Pakistan make steady start in second Zimbabwe Test

Pakistan were off to a solid start despite the early dismissal of opener Imran Butt as opener Abid Ali and batsman Azhar Ali guided their side to 72 runs at lunch on day one of the second Test against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Friday.

Pakistan currently lead the two-match Test series one-nil after winning the first Test against Zimbabwe by an innings and 116 runs.

Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat first on a flat track. Openers Abid Ali and Imran Butt were off to a cautious start as the Zimbabwe bowlers produced disciplined line and lengths.

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Pacer Richard Ngarava got the first breakthrough for his side removing opener Imran Butt, caught by fielder Donald Tiripano, after the batsman had scored just two runs off 20 balls.

Abid Ali was then joined by batsman Azhar Ali for a 60-run unbeaten partnership to guide their side to lunch without any further losses.

Abid Ali remained unbeaten on 34 runs off 88 balls while Azhar Ali occupies the crease on 31 runs off 66 balls as the teams headed for lunch on day one.

Richard Ngarava was the only successful bowler for Zimbabwe, picking up the solitary wicket of opener Imran Butt.