Zimbabwe holds off late West Indies cost to attract first check

Zimbabwe noticed off a late bid by West Indies to drive an unlikely consequence on the final day’s play because it completed on 134 for six in its second innings of the drawn first check on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe was set 272 to win with 49 overs left on the ultimate afternoon, however by no means critically chased its goal and was comfortably positioned for the draw on 83-2 within the twenty third over earlier than spin bowlers Gudakesh Motie (4-50) and Roston Chase (2-9) despatched late flutters via the house dressing-room.

Wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga’s 83-ball rating of 23 not out helped to frustrate the touring facet because the shadows lengthened within the late afternoon.

“After losing a whole day, I think it was a commendable effort from us to get close to a victory, so well done to us,” West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite mentioned on the post-match presentation.

“But also Zimbabwe batted very well. I think overall, I’m pleased with the team effort.”

A draw had appeared the most definitely consequence when rain hampered the beginning of the check with solely 89 overs potential on the primary two days after West Indies had opted to bat.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul set a brand new West Indies file of 336 runs for a gap check partnership on day three earlier than declaring on 447-6.

Zimbabwe replied with 379-9, together with an unbeaten 137 on debut from former England left-hander Gary Ballance, earlier than they declared late on day 4.

The guests had been 21-0 in a single day and on the final day sought to attain rapidly, declaring on 203-5 after lunch, with Raymon Reifer posting 58 and Jermaine Blackwood 57.

Rain briefly delayed Zimbabwe’s second innings earlier than Motie dismissed 4 of the highest 5 batsmen along with his career-best figures in his second check.

“It felt like forever!,” Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine mentioned of the ultimate few overs. “I thought there was a lot of fight in the boys over the whole five days. I have told the guys to go out and express themselves and they have done that very well.”

The second and remaining check, additionally on the Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe’s second metropolis, begins on Sunday.