Zimbabwe have seen off a late bid by the West Indies to power an unlikely outcome on the final day’s play as they completed on 6-134 of their second innings of the drawn first Test.
Zimbabwe have been set 272 to win with 49 overs left on the ultimate afternoon on Wednesday, however by no means significantly chased their goal.
They have been comfortably positioned for the draw on 2-83 within the twenty third over earlier than spin bowlers Gudakesh Motie (4-50) and Roston Chase (2-9) despatched late flutters by means of the house dressing room.
Wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga’s 83-ball unbeaten 23 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 almost certainly outcome when rain hampered the beginning of the Test with solely 89 overs attainable on the primary two days after West Indies had opted to bat.
Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul set a brand new West Indies file of 336 for a gap partnership on day three earlier than declaring on 6-447.
Zimbabwe replied with 9-379, together with an unbeaten 137 on debut from former England left-hander Gary Ballance, earlier than they declared late on day 4.
The guests have been 0-21 in a single day and on the final day sought to attain rapidly, declaring on 5-203 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 together with his career-best figures in his second Test.
“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 closing Test, additionally on the Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe’s second metropolis, begins on Sunday.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
