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Zimbabwe counter-attack as Pakistan search for series win

After being bundled out for 132 runs in the first session, Zimbabwe’s batsmen came out with positive intent when asked to follow on

Zimbabwe counter-attack as Pakistan search for series win PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

Zimbabwe tried to fight back in the second session of day three after being dominated by Pakistan for a majority of the second Test moving to tea with a scoreline of 98 for the loss of two wickets after being bundled out for 132 in the first innings. Although, the home side still trails by 280 runs. 

Pakistan currently lead the two-match Test series one-nil and look poised to win the second match as well, despite Zimbabwe’s resistance, after their dominant display thus far.

After being bundled out for 132 runs in the first session, Zimbabwe’s batsmen came out with positive intent when asked to follow on.

Opener Tarisai Musakanda (eight off 13 balls) was the first to depart off the bowling of pacer Shaheen Shah, caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

Opener Kevin Kasuza departed next, bowled by spinner Nauman Ali, after scoring 22 runs off 73 balls.

Batsmen Regis Chakabva and Brendan Taylor, however, went after Pakistan’s bowling in a bid to release some pressure.

Chakabva ended the session on 43 runs off 61 balls while Taylor remains unbeaten on the other end at 24 runs off 15 balls as the teams head for tea. 

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Shaheen Shah and Nauman Ali picked up one wicket each for their side in the second session.

Earlier, Pakistan continued their dominant run by bundling Zimbabwe out for 132 runs in their first innings, during the first session on day three of the second Test at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Sunday.

Zimbabwe started the day on 52 runs for the loss of four wickets and were quickly rattled by the fiery pacer Hasan Ali.

Tendai Chisoro (one off 21 balls) was the first to depart off the bowling of Hasan, caught safely by fielder Imran Butt.

Regis Chakabva, who had been solid in the middle, was Hasan’s next victim, caught by fielder Abid Ali, after scoring 33 runs off 92 balls.

A beautiful delivery that swung in late completely bamboozled all-rounder Luke Jongwe (19 off 24 balls), who left the ball only to see it crash into his off stump. 

Off-spinner Sajid Khan then removed batsman Donald Tiripano (23 off 56 balls), caught by substitute fielder Saud Shakeel, as Pakistan looked to wrap up Zimbabwe’s innings for a low total.

Hasan Ali’s next victim was batsman Roy Kaia (11 off 52 balls), caught expertly by fielder Azhar Ali at gully, as the pacer completed a much-deserved five-wicket haul.

Tailender Blessing Muzarabani (seven off 15 balls) was the last man to depart, run-out after a lazy attempt to make his mark, as Pakistan wrapped up Zimbabwe’s innings.

Hasan Ali was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan after taking five wickets at the expense of 27 runs.

Pakistan had enforced the follow-on which meant that Zimbabwe had to bat again, trailing by 378 runs.