Fawad fifty keeps Pakistan in control despite fall of wickets

Middle-order batsman Fawad Alam took charge of Pakistan’s innings with a composed fifty to guide his side to 261 runs for the loss of four wickets after a flurry of wickets to stretch the lead to 85 runs as the teams headed for tea on day two of the first Test against Zimbabwe on Friday.

Pakistan’s batsmen managed to add 99 runs in 29 overs during the second session for the loss of three wickets.

Starting the second session in a strong position, batsman Azhar Ali had a severe lapse in judgment edging a wide delivery to fielder Musakanda at gully off the bowling of Tiripano after scoring 36 runs off 70 balls.

Tiripano next removed skipper Babar Azam for a golden duck after the batsman was caught by fielder Kaia.

Imran Butt, who had been exceptional in the middle, was then caught behind by wicketkeeper Chakabva off the bowling of pacer Ngarava after scoring 91 runs off 236 balls.

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Fawad and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten at tea with scores of 50 runs off 74 balls and 13 runs off 32 balls, respectively.

Tiripano was the pick of the bowlers in the second session for Zimbabwe after taking two important wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan had started the day with a score of 103 for no loss. Openers Imran Butt and Abid Ali looked solid at the crease for most of the first session.

Spinner Tendai Chisoro finally ended Abid Ali’s knock as he tempted him with a wide delivery outside off stump. Abid took the bait and slashed at the ball leading to an edge that carried easily into the hands of captain Brendan Taylor on first slip.

The opening partnership was worth a massive 115 runs off 270 balls.

Batsman Azhar Ali came in next and seemed comfortable in the middle.

Butt and Azhar combined for a 47-run unbeaten partnership off 107 balls to guide Pakistan to lunch, without any further losses. 

Imran Butt remained unbeaten after scoring 71 runs off 179 balls while Azhar Ali was not out on 23 runs off 57 balls at lunch.

Chisoro was the only successful bowler in the first session from Zimbabwe picking up the solitary wicket of opener Abid Ali.