Fawad century highlights day two as Pakistan dominate

Middle-order batsman Fawad Alam took charge of Pakistan’s innings with a composed hundred to guide his side to a dominant score of 374 runs for the loss of six wickets to stretch his side’s lead to 198 runs as stumps were called on day two of the first Test against Zimbabwe on Friday.

Pakistan’s batsmen managed to add a total of 271 runs for the loss of six wickets on day two to their overnight score.

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.

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

However, in the second session as Pakistan started 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.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan was the first casualty in the third session after being removed by pacer Blessing Muzarabani after scoring 45 runs off 106 balls.

Tiripano then dismissed all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for a duck, caught by fielder Chisoro.

Fawad Alam however ensured that Pakistan’s strong foundation was not wasted ending the day unbeaten after scoring 108 runs off 155 balls.

Tailender Hasan Ali also remained unbeaten at the other end after scoring 21 runs off 18 balls.

Pacer Donald Tiripano was the most successful bowler from Zimbabwe picking up three important wickets for his side.