Late strikes reignite Zimbabwe’s hope but Pakistan still hold fort after centuries from Azhar, Abid
A potent second new-ball burst from pacer Blessing Muzarabani reignited Zimbabwe’s hopes of a comeback but hundreds from Azhar Ali and Abid Ali meant Pakistan still held control of the fort after Day 1 of the second Test in Harare.
In a world-class exhibition of skill and control, Muzarabani triggered the quick departure of experienced Azhar, skipper Babar Azam and in-form Fawad Alam to bring the hosts back in the game after a day spent largely chasing the leather.
Muzarabani ended with fantastic figures of 3/41 off his 19 overs, once again showing why he is one of the most exciting young talents that Zimbabwe have produced in the last decade.
But despite Muzarabani’s stand-out bowling display, Pakistan could claim the day with the team score of 268/4 after winning the toss and opting to bat first, thanks largely to resolute centuries from Azhar and Abid.
The duo stitched an excellent second-wicket partnership of 236 runs that helped Pakistan control most of Day 1. Showing exemplary defense and patience, while Azhar made 126 runs off 240 deliveries before being dismissed, Abid remained unbeaten through the day with 118 not out off 246 balls.
Late strikes reignite Zimbabwe’s hope but Pakistan still hold fort after centuries from Azhar, Abid
Despite the opposition attack not being of the highest quality, Azhar and Abid never dropped their guard and kept focus on the larger goal of elongating their stay at the crease and push Pakistan towards ascendancy after the early departure of Imran Butt (2).
It was the third Test century for Abid in his 12-Test-long career, which has progressed well despite many doubting whether he has the technical acumen to serve Pakistan long. And for Azhar, who has looked rejuvenated with the bat since being relieved off captaincy duties late last year, the 18th instance of raising his bat after a Test hundred for his country.
With 6,579 runs to his name after 162 innings from 87 Tests, Azhar is now one of Pakistan’s highest run-maker in Test history, with only Younis Khan, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf – in the descending order – ahead of him in the list.
After a quiet first hour, Zimbabwe had much to rue about their bowling attack as it didn’t threaten to disturb the wickets column as much and couldn’t also keep a tight leash on run-scoring for too long.
Besides Muzarabani, on whom Zimbabwe will depend significantly on Day 2, only Richard Ngarava (1/35) ended the play with respectful figures. Tendai Chisoro (0/80), Donald Tiripano (0/46) and Luke Jongwe (0/32) looked short of depth and discipline to trouble the Pakistan batting.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 268/4 in 90 overs (Azhar Ali 126, Abid Ali 118*; Blessing Muzarabani 3/41, Richard Ngarava 1/35) versus Zimbabwe