Zimbabwe noticed off a late bid by West Indies to pressure an unlikely consequence on the final day’s play as they completed on 134 for six of their second innings of the drawn first take a look at on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe have been set 272 to win with 49 overs left on the ultimate afternoon, however by no means critically chased their goal and have been 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.
A drawn consequence on Day 5️⃣ for the first Take a look at in Zimbabwe.#ZIMvWI #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/yauP8QjW5o
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 8, 2023
“After shedding a complete day, I believe it was a commendable effort from us to get near a victory, so effectively carried out to us,” West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite stated on the post-match presentation.
“But additionally Zimbabwe batted very effectively. I believe total, I’m happy with the crew effort.”
A draw had appeared the most certainly consequence when rain hampered the beginning of the take a look at with solely 89 overs doable on the primary two days after West Indies had opted to bat.
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul set a brand new West Indies report of 336 runs for a gap take a look at 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.
If a double century does not get you Man of the Match, nothing else will. 👏
Properly deserved, Tage.#ZIMvWI #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/SKTxrqOYgC
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 8, 2023
The guests have 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 together with his career-best figures in his second take a look at.
“It felt like ceaselessly!,” Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine stated of the ultimate few overs. “I believed there was plenty of battle within the boys over the entire 5 days. I’ve informed the blokes to exit and categorical themselves and so they have carried out that very effectively.”
The second and ultimate take a look at, additionally on the Queens Sports activities Membership in Zimbabwe’s second metropolis, begins on Sunday.