FOR a game largely disrupted by rain, the first Test between Zimbabwe and West Indies was more entertaining than expected.
Records tumbled, as the West Indies duo of Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul dominated with the bat, with the latter becoming only the tenth player from the Caribbean to convert his maiden Test hundred into a double ton on his way to 207 off 467 balls.
The two combined for the highest opening partnership by a West Indies duo in Test cricket with their 336-run score.
They also became the first opening pair to bat for more than 100 overs in a Test innings since Marvan Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya against Pakistan 23 years ago.
Not to be outdone, Gary Ballance not only scored his first century for Zimbabwe, but his unbeaten 137 off 231 balls also saw him become the highest Zimbabwe Test scorer on debut.
He beat the previous scores by his coach Dave Houghton (121) and Hamilton Masakadza (119).
Another debutant, Brendon Mavuta, one of many, recorded his first international five-for and added a maiden half-century.
These are among a litany of highlights during the first and very entertaining Test between the two sides.
It had everything but a result.
With over 90 overs lost due to the rains, the best the two sides could muster was a draw. The Chevrons coach Dave Houghton has since rallied his charges ahead of the second and final Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo today.
The two sides had an intriguing five days of cricket in the first Test, which saw the visitors declaring twice from scores of 447/6 and 203/5, while the hosts declared once at 379/9 before holding their nerve to force a draw on the last day.
Houghton, who is credited with transforming the Chevrons and infusing his “fearless cricket” philosophy into the team, praised his team for their performance during the first match last week.
“I was delighted with our performance, particularly how we navigated our way through pressure situations,” said the former Chevrons’ skipper.
“At 320 for no loss, our bowlers could easily have thrown in the towel, but they didn’t and took six wickets for 100.
“(Brandon) Mavuta got his Test five-wicket haul.
“The same praise applies to our batting.
“We had a great start, then lost a steady flow of wickets. At 147/6, you could have worried that you are not going to pass the follow-on. Instead, we passed it and Ballance made a chanceless ton.
“Mavuta also had a classy 50, enabling us to declare 70 runs behind and try to set up a win.
“I was a little sad we didn’t get closer in the chase, but we batted well under pressure again to secure a well-fought draw.”
Zimbabwe declared in the first innings while trailing by 68 runs, a decision that surprised a few fans and pundits.
However, it has since been described as “brave”, as it showed the team’s desire to force a result.
“We wanted to find a way to win, and that was it,” said Houghton.
“A draw is a result we take if we can’t win, but our first objective is to find a way to win.
“It was a very fair declaration from WI (West Indies) as well, which saw both teams in with a chance to win.”
With the two sides now shifting their focus to the final Test, Houghton believes the bowlers have to come to the party if Zimbabwe is to clinch the series.
He is, however, aware that it will not be an easy task.
“We need to have five bowlers if we have any chance of getting the 20 wickets we need to win the game.
“Even though we are on dry spinning wickets, our seamers need to be more in the game.
“They bowled well without reward during the first Test, and it will be great to get more wickets from them this time around.
“We are as ready as we can be.
“They (West Indies) will come even harder at us in the next game, and so, we will be tested. However, we are ready.”
Zimbabwe are set to continue missing out on the services of Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani through injury, while Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl have franchise commitments abroad.
Houghton believes the absence of these senior players widens the selection base for the national team. – Sunday Mail
