. Coming back to the delivery, it is on a good length in the zone of apprehension, holding its line. Moor hangs his bat out and guides it towards the gully region but doesn't bother to keep it down |
| Malcolm Waller is the new man in. |
| 68.6 : S Gabriel to Waller, Fullish delivery on middle, Waller flicks it uppishly to deep backward square leg. Two runs taken. End of a productive over. |
| 69.1 : K Roach to Raza, That almost proved fatal! Full delivery attacking the base of off stump, Raza loses his balance but somehow manages to jam it out. |
| 69.2 : K Roach to Raza, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 69.3 : K Roach to S Raza, FOUR! Streaky runs! Raza is flirting with danger. Good length delivery outside off, angling in. Raza pushes at it away from the body and ends up getting a thick inside edge past his stumps and to the fine leg fence. |
| 69.4 : K Roach to Raza, Stays back to the length delivery and blocks it. |
| 69.5 : K Roach to Raza, On a length around off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| There you go! West Indies have opted to review for an LBW against Sikandar Raza. Is there an inside edge? If it is, the keeper has caught it. If not, let's see where the impact is. |
| 69.6 : Roach to Raza, Not Out! It is neither an LBW nor is there an inside edge. Good length delivery outside off, angling in prodigiously. Raza is caught in a tangle as he tries to keep it out but seems to have missed it. The ball brushes his pads and carries to Dowrich who pouches it and roars in an appeal. The umpire stays undisturbed and shakes his head. Holder decides to go for the review after a conversation with his players. Time for the replays. Snicko doesn't spot any inside edge. After |
| 70.1 : S Gabriel to M Waller, Edged! Fullish delivery outside off, Waller fishes at it but gets an outside edge towards first slip but on the bounce. The thing that saved him was that he played that with soft hands. |
| 70.2 : S Gabriel to Waller, Waller leans forward and eases this one to covers for a single. |
| 70.3 : S Gabriel to Raza, On a length in that off stump channel, Raza defends it stoutly. |
| 70.4 : S Gabriel to Raza, Back of a length outside off, Sikandar doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 70.5 : S Gabriel to Raza, Length delivery outside off, stays a bit low. Raza lets it go. |
| 70.6 : S Gabriel to Raza, Tailing into Raza as he clips it to mid on. |
| 71.1 : K Roach to Waller, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Overpitched outside off, Waller leans into it and drives it elegantly through covers to find the fence. That will give him some confidence. |
| 71.2 : K Roach to Waller, Fuller length ball on off, Waller puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 71.3 : K Roach to Waller, Length delivery outside off, stays low. Waller goes for the cut but is beaten on the inside edge. |
| 71.4 : K Roach to Waller, Fuller in length and slanting in towards Waller. He tries to play it through but is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 71.5 : K Roach to Waller, The pitch is playing tricks now. Length delivery outside off, stays very low. Malcolm goes for a full fledged drive but gets foxed. |
| 71.6 : K Roach to Waller, Fullish delivery outside off, Malcolm goes for an extravagant drive but mistimes it to cover. |
| 72.1 : S Gabriel to Raza, Gabriel loses his radar and slips this one down the leg side, Raza fails to clip it away. |
| 72.2 : Gabriel to Raza, Wow! What a brute of a delivery! Equally well played by Raza as well. That's the perfect definition of a toe crusher. Pinpoint yorker on middle, Raza clears his front leg and just manages to keep it out down the track. |
| 72.3 : S Gabriel to Raza, Good length delivery around off, swerving away after pitching. Raza keeps his bat inside the line and leaves it alone. |
| 72.4 : S Gabriel to Raza, Fuller length ball on off, Raza opts to stay back and defend it. Should have been forward to that one. |
| 72.5 : S Gabriel to Raza, Ooh.. sharp movement! Length delivery in the channel outside off, hits the deck and seams in a long way. Raza knows where his off stump is and makes a good leave. |
| 72.6 : S Gabriel to Raza, Fuller in length on middle and leg, Sikandar presses forward and taps it to mid on. |
| The commentators on-air discuss about Peter Moor. They say yesterday he was looking really comfortable and wasn't itching to go after the deliveries bowled in the zone outside off. What happened this morning? Was it the pace of Gabriel that made him fall for it? Pace really tempts you to go after it. They also make a point that, he should have been careful for the first 20 balls at least as if you see off those, you generally get a hang of the surface... |
| Jason Holder comes in for a bowl. |
| 73.1 : J Holder to Waller, Back of a length ball outside off, Waller hangs back and plays it with an angled bat towards gully. |
| 73.2 : J Holder to Waller, Fullish delivery on off, Malcolm clips it uppishly through square leg for a couple. |
| 73.3 : J Holder to Waller, Fuller in length around off, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 73.4 : J Holder to Waller, There is appreciable movement off the deck! Length delivery on off, seaming down the leg side. Waller tries to keep it out but is hit on the pads. |
| 73.5 : J Holder to Waller, A chirpy appeal for an LBW is turned down! Fullish delivery slanting down the leg side, Waller looks to nudge it through square leg but misses to get pinged on the pads. Up goes Holder in a loud appeal but the umpire stays put. Remember, the visitors have used up their reviews. The replays show there was an inside edge and it was also sliding down leg. |
| 73.6 : J Holder to Raza, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. Good start from Holder. |
| 74.1 : S Gabriel to Waller, Waller is living dangerously! Full delivery attacking the stumps, Waller lifts his bat and whips it uppishly towards fine leg for a run. Against the pace of Gabriel, it is not the right tactic to do. If he misses those, he will be a candidate for an LBW. |
| 74.2 : S Gabriel to Raza, Slips this one down the leg side, Raza falls over a bit and hence, misses his flick. |
| 74.3 : S Gabriel to Raza, Fullish and straying on the pads again, played with soft hands towards square leg for a run. |
| 74.4 : S Gabriel to Waller, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Waller goes for a booming drive but mistimes it to covers. |
| 74.5 : S Gabriel to Waller, Shuffles across to the length delivery and blocks it down the track. |
| 74.6 : S Gabriel to Waller, Uppish but safe! Fullish delivery outside off, Waller goes at it but mistimes it uppishly towards covers. Single taken. Holder has his hands on his head. |
| 75.1 : J Holder to Waller, Shaping in from around off, kept out watchfully. |
| 75.2 : J Holder to Waller, Fuller in length, eased off the front foot to mid off. |
| 75.3 : J Holder to M Waller, Half-volley around off, Malcolm comes forward and drives it uppishly to mid off. That bat turned in his hands on this occasion. |
| 75.4 : J Holder to Waller, Angling in from a length, Waller lunges forward in defense. |
| 75.5 : J Holder to Waller, In the zone outside off, Waller doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 75.6 : J Holder to Waller, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Devendra Bishoo comes into the attack. |
| 76.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Tossed up on leg stump, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 76.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Short delivery around off, Raza camps back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. A couple taken. |
| 76.3 : D Bishoo to Raza, Low full toss on leg stump, Raza eases it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 76.4 : D Bishoo to M Waller, Quick and flat outside off, it hits the high part of Waller's willow and goes towards backward point. |
| 76.5 : D Bishoo to Waller, Once again on a flatter trajectory, kept out towards mid off. |
| 76.6 : D Bishoo to Waller, Full toss on middle and leg, Waller makes room and eases it to mid on. |
| 77.1 : J Holder to Raza, Good length delivery around off, Raza shuffles a touch and clips it around the corner for a run. |
| 77.2 : J Holder to Waller, Fullish outside off, Waller eases it towards covers where the fielder slips and makes a mess of it. Concedes two runs. |
| 77.3 : Holder to Waller, Full delivery going down the leg side, Waller tries to tickle it across but misses to get hit on the pads. A stifled appeal follows but it is denied. |
| 77.4 : J Holder to Waller, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| 77.5 : J Holder to Raza, Fullish on middle and leg, Sikandar helps it towards mid-wicket for an easy run. |
| 77.6 : J Holder to Waller, On a driving length around off, played with soft hands to covers. |
| A short leg in place for Bishoo now. |
| 78.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Floated around leg stump, Raza presses forward and smothers the spin. |
| 78.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Quicker through the air and on a fullish length on middle, Raza lunges forward in defense but gets it off the outer half towards third man. A run taken. |
| Bishoo has a chat with Holder. He continues from around the wicket angle. |
| 78.3 : D Bishoo to Waller, Strides forward to this one and blocks it confidently. |
| 78.4 : D Bishoo to Waller, Tossed up delivery, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| Silly point in place now. Maybe, the googly is coming up. |
| 78.5 : D Bishoo to M Waller, Slower through the air around off, Waller goes hard at it and ends up mistiming it towards mid off. Thankfully, it lands in front of the fielder. |
| 78.6 : D Bishoo to Waller, On middle and leg, Waller glances it to short fine leg for a run. |
| 79.1 : J Holder to Waller, Another loud shout for an LBW is turned down! Back of a length delivery on middle, angling down. Waller hops back to tuck it around the corner but misses to get pinged on the pads. Holder appeals but to no effect. Replays show it was pretty high. |
| 79.2 : J Holder to Waller, Full length delivery on off, Waller jams it out off the inner half to mid on. |
| 79.3 : J Holder to Waller, Full length ball on middle and leg, clipped to the man at square leg. |
| 79.4 : J Holder to Waller, Full length ball on off, Waller tries to dig it out but gets it off the inner half to mid on. The ball is reversing for Holder, he is in good rhythm. |
| 79.5 : J Holder to Waller, Holder searches for the yorker but ends up bowling a full delivery around off, Waller pushes it to covers. |
| 79.6 : J Holder to Waller, Shaping in sharply to Waller who buries it into the track. |
| Time for Drinks. The second new ball is available now. It doesn't look like West Indies will take it now as the ball is reversing. As expected, the new ball has not been taken. |
| 80.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Quicker through the air on off, Raza presses forward and keeps it out to silly point. |
| 80.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, On a flatter trajectory on middle and leg, Sikandar works it through square leg for a run. The lead touches 50 for Zimbabwe now. |
| 80.3 : D Bishoo to Waller, Floated around off, pushed off the front foot to covers. |
| 80.4 : D Bishoo to Waller, OUT! West Indies are right on top! The plan to bowl from around the wicket works wonders for Bishoo. Credit to him for executing the plan nicely as well. Bowls this one on a flatter trajectory around leg stump, going away with the angle. Waller hangs deep in the crease and pokes at it but gets an outside edge. Jermaine Blackwood at widish first slip is alert and takes a smart catch. Waller fails once again. Zimbabwe are effectively 50/6 now. |
| Regis Chakabva comes out to bat. He has had a tough series with the bat as well with the gloves. Can he redeem himself? |
| 80.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Shortish delivery on off, kept out watchfully. |
| 80.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Tossed up on middle and leg, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 81.1 : J Holder to Raza, Length delivery outside off, Raza camps back and eases it to covers. |
| 81.2 : J Holder to Raza, That came in a long way! On a length outside off, curving in substantially. Raza knows where his off stump is and makes an assured leave. |
| 81.3 : J Holder to Raza, Full delivery on off, Raza puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 81.4 : J Holder to Raza, Fractionally overpitched around off, Sikandar comes forward and turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 81.5 : J Holder to Raza, Persists with the same line and length, Raza taps it back to the bowler. |
| 81.6 : J Holder to Raza, Holder goes wide of the crease and angles in a full length delivery. Raza shuffles a bit and clips it to fine leg for a run. Holder has his hands on his head. If he missed that, he could have been LBW. |
| 82.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Floated outside off, Raza drives it elegantly to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 82.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Slow through the air, Chakabva lunges forward in defense. |
| 82.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Brilliantly bowled! Around leg stump, going away with the arm. Chakabva keeps his bat inside the line and lets it go. |
| 82.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Very full in line of the stumps, dug out by Chakabva. |
| 82.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, On a flatter trajectory outside off, keeps low. Chakabva lets it go. Dowrich collects it really nicely. It was a very difficult take. |
| 82.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Another appeal follows but to no effect! Tossed up outside leg stump, Chakabva hangs back to keep it out but is hit low on the pads. Bishoo looks confident but the umpire shakes his head. The Hawk Eye shows that it pitched outside leg and that's the end of the story. Bishoo has taken his wicket twice in this series. He doesn't read him well and that is showing. Chakbva needs to be really careful. |
| Kemar Roach is brought back into the attack. |
| 83.1 : K Roach to Raza, Roach comes steaming in from over the wicket, goes wide of the crease and hurls a length delivery, angling in from outside off. Raza solidly keeps it out towards cover. |
| 83.2 : K Roach to Raza, Pitches it a touch fuller this time, Raza lunges forward, crouches really low and shows a solid defense. |
| 83.3 : K Roach to Raza, Keeps it on the same length outside off, Sikandar Raza blocks it out gently. |
| 83.4 : K Roach to Raza, Angling in from a length outside off, SR shifts across and taps it towards the cover region. |
| 83.5 : K Roach to Raza, Leading edge... Raza needs to be careful here. Roach once again slants it in from a length outside off, Raza walks across and tries to tuck it across. He gets it off the leading edge which falls safely into the off side. |
| 83.6 : K Roach to S Raza, Fuller and attacking the stumps, Raza tries to keep it out but gets an inside edge on the pads. |
| The second new ball has been taken. Bishoo will continue his spell. |
| 84.1 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Bishoo comes over the wicket and bowls a yorker on middle, Chakabva manages to block it. |
| 84.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Well bowled! Flatter on off, Chakabva leans forward to defend but is beaten all ends up by the sharp away turn. |
| 84.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Floated on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| Bowling over the wicket is a much better line of attack for Bishoo. He can use the crease better and make use of his googlies as well. When you bowl from around the wicket, it cuts down your angles and is a pretty defensive line. |
| 84.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Outside off, left alone. |
| 84.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Quicker through the air outside off, Chakabva leaves it alone. |
| 84.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Shorter in length on off, blocked off the back foot. |
| That looks out! Big moment in the game, that could be the final nail in the coffin. Raza shuffled across his stumps but misses and is hit on the pads. He is adjudged LBW. However, he goes for the review. Looks plumb in front. Let's wait and find out... |
| 85.1 : K Roach to Raza, Not Out! How on earth that missed the stumps? Got to say that Raza has made judicious use of the review. Back of a length delivery outside off, tailing in substantially. Raza shuffles across his stumps and looks to tuck it away but misses to get rapped on the pads. The Windies appeal vociferously and up goes the umpire's finger. Raza though goes for the review immediately. Time for the Hawk Eye. It shows that it is going to miss the leg stump. Perhaps, the reverse swing on |
| 85.2 : K Roach to Raza, That's a peach! Fuller in length from outside off, straightens after pitching. Raza pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 85.3 : K Roach to Raza, Fuller outside off, defended solidly off the front foot to covers. |
| 85.4 : K Roach to Raza, Full on middle, Raza jams it out. |
| 85.5 : K Roach to Raza, A lot is happening at the moment! Raza is standing outside his crease to deal with the reverse swing but he is caught in a tangle here. Tailing in substantially from outside off, Raza misjudges it and looks to leave it but is hit on the thigh. He is in a lot of pain and walking across to the off side. Seems to be alright now. |
| 85.6 : K Roach to Raza, Length delivery outside off, Raza leans ahead and eases it to covers. Three maidens on the trot for the Windies, really good bowling. |
| 86.1 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Full toss on the pads, Regis whips it away towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 86.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Beaten! Loopy leg break outside off, Chakabva comes forward to defend but the ball turns away and beats the outside edge of Regis' bat. |
| 86.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Very full around off, defended in front of silly point. |
| 86.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, That must have stung! Bishoo drops it short outside off, Chakabva sees this as an opportunity to score. He rocks back and slaps it hard. Shai Hope at silly point takes evasive action. The good thing that he did here was that he was watching the ball and didn't turn back. Cops a blow on the shin pad. |
| 86.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Comes from around the wicket and pitches it full on the stumps, blocked off the front foot gently. |
| 86.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Tossed up outside leg, turning away, Regis lets it be. |
| 87.1 : K Roach to Raza, Good match awareness! On a length around off, Raza taps it towards mid on. The fielder in that region is lazy and that allows the batsmen to cross over. |
| 87.2 : K Roach to Chakabva, Bye! On a length outside off, Chakabva lets it go. Dowrich gets a bad bounce and it results, in a bye. |
| 87.3 : K Roach to Raza, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 87.4 : K Roach to Chakabva, Full delivery outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 87.5 : K Roach to Chakabva, Shaping in from outside off, Regis lets it go safely. |
| 87.6 : K Roach to Chakabva, Movement again! Fullish delivery in line of the stumps, Chakabva keeps it out off the inner half to square leg. A run taken. |
| 88.1 : D Bishoo to R Chakabva, Full delivery outside off, pushed to mid off. |
| 88.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Floated on leg stump, Chakabva pads it away. |
| 88.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Full delivery on the stumps, Chakabva defends it solidly. |
| 88.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, FOUR! Just out of the reach of the short mid-wicket fielder! Short delivery, Chakabva rocks back and pulls it hard through mid-wicket and the ball races to the fence. |
| 88.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 88.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, FOUR! A psychological win for Chakabva! Half-tracker from Bishoo. Regis pulls it with aplomb over mid-wicket to find the fence. |
| 89.1 : K Roach to Raza, Back of a length outside off, Raza plays it with an angled blade to backward point. |
| 89.2 : K Roach to S Raza, Five bonus runs for Zimbabwe! Raza taps this one with soft hands towards Blackwood at point and sets off. He attacks the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but there is no one behind him. Chase sprints from short mid-wicket but fails to stop it from crossing the rope. Raza is on 79 now, he is battling hard. |
| 89.3 : K Roach to Chakabva, In the channel outside off, Regis doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 89.4 : K Roach to Chakabva, Fullish delivery around off, Chakabva plays it with an open bat face to cover-point. |
| 89.5 : K Roach to Chakabva, Similar length delivery on off, Chakabva puts his head down and defends it with a high elbow. |
| 89.6 : K Roach to Chakabva, Roach goes wide of the crease and angles in a fullish delivery. Chakabva covers the line and defends it but the ball gets stuck in his pads. |
| Shannon Gabriel returns for a burst. The fact that Bishoo was hit for two boundaries by Chakabva has led to this decision by Holder. Can the frontline pacer take the wicket of Raza? |
| 90.1 : S Gabriel to Raza, Full length delivery around off, Raza leans forward confidently and blocks it stoutly. |
| 90.2 : S Gabriel to Raza, Length delivery shaping in from outside off, stays a bit low. Raza does well to adjust and keep it out. |
| 90.3 : S Gabriel to Raza, Back of a length delivery outside off, Raza rises with the bounce and places it behind point to rotate strike. |
| 90.4 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, In the zone outside off, holding its line. Chakabva plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 90.5 : S Gabriel to R Chakabva, Fidgety on that occasion! In the corridor of uncertainty, Regis is in two minds whether to leave it or play at it. He is too late to leave it and the ball catches the bottom part of his bat and rolls towards the slip fielder. |
| 90.6 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, Good length delivery on off, Regis stands back and defends it stoutly. |
| The fourth umpire was showing the new ball. The Windies might have thought to take it but Holder carries on with the old one. |
| 91.1 : D Bishoo to Raza, Well played! Fullish on middle and leg, Raza clips it nicely through wide mid on. Two runs taken. |
| 91.2 : D Bishoo to Raza, Similar delivery, clipped expertly to deepish wide mid on for a single. Raza is limping a bit and looks in discomfort. He needs to carry on for his side. |
| 91.3 : D Bishoo to R Chakabva, Short delivery, Sikandar cuts it with the angle but straight to the man at point. |
| 91.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Spinning in from outside leg stump, Regis decides to pad it away. |
| 91.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Slow through the air on off, Chakabva strides forward and defends it calmly. |
| 91.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Stays back to the flatter delivery and blocks it solidly. |
| Raza was limping in the last over. The physio comes and attends him. He has been on the field for a very long time and understandably, he is facing some cramps. Gets some stretching done on his right leg. |
| 92.1 : S Gabriel to Raza, Full length ball outside off, Raza strides forward and eases it off the front foot to covers. |
| 0.0 : With just five balls to go for the lunch, the Windies take the second new ball. Can they pick up a wicket? |
| 92.2 : S Gabriel to Raza, The new ball almost brings in the reward! Fullish delivery outside off, swinging away. Raza fishes at it with minimal foot movement but gets beaten all ends up. |
| 92.3 : S Gabriel to Raza, In the channel outside off, this time Raza doesn't flirt with it. |
| 92.4 : S Gabriel to Raza, On a driving length well outside off. Sikandar leans forward to defend but gets it off the outer half towards third man. Braithwaite from deep backward point hares to his left and keeps it down to a couple. |
| 92.5 : Gabriel to Raza, Brilliant stuff! Bowls a pinpoint yoker on leg stump and gets it to swing away a bit. Raza clears his front leg and keeps it out safely. |
| 92.6 : S Gabriel to Raza, Fullish delivery, angling in from outside off. Raza presses forward and sees it off watchfully. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 5, ZIMBABWE LEAD BY 77! |
| Sikandar Raza keeps his team alive! Yes, he is still standing tall and is battling through the odds. A session which is slightly in favour of the visitors as they picked up two wickets and only conceded 59 runs in 26 overs. They begun the day on a high, taking the wicket of the well-set Peter Moor courtesy a good ball from Gabriel. |
| Roach also bowled his heart out and Raza was lucky to survive his fierce spell. He survived an LBW call with the help of a review but honestly, that looked out. Bishoo has been good in patches and got a wicket of Waller too but he needs to maintain consistency and bowl fuller lengths. Chakabva was shaky initially but has survived somehow. |
| The home side lead by 77 runs with 4 wickets in hand. They will look to swell the lead to as much as possible. The onus firmly lies on Raza and we saw him struggling with cramps. The visitors would hope to get him soon and then clean the tail up. They still hold the upper hand in the contest but. Will Raza prove his mettle and take his side to safe harbors? Join us in a while to find out... |
| ... Day 5, Session 2 ... |
| Welcome back! Here we are for the second session in this last day's play. Sikandar Raza - the one guy that the tourists would look to get rid of soon - walks out, looking fresher. He has Regis Chakabva for company. The skipper, Jason Holder has the 5-ball old cherry in hand. An early wicket? Dogged resistance? Let's find out. A slip and a gully in place. |
| 93.1 : J Holder to Chakabva, Begins with a harmless delivery outside off. The ball moves away after pitching. Chakabva doesn't bother playing that. |
| 93.2 : J Holder to Chakabva, This one's bowled much closer to the off pole. Regis covers the stumps and lets the ball pass through to the keeper. |
| 93.3 : J Holder to Chakabva, On a length outside off, the keeper points his bat skywards as he leaves it alone. Three deliveries so far for which the batsman hasn't put bat to. This pattern has to change. |
| 93.4 : J Holder to Chakabva, Much better! In fact very good delivery. Holder spears in a yorker on the stumps, Chakabva digs that out towards the bowler. |
| 93.5 : J Holder to Chakabva, Bowled harmlessly outside off, left alone by Regis. |
| It's a tad surprising to have nobody close to the batsman on the leg side, opines Alan Wilkins on air. |
| 93.6 : J Holder to Chakabva, Chakabva continues the leaving game as he shoulders arms to another ball that is outside off. |
| Shannon Gabriel will continue from the other end. |
| 94.1 : S Gabriel to Raza, 200 up for Zimbabwe, who lead by 78 now. A tad fuller in line of the stumps, Raza flicks it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 94.2 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, Football skills gone wrong! Chakabva blocks this one off the back foot towards mid on and takes off for a run a bit late. Blackwood runs ahead and looks to kick the ball on the stumps at the bowler's end but ends up pushing it towards mid off. A run completed. |
| 94.3 : S Gabriel to Raza, Angled on the pads, Sikandar clips it wide of mid on for a single. |
| 94.4 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, Gabriel is wasting the newish ball by bowling too much on the pads. He hurls it fuller, Chakabva flicks it through backward square leg and hares back for a brace. |
| 94.5 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, FOUR BYES! Poor Dowrich. Gabriel bowls it fuller outside off, Chakabva didn't bother playing that. The ball refused to get up and went very low to the keeper, who couldn't stop that. The ball rushes to the fence. The hosts won't mind such free runs. |
| 94.6 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, This is bowled around off, the keeper lunges forward and blocks it solidly. |
| 95.1 : J Holder to Raza, Holder lands it on a length around middle and leg, Raza clips it wristily through backward square leg for a brace. He has run that well, showing that the break has helped him. |
| 95.2 : J Holder to Raza, OUT! Holder strikes! An inspired wicket this. Didn't think that he should have been the one to bowl with the second new ball ahead of Roach but the skipper has done so and has struck to pick up his first wicket in this game. Holder bowls it on a length outside off, the ball nips back in a touch. Raza takes a stride forward to defend but fails to account for the movement. The ball stays low and breaches the defense to knock the off stump out. Sikandar Raza will not get a h |
| Graeme Cremer is the next man in. Will the skipper show some resistance? |
| 95.3 : Holder to Cremer, What happened there? Seems that the absence of review for the visitors have denied them a wicket. Holder gives some chin music to his rival skipper to welcome him at the crease. Cremer is caught off guard against that bouncer and he is late in swaying away from the line. The ball goes off something to Dowrich who takes it on the second attempt and appeals. The Windies put in a prolonged appeal but fail to get the umpire's nod. Replays show that the ball took the gloves, b |
| 95.4 : J Holder to G Cremer, This ball is driven towards mid off. |
| 95.5 : J Holder to G Cremer, The batsman gets an inside edge and the ball hits him on the pads. |
| 95.6 : J Holder to Cremer, Bowled outside off, left alone. |
| 96.1 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, Short ball on the stumps, Regis ducks and lets that go. |
| 96.2 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, Chakabva misses the flick but the ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. |
| 96.3 : S Gabriel to Cremer, This ball is bowled outside off, left alone by Graeme. |
| 96.4 : S Gabriel to G Cremer, It's been driven superbly through the covers. One run added to the total. |
| 96.5 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 96.6 : S Gabriel to Chakabva, Very well bowled and equally well played. Gabriel spears in a yorker on the stumps, dug out back towards the bowler. |
| 97.1 : J Holder to Cremer, Bouncer around off and middle, Cremer ducks to let it pass. |
| 97.2 : J Holder to Cremer, Hurled fuller outside off, Cremer watches the ball well and lets it go. |
| 97.3 : J Holder to Cremer, Another delivery hurled outside off, Cremer takes a stride forward and shoulders arms. |
| 97.4 : J Holder to Cremer, Fuller around off, Cremer gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket. |
| 97.5 : J Holder to Cremer, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 97.6 : J Holder to Cremer, This ball is driven towards the bowler. |
| Kemar Roach is back into the attack. What does he have in store for us with this second new cherry? |
| 98.1 : K Roach to Chakabva, Hurled outside off, Chakabva doesn't put bat to ball and lets it be. |
| 98.2 : K Roach to Chakabva, FOUR! Streaky yet effective. Roach bowls it outside off, Chakabva gets it off the outer half through backward point. The sub fielder Hetmyer runs after it, puts in the slide in an attempt to save runs. The umpire checks upstairs and confirms that it is a boundary indeed as the ball did make contact with the boundary cushion. |
| 98.3 : K Roach to Chakabva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 98.4 : K Roach to Chakabva, Served in line of the stumps, Regis defends it watchfully. |
| 98.5 : K Roach to Chakabva, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 98.6 : K Roach to Chakabva, Bowled around off, Chakabva blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 99.1 : J Holder to Cremer, Fuller around middle and leg, Cremer looks to flick but misses. The ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. |
| 99.2 : J Holder to Chakabva, This ball is on the stumps, Regis stands tall and blocks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 99.3 : J Holder to Chakabva, Short ball around middle, Chakabva crouches low and lets the ball pass to the keeper. |
| 99.4 : J Holder to Chakabva, Regis stands tall and keeps it out from within the crease. |
| Tino Mawoyo asks on-air to his co-commentator Ed Rainsford as to whether we should have a positive declaration from the home side. The latter opines that the hosts would do well to get some more runs before thinking about declaring. |
| 99.5 : J Holder to Chakabva, Ouch, that has hurt him! Holder lands it on a short length in line of the stumps, Chakabva looks to crouch low and duck. But the ball doesn't rise as much and hits him just near the right shoulder. Windies appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Hawk Eye shows the ball to be going over the stumps. The batsman is in some pain as he rubs the part where he got struck. That'll sting a bit though. |
| 99.6 : J Holder to Chakabva, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 100.1 : K Roach to Cremer, Full delivery around middle and leg, flicked away to mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 100.2 : K Roach to Cremer, Speared outside off, Cremer shoulders arms to let it go. |
| 100.3 : K Roach to Cremer, Graeme has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 100.4 : K Roach to Cremer, Bowled around off, Cremer keeps it out from within the crease. |
| 100.5 : K Roach to Cremer, This fuller ball is clipped straight to mid-wicket. |
| 100.6 : K Roach to Cremer, Harmless delivery outside off, the skipper shoulders arms to that. |
| 101.1 : J Holder to Chakabva, Very full ball around off, Chakabva presents a dead bat to keep it out. |
| 101.2 : J Holder to Chakabva, Excellent running. On a length around middle, Chakabva clips it through square leg. Before the fielder returns the throw, he hares back for a couple. Zimbabwe know how vital every run is. |
| 101.3 : J Holder to Chakabva, Length delivery around middle and leg, flicked towards leg gully. |
| Devendra Bishoo is seen stretching his legs. Sign of things to come? |
| 101.4 : J Holder to Chakabva, This ball is flicked wristily through backward square leg for a single. Lead goes to 98. |
| 101.5 : J Holder to Cremer, Back of a length delivery around off and middle, Cremer stands tall and blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 101.6 : J Holder to Cremer, Cremer defends this showing the full face of the bat, back towards the bowler. |
| 102.1 : K Roach to Chakabva, Fuller outside off, Chakabva shoulders arms with a small stride forward. The ball moves away a bit. |
| 102.2 : K Roach to R Chakabva, Roach goes wide of the crease and angles it in to the batsman on a fuller length. Regis pushes it towards mid on. |
| 102.3 : K Roach to Chakabva, Fuller around off, driven down the ground. Mid on comes around to cut that off. |
| 102.4 : K Roach to Chakabva, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| It has been a tad surprising today that Holder hasn't brought any of the off spinner in Chase or Brathwaite into the attack today. The latter did look threatening with the ball in the first innings. |
| 102.5 : K Roach to Chakabva, Roach hurls it around off, Chakabva gets it off the outer half towards gully. The fielder gets a hand to it but fails to stop it cleanly. A couple of runs result. The lead now touches three figures. |
| 102.6 : K Roach to Chakabva, The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball but fails. |
| Roston Chase comes in to bowl. Maybe there's a telepathy between Holder and me! |
| 103.1 : R Chase to Cremer, This ball is eased to mid on. |
| 103.2 : R Chase to Cremer, Cremer taps it towards mid-wicket and sets off for a run. The fielder did get quickly to the ball but couldn't prevent the run. |
| 103.3 : R Chase to Chakabva, Floated around off and middle, driven down to long on for one run. |
| 103.4 : R Chase to Cremer, Flatter and spinning down the leg side, Cremer doesn't bother fiddling with that. |
| 103.5 : R Chase to Cremer, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 103.6 : R Chase to Cremer, This delivery is defended solidly off the front foot. |
| Double change. Devendra Bishoo is also brought back into the attack. Will be interesting to see how much purchase he gets with the newer ball. |
| 104.1 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Bishoo starts from round the wicket and serves a short ball on the stumps. Chakabva goes back and slaps it through covers, where the fielder dives over the ball, for a brace. Not sure of this tactic as he should look to attack rather than defend, Bishoo. |
| 104.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Chakabva defends this watchfully. |
| 104.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Floated on the stumps, blocked from the crease. |
| 104.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Chakabva doesn't offer the bat and pads it away on the on side. |
| 104.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 104.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Regis stays on the back foot and negotiates this ball safely. |
| 105.1 : R Chase to Cremer, A tad shorter on the stumps, Cremer punches it towards mid on. |
| 105.2 : R Chase to Cremer, Served around off, hit back towards the bowler. |
| 105.3 : R Chase to Cremer, Sharp turn there! Cremer flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 105.4 : R Chase to Cremer, This is bowled outside off, left alone by Graeme. |
| 105.5 : R Chase to Cremer, This ball is kept out safely off the front foot towards covers. |
| 105.6 : R Chase to Cremer, This is driven back towards the bowler. |
| 106.1 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Now Bishoo comes over the wicket and lands it outside off. The ball stays low even as it spins away. Chakabva chops it to the off side as he looks to cut that. |
| 106.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Floated outside off, left alone by Regis. |
| 106.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, The keeper-batsman lunges forward and buries the turn onto the ground. |
| 106.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, This ball is slapped towards covers where Hetmyer dives to prevent a run. |
| 106.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, This ball is pushed back to where it came from. |
| 106.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Floated outside off, hit towards mid off. |
| It's time for Drinks! Just a wicket to show for the Windies in this hour of play. That was of Raza, who they'd have believed, was the final nail in the coffin. But the Zimbabwe skipper, who survived a scare off the first ball, has combined with their keeper and both are putting up a staunch display of batting. The lead is just 104, not monumental at this stage. The tourists will look to get through the lower order soon. |
| 107.1 : R Chase to Cremer, Cremer goes back and pushes this towards mid on. |
| 107.2 : R Chase to Cremer, A stifled appeal, turned down. Chase tosses it up around off, Cremer lunges forward to block but gets hit on the front pad due to the spin. The visitors appeal to no avail. Maybe sliding down leg. Replay shows that there was an inside edge there and that's what saved him. |
| 107.3 : R Chase to Cremer, This ball is driven to long on for a single. |
| 107.4 : R Chase to Chakabva, Chakabva gets it off the outer half through point for a sun. |
| 107.5 : R Chase to Cremer, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 107.6 : R Chase to Cremer, Chase bowls it down the leg side but Cremer lets it be. |
| 108.1 : D Bishoo to R Chakabva, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 108.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Technically a dropped chance! Floated around off, turning away. Chakabva leans forward to defend but gets an outside edge. The keeper moves to his right but the ball hits his pads and deflects past the first slip fielder. A run taken. |
| 108.3 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Stays back to this one and keeps it out. |
| 108.4 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Quicker outside off, left alone. |
| 108.5 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Similar delivery, Cremer doesn't flirt with it. |
| 108.6 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Outside off, third leave in a row. |
| 109.1 : R Chase to Chakabva, An appeal for a LBW turned down! Chase comes from around the wicket and bowls it slower through the air on middle and leg. Chakabva looks to keep it out but is hit on the knee roll. Chase is confident but the umpire stays put. The height was a factor there. |
| 109.2 : R Chase to Chakabva, Turned to square leg with the spin. |
| What happened there? Chase deflects the ball that is hit back to him, onto the stumps there. Cremer seems to have dragged his foot back in time. The third umpire is referred to here. Looks close. |
| 109.3 : Chase to Chakabva, Not Out! Cremer is safe! Good reaction from him. Tossed up on off, Chakabva pushes it back to Chase who deflects it off his hands to the stumps at his end as Cremer drags his foot back to get back home. It is referred upstairs. The replays show that the skipper did really well there. |
| 109.4 : R Chase to Chakabva, Stays back and clips it around the corner. |
| 109.5 : R Chase to Chakabva, Chakabva waits for this one and clips it uppishly past the square leg fielder for a couple. |
| 109.6 : R Chase to Chakabva, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 110.1 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Fraction short, punched with the spin to extra cover. |
| 110.2 : D Bishoo to G Cremer, Cremer is on the move to this one and knocks it down to long off for a single. |
| 110.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Full delivery outside off, Chakabva strokes it to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 110.4 : D Bishoo to G Cremer, Hangs deep in the crease and cuts it past point for a single. |
| 110.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Tossed up around leg stump, turning away. Regis leans forward to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. Bishoo appeals but to no effect. The replays show that it pitched outside leg. A lot of spin on that occasion. |
| 110.6 : D Bishoo to R Chakabva, Slow through the air, Chakabva leans forward to defend but gets an outside edge towards third man. He calls for the second but has to be content with a single. |
| 111.1 : R Chase to Chakabva, In line of the stumps, Chakabva pushes at it with hard hands and gets it uppishly towards square leg. |
| 111.2 : R Chase to Chakabva, This time it is much more well-controlled as he flicks it to the same region for a single. |
| 111.3 : R Chase to Cremer, Flighted delivery, Cremer strides forward and blocks it solidly. |
| 111.4 : R Chase to Cremer, On middle, turning down the leg side. Graemer opts to pad it away. Oohs and Aahs from the Windies. |
| 111.5 : R Chase to Cremer, Comes forward to this one and buries it into the track. |
| 111.6 : R Chase to Cremer, Some air given to this one, pushed back to the bowler who mimes a throw to the keeper. |
| 112.1 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, On a flatter trajectory outside off, Regis lunges forward in defense. |
| 112.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Drifting into Regis who clips it around the corner to rotate strike. |
| 112.3 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Outside off, spinning away. Graeme lets it be. |
| 112.4 : D Bishoo to G Cremer, Half-volley outside off, driven sweetly but straight to Chase at extra cover. |
| 112.5 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Shortish delivery on off, Cremer punches it hard but straight to Bishoo who makes a good stop. |
| 112.6 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Flatter and quicker around off, Cremer plants his front foot across and sees it through safely. |
| 113.1 : R Chase to Chakabva, On middle and leg, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 0.0 : Defensive tactics from the visitors. Easy singles are on offer and they are allowing this pair to settle in. Holder needs to be more attacking if he is to pick up the last couple of wickets. Perhaps, bring in a silly point and leg gully as well to put more pressure on the batsmen. |
| 113.2 : R Chase to Chakabva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 113.3 : R Chase to Chakabva, Hangs deep in the crease to the flatter delivery and turns it to short fine leg. |
| 113.4 : R Chase to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery, Chakabva blocks it right under his nose. |
| 113.5 : R Chase to Chakabva, Similar delivery, dealt with expertly off the front foot. |
| 113.6 : R Chase to Chakabva, Chase bowls this one on a shorter length. Chakabva hangs back and looks to tuck it across but is hit on the pads. |
| 114.1 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Flighted delivery, Cremer lunges forward in defense. |
| 114.2 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Slow through the air, Cremer comes forward to smother the spin. |
| 114.3 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Flatter one, Cremer camps back and punches it to short cover. |
| 114.4 : D Bishoo to Cremer, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 114.5 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Room on offer, Cremer cuts it nicely but Hetmyer at extra cover dives to his left to make a good save. He has been really sharp today. |
| 114.6 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Driven with the spin to covers this time. |
| 115.1 : R Chase to Chakabva, FOUR! That's a gift and it is duly accepted! Half-tracker on off, Chakabva rocks back and pulls it over the square leg fielder to pick up a boundary. |
| 115.2 : R Chase to Chakabva, Air given on this one, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 115.3 : R Chase to Chakabva, Waits for this one and tucks it towards short leg. |
| 115.4 : R Chase to Chakabva, This around the wicket is not working for Chase. Chakabva is looking assured as he blocks it to the leg side again. |
| 115.5 : R Chase to Chakabva, Around the pads, Regis tickles it past the keeper towards fine leg. A couple taken. |
| 115.6 : R Chase to Chakabva, Comes forward confidently and smothers the turn. |
| 116.1 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Quick one outside off, left alone. |
| 116.2 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Outside off, spinning away. Cremer makes a watchful leave. |
| 116.3 : D Bishoo to Cremer, On a flatter trajectory again, Cremer hangs back and keeps it out. |
| 116.4 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Spinning away from Graeme who pushes it off the front foot to short cover. |
| 116.5 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Quick again, Cremer stays back and places it to backward point. |
| 116.6 : D Bishoo to G Cremer, Full delivery, Graeme knocks it down to long off for a run. |
| 117.1 : R Chase to Cremer, Stays in the crease and punches it back to Chase. |
| 117.2 : R Chase to Cremer, Spinning down the leg side, helped to short fine leg. |
| 117.3 : R Chase to Cremer, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 117.4 : R Chase to Cremer, Sloppy work! Short in length, Cremer pushes it off the back foot towards Holder at mid on who makes a mess of it. Concedes a run. |
| 117.5 : R Chase to Chakabva, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 117.6 : R Chase to Chakabva, Flighted delivery, Chakabva meets the ball at its pitch and kills it on the turf. |
| Kraigg Brathwaite comes on for a bowl. He was effective in the first innings. Can he break this flourishing stand? |
| 118.1 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Flatter on middle and leg, Cremer hangs back and tucks it towards short leg. |
| 118.2 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Flighted delivery, expecting Cremer to play an expansive shot but he remains composed in his defense. |
| 118.3 : K Brathwaite to G Cremer, Spinning into Cremer who keeps it out off the inner half of the bat. |
| 118.4 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Shortish this time, Cremer hangs back and mistimes his cut to covers. |
| 118.5 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Fuller in length, patted to mid on. |
| 118.6 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, A blockathon is going on at the moment. This is good sensible batting from the duo, they are taking their side towards safe harbors. Strides forward to this one and buries it into the track. |
| 119.1 : R Chase to Chakabva, Spinning towards the pads, tucked to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 119.2 : R Chase to Chakabva, Hangs deep in the crease and milks it easily through wide mid on to rotate strike. |
| 119.3 : R Chase to Cremer, Quicker in pace, Graeme punches it to the left of silly mid on who makes a decent stop. |
| 119.4 : R Chase to Cremer, Spinning in sharply from outside off, Cremer looks to block it but is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 119.5 : R Chase to Cremer, On a flatter trajectory, pushed off the back foot to short cover. |
| 119.6 : R Chase to Cremer, Cremer leans ahead, meets the ball at its pitch and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 120.1 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Good running! Spinning in from outside off, stays a bit low. Chakabva plays it with soft hands towards backward square leg and calls for a couple. Roach sprints in from the deep and the keeper takes on his arms. Two runs safely taken. Roach has a great arm but the running was really good. |
| 120.2 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Tossed up outside off, Regis presses forward and defends it nicely. |
| 120.3 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Waits for this one to spin in and works it in the vacant square leg region for a run. |
| 120.4 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Plants his front foot across to the flighted delivery and stonewalls it. |
| 120.5 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, This one stays low outside off, Cremer adjusts and keeps it out. |
| 120.6 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Leans ahead and eases it off the front foot to covers. |
| 121.1 : R Chase to Chakabva, Flighted delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 121.2 : R Chase to Chakabva, Nicely bowled! This one goes away with the arm. Chakabva hangs back to defend it expecting it to spin in but gets beaten. |
| 121.3 : R Chase to Chakabva, Full delivery on middle, knocked down to long on for a single. |
| 121.4 : R Chase to Cremer, Wide down the leg side, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 121.5 : R Chase to Cremer, Cremer leans into this one and drives it towards silly mid on who stops it with a dive. |
| Holder hasn't attacked enough today. Agreed that these two have been stout in their defense but when you employ attacking fields, it plays on the minds of the batsman and he can throw his wicket away attempting an ambitious shot. |
| 121.6 : R Chase to Cremer, Outside the leg stump, Graeme pads it away. |
| 122.1 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Spinning into Chakabva who blocks it solidly. |
| 122.2 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Slow through the air, Chakabva remains circumspect in approach and defends it again. |
| 122.3 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Outside off, not much turn on this occasion. Regis covers his off stump and lets it go. |
| 122.4 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Moves forward, clips it towards mid on and crosses over for a run. |
| 122.5 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Spinning in towards the pads, Cremer tucks it to fine leg. |
| 122.6 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Well outside off, stays low. Cremer makes use of the depth of the crease and glides it down to third man. Two runs taken. |
| There are seven men on the leg side and two on the off side. |
| 123.1 : R Chase to Chakabva, Around the pads, tucked around the corner for a run. |
| 123.2 : Chase to Cremer, Cremer gets another life! Another big, big moment in the game! A shout for an LBW turned down. Tossed up on middle, spinning in. Cremer strides forward to defend but misses to hit on the pads. Chase appeals politely and the keeper joins in. However, the umpire stays put. Hang on! The Hawk Eye shows three reds. Oh god! Cremer must be thanking his starts. The Windies didn't have any review left as well but the query was so casual that the umpire wasn't moved. The body langu |
| 123.3 : R Chase to G Cremer, Fullish delivery, eased to mid on for a run. |
| 123.4 : R Chase to Chakabva, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 123.5 : R Chase to Chakabva, Hangs deep in the crease and defends it to short leg. |
| 123.6 : R Chase to Chakabva, On middle and leg, turned to the leg side. |
| Devendra Bishoo comes back into the attack. |
| 124.1 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Tossed up outside off, driven with the spin to mid on. |
| 124.2 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Cremer hammers to this one to Bishoo who makes a half-stop. |
| 124.3 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Bishoo comes around the wicket and bowls a fullish delivery around off, played with an angled bat to backward point. |
| 124.4 : D Bishoo to Cremer, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 124.5 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Outside leg stump, Cremer hangs back and blocks it solidly. |
| 124.6 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Full on the pads, whipped to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 125.1 : R Chase to Cremer, Tossed up on middle, blocked solidly off the front foot. |
| 125.2 : R Chase to Cremer, Waits for this one and turns it to short leg. |
| 125.3 : R Chase to Cremer, Tossed up delivery, Cremer lunges forward in defense. |
| 125.4 : R Chase to Cremer, What is happening? Absolutely resigned. Floated on middle, turning in. Cremer prods forward to defend but is hit on the pads. Chase appeals as if he is not interested and the rest of the Windies players stay quiet. This one looks close as well. Well, well, well.. There is no inside edge again and the Hawk Eye shows three reds once again. It seems as if the Windies are playing for a draw. |
| 125.5 : R Chase to Cremer, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 125.6 : R Chase to Cremer, Waits for this one and places it to backward point for a run. |
| 126.1 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Fullish delivery, clipped to mid on. |
| 126.2 : D Bishoo to Cremer, The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 126.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Prods forward to defend it but gets it off the outer half to point. |
| 126.4 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Eases forward to this one and blocks it to short cover. |
| 126.5 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Hangs back to the flat delivery and punches it to covers. |
| 126.6 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Outside off, Cremer stays back and keeps it out. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 5! |
| Another absorbing session of cricket! The mindset of the visitors has been inexplicable, no real energy on the field from them. Agreed that some decisions have gone against them but this is not the way you approach the game. Cremer is riding his luck. He was out on the first ball he faced off Holder but alas, the visitors had exhausted their reviews. That shows how important it is to use the DRS judiciously. |
| On two occasions, Chase trapped Cremer in front of the stumps but they didn't appeal for it. When you don't want something badly, the universe won't assist you. Simon Fry didn't rule the decisions in the visitors' favour and he is not the one to be blamed for it. |
| Credit to Chakabva and Cremer for their resolute display with the bat. They are carrying out a blockathon, it needs a strong mentality to play this way. Now, it seems that the match is heading towards a draw unless West Indies produce something spectacular. Join us in a bit to find out. |
| ... Day 5, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session. Minimum of 32 overs are left in the day's play. Will we see a hustle or will the players go through the motions? Regis Chakabva and Graeme Cremer to continue their batting. Roston Chase to continue his spell. |
| 127.1 : R Chase to Chakabva, Tossed up on off, Chakabva puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 127.2 : R Chase to Chakabva, Tossed up on middle, spinning down. Chakabva tries to block it but is hit on the pads. A casual appeal follows but it is turned down. The replays show it was going down leg. |
| 127.3 : R Chase to Chakabva, Outside leg stump, Chakabva presses forward in defense. |
| 127.4 : R Chase to Chakabva, Slow through the air on middle and leg, Chakabva waits for it and turns it to backward square leg. A run taken. That brings up the 50-run stand. This might well turn out to be the match-saving partnership. |
| 127.5 : R Chase to Cremer, Shortish delivery, punched to long on for a run. |
| 127.6 : R Chase to Chakabva, Tossed up delivery, dealt with expertly. |
| 128.1 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Drifting in towards middle and off, Cremer defends it with his bat and pad close together. A polite inquiry from Bishoo is turned down. |
| 128.2 : D Bishoo to G Cremer, Floated delivery, eased to mid off. |
| 128.3 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Outside off, cut away with the spin to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 128.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 128.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Quicker one on off, stays low. Regis defends it nicely. |
| 128.6 : D Bishoo to R Chakabva, Edged but safe! Tossed up on off, Chakabva prods forward to defend but gets an outside edge that falls short of first slip. |
| 129.1 : R Chase to Cremer, Hangs deep in the crease and punches it to mid on. |
| 129.2 : R Chase to Cremer, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 129.3 : R Chase to Cremer, On a flatter trajectory, Cremer sits deep in the crease and keeps it out. |
| 129.4 : R Chase to Cremer, How is that for bounce? On middle, shoots off the deck and spins down as Cremer tries to tuck it but misses. Chase should have been bowled more. He extracted good bounce and spin from the track in the first innings as well. Holder needed to be more proactive. |
| 129.5 : R Chase to Cremer, Flatter this time, kept out watchfully. |
| 129.6 : R Chase to Cremer, Shorter on middle, punched off the back foot. |
| 130.1 : D Bishoo to R Chakabva, Full delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 130.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 130.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Flatter delivery on off, kept out off the back foot to cover-point. |
| 130.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Very full delivery, jammed out smartly. |
| 130.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, A late appeal for a catch turned down! Around off, spinning away. Chakabva tries to defend it but misses. The keeper collects it. Bishoo is curious but there was no outside edge on that one. |
| 130.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, 4th Test fifty for Regis Chakabva! Take a bow! What a knock under pressure. He has struggled with the bat and gloves throughout the series but the wicket-keeper has shown great character today. Coming back to the delivery, it is on middle and leg. Regis turns it through square leg for a run. |
| 131.1 : R Chase to Chakabva, Stays back to this one and defends it nicely. |
| 131.2 : R Chase to Chakabva, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 131.3 : R Chase to Chakabva, Down the leg side, tickled around the corner. |
| 131.4 : R Chase to Chakabva, Tossed up outside off, defended off the front foot. |
| 131.5 : R Chase to Chakabva, Good fielding, Powell! Tossed up delivery, Chakabva drills it straight down the ground. Powell from long on goes to his left and dives to make a good stop. Two runs taken. |
| 131.6 : R Chase to Chakabva, Straying on the pads, clipped to the man at 45 for a run. |
| 132.1 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Strides forward to this one and blocks it. |
| 132.2 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Around off, spinning away. Regis lets it go. |
| 132.3 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Outside off, stays very low. Chakabva doesn't fiddle with it. A really good take from Dowrich. |
| 132.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 132.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Floated outside off, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| 132.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Two Byes! That beat everything. Shortish delivery, Chakabva goes for the big pull but misses. It stays extremely low and goes past the keeper as well. Two runs taken. That was so close to the off pole. |
| Kraigg Brathwaite is brought back into the attack. |
| 133.1 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Stays back to the tossed up delivery and blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 133.2 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Around off, Cremer makes good use of the crease to block it. |
| 133.3 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, This one spins away sharply as Cremer attempts the cut but chops it to the off side. |
| 133.4 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Full on middle, Graeme hammers it past the bowler. A run taken. |
| 133.5 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Waits for the ball to turn into him and tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 133.6 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Some nice flight on this one, dealt with nicely off the front foot. |
| 134.1 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Slow through the air, Cremer strides forward and eases it to covers. |
| 134.2 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Drifting in towards Cremer who strides forward and blocks it right under his nose. |
| 134.3 : D Bishoo to Cremer, Full outside off, Cremer plays an expansive drive to sweeper cover for a run. Confident batting from him. |
| 134.4 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Short delivery, staying low. Chakabva shapes for the cut but bottom edges it down the track. |
| 134.5 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 134.6 : D Bishoo to Chakabva, Fraction short this time, punched off the back foot through extra cover for a run. |
| 135.1 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, The lead touches 150 for Zimbabwe! It has been a really good effort from them. Low full toss on leg stump, Chakabva knocks it down to long on for a single. |
| 135.2 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Slow turn on this one, down the leg side. Cremer tries to tuck it away but misses. |
| 135.3 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Fullish on leg stump, worked to the fielder at mid-wicket. |
| 135.4 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Slow through the air around off stump, Graeme strides forward and blocks it. |
| 135.5 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Good to see such an effort from Gabriel! On the pads, Cremer clips it nicely towards short fine leg. The big man dives to his right and saves a certain boundary. A run taken. |
| 135.6 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, On a flatter trajectory outside off, Regis camps back and punches it to covers. |
| Jermaine Blackwood comes back to bowl. |
| 136.1 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Starts off with a shorter length delivery around off, Cremer hangs back and punches it with the spin to long on. A run taken. |
| 136.2 : J Blackwood to Chakabva, Slow through the air around off, turning in. Chakabva turns it through square leg for a single. |
| 136.3 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Short delivery down the leg side, Cremer plays it with soft hands around the corner for a run. |
| 136.4 : J Blackwood to Chakabva, Quicker through the air on leg stump, Regis hangs back and tucks it to square leg. A single taken. |
| 136.5 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Almost chopped it on! Shortish delivery around off, stays a bit low. Cremer goes for a full fledged pull but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 136.6 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Waits for this one deep in the crease and works it with the spin to backward square leg. |
| 137.1 : K Brathwaite to R Chakabva, Tossed up on middle and fullish in length. Chakabva defends it off the inner half towards square leg. |
| 137.2 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Spinning in sharply from outside off, Chakabva hangs back and keeps it out. |
| 137.3 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Flighted ball on leg stump, Cremer clears his front leg and milks it down to long on for a single. |
| 137.4 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Tossed up outside off, spinning in. Regis stays back and blocks it. |
| 137.5 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Loopy ball on leg stump, Chakabva uses his feet and clips it through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 137.6 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Slow through the air on off, Chakabva drills it past the bowler and towards long off. The long on fielder cuts it off and saves two runs for his side. |
| 138.1 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Full delivery outside off, Cremer slices it towards deep point. A couple taken. |
| 138.2 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Flighted delivery outside off, eased against the spin to covers. |
| 138.3 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Half-tracker on off, Cremer nails the pull to deep square leg for a run. |
| 138.4 : J Blackwood to Chakabva, Zimbabwe on the attack now! Another half-tracker which stays low. Chakabva goes for the big pull but gets it off the bottom half of the bat. The ball flies towards deep mid-wicket but falls well short of the fielder. A run taken. |
| 138.5 : J Blackwood to G Cremer, Floated outside off, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| 138.6 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Full delivery on the pads, nudged to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 139.1 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Flatter delivery on off, kept out watchfully. |
| 139.2 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Tossed up on leg stump, Cremer is nimble on his feet as he milks it down to long on. A run taken. |
| 139.3 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Flighted on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 139.4 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Stays back in the crease and clips it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 139.5 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, That again kept low! Shortish outside off, Chakabva goes for the cut but misses. |
| 139.6 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Quicker one on the stumps, Regis presses forward in defense. |
| 140.1 : J Blackwood to Cremer, That was close! Floated around off, Cremer defends it off his back foot. The ball rolls towards the stumps but Cremer is aware of it. He pushes it away from his boot. |
| 140.2 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Quick and flat on middle, blocked to the leg side. |
| 140.3 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Quick delivery, spinning in. Cremer hangs back and knocks it down to long on for a single. |
| 140.4 : J Blackwood to Chakabva, Bye! Sharp turn and bounce from outside off, Chakabva gets surprised and is beaten. The keeper is taken aback as well. A single taken. |
| 140.5 : J Blackwood to Cremer, A stifled appeal for an LBW is denied! Well outside off, spinning in. Cremer prods forward and is hit on the pads. Blackwood is the only one who is appealing but to no avail. The impact seemed to be well outside off. |
| 140.6 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Bye! Fires this one down the leg side, Cremer looks to clip it away but misses. The ball stays low and Dowrich fails to collect it cleanly. A bye conceded. It has been a difficult track for the keepers. Variable bounce on several occasions have made life difficult for them. |
| 141.1 : K Brathwaite to Cremer, Kraigg keeps it full on the pads, whipped away towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 141.2 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Short and outside off, Chakabva makes room and cuts it late behind point to collect a brace. |
| 141.3 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Short, flat and outside off, Regis stays back and then at the last moment dabs it past the keeper. Two more added to the total. |
| 141.4 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, On the leg stump, clipped towards square leg. |
| 141.5 : K Brathwaite to Chakabva, Fires it full around middle and leg, played towards mid-wicket. |
| 141.6 : K Brathwaite to R Chakabva, FOUR! What a shot! He knew the field is up and hence takes the aerial route. Brathwaite tosses it up outside off, Chakabva gets down and smokes it over mid off for a boundary. Brings up the 300 for his side as well. |
| 142.1 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Spinning in from outside off, Cremer stays back and nudges it to mid-wicket. |
| 142.2 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Waits for this one and has ample time to work it towards square leg. |
| 142.3 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Just short! Loopy ball on off, Cremer looks to turn it across but is early into it. Ends up chipping it uppishly towards Brathwaite at silly mid on. He dives in front but can only take it on the bounce. Blackwood has a long followthrough this time and also a wry smile on his face. |
| 142.4 : J Blackwood to Cremer, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 142.5 : J Blackwood to Cremer, Turning in sharply from outside off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 142.6 : J Blackwood to Cremer, That one was vicious! Turning and bouncing appreciable, Cremer tries to keep it out but is hit on the pads. |
| Kieran Powell to roll his arm over now. He will be bowling gentle medium pace. Holder is trying out everything. A spread out field for him. |
| 143.1 : K Powell to Chakabva, Fullish on off, tapped with soft hands to short cover. |
| Something for the crowd to cheer for. Powell stops in his delivery stride and stares at Cremer who was out of his crease. Tries to warn him with Mankading. |
| 143.2 : K Powell to Chakabva, Length delivery outside off, Chakabva doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 143.3 : K Powell to Chakabva, Short delivery outside off, Regis punches it firmly to covers. |
| 143.4 : K Powell to Chakabva, Good length delivery around off, eased off the front foot to covers. |
| 143.5 : K Powell to Chakabva, Angling in on a length from outside off, Regis plays it with an open bat face to backward point. |
| 143.6 : K Powell to Chakabva, Length delivery on off, stays low. Chakabva adjusts well to block it. |
| That's it, THE MATCH ENDS IN A DRAW! Both the skippers have a word with each other and decide to call it a game after having a conversation with the umpires. A match which has seen a lot of eventful moments but shuts in a tame manner. Special mention needs to be given to the pair of Cremer and Chakabva who were resolute when it mattered the most while Raza was the hero for them. |
| The Windies take the 2-match Test series 1-0, their first one away from home in 5 years. However, they will be disappointed with the result of this game as they were the firm favourites heading into Day 5 but didn't have enough gas left in them. They picked up two wickets in the first session but the valiant Raza carried on to lead the fight for the home side. Though he departed and Cremer got a reprieve thrice, nothing can be taken away from the Zimbabwe skipper and Chakabva. They stitched the |
| Earlier, the hosts put up a commendable show with the bat, going past the 300-run mark courtesy a brilliant century from Masakadza and an enterprising 80 from Raza. The visitors responded in style. Though they were teetering at 230-7 as Raza spun a web with a 5-wicket haul but the pair of Holder and Dowrich stitched a record-breaking 212-run stand for the 8th wicket, bailing their side out from a precarious situation. Both of them scored a century to earn a 122-run lead. |
| It seemed that Zimbabwe would crumble under pressure when they were 46/4 but it was again that man, Raza who showed tremendous resilience. He found an able ally in Moor and weaved a 98-run partnership with him to go beyond parity. Raza became only the second player after Kallis to score twin eighties and take a 5-fer in a Test, a record he will be proud of. Once the duo departed, the tourists were once again on the prowl but Chakabva and Cremer started a blockathon and Holder went defensive. He |
| Zimbabwe skipper, Graeme Cremer feels really good to come back from behind and says he has a team that has the potential to fight. Rues the dropped catches which has cost them. Opines the wicket wasn't doing anything either and that is why those dropped chances proved costly even more. On the Reviews, he laughs and says whoever bowls in his team and hit the pads, they want to get it reviewed. States the confidence should come from the keeper if one has to opt for the DRS. Praises Sikandar Raza, |
| Man of the Match, Sikandar Raza says that they put emphasis on fitness and they have followed the protocol well. Adds that it feels good that they have improved as a side. Mentions that he was not aware of the record and is humbled after becoming aware. Adds that having his name along side a legend like Jacques Kallis is an honour for him. States that they are playing a Test match in December. Rues the fact that he had a poor first Test match but he came back well this time and he is also please |
| Man of the Series, Devendra Bishoo is really elated to get the award especially after having a tough time in England. Adds the pitch was a bit slower in the second Test and he found it really tough to get going. Informs he keeps practicing in the nets on his variations, especially on the googlies and is happy to execute it well here. He is really looking forward to New Zealand. |
| Windies skipper, Jason Holder says that it feels really good. Mentions that they have been playing decent cricket since a year but didn't end up on the right side. Adds that he is happy to win a series in Zimbabwe. States the conditions were tough and the DRS errors didn't help their cause. Credits Zimbabwe for the way the played. Feels that it is always good to play competitive cricket. Lauds Graeme Cremer and the other spinners for bowling well. Reckons that it would be good if there is a litt |
| That brings us to the close of an entertaining series. The hosts have fared fairly well to prove their caliber on the biggest stage. It will do them a world of good if they are given opportunities against top nations. On the other hand, the Windies would be satisfied with their performances but still a lot is to be desired. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. Join us for future games. Till then, adios and take care! |
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