Sports / Cricket
Zimbabwe makes an impressive return to test cricket
04 Aug 2011 at 18:32hrs | Views
Zimbabwe made an impressive return to Test cricket as their top order made Bangladesh's bowlers toil in Harare.
In their first five-day appearance for six years, Zimbabwe amassed 264 for two, led by Vusi Sibanda (78) and Hamilton Masakadza, who will resume on 88 on the first day of a one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
All four of Zimbabwe's top batsmen made runs with Hamilton Masakadza finishing the day unbeaten on 88 with seven fours and a six as he closes in on a second Test century.
Sibanda, who combined with debutant opener Tino Mawoyo in a century stand in the morning session, fell for 78, with seven fours and one six, as the two put on 102 for the first wicket.
Masakadza made his first century 10 years ago on his debut at the age of 17, scoring 119 against West Indies on this same ground.
New skipper Brendan Taylor was also undefeated on Thursday, having made a steady 40 off 108 balls.
After losing the toss, and being put into bat on a greenish wicket by Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hassan, Zimbabwe constructed a foundation for what could be a winning score.
Zimbabwe's batsmen mixed caution with aggression, allowing few chances especially after a scare in the second over of the day when Sibanda was very nearly run out.
Bangladesh, already defeated by a Zimbabwe X1 in a three-day tour match at the weekend, looked shell-shocked by the day's end.
Only 21-year-old medium-pacer Rubel Hossain got wickets and finished with two for 58 off 18 overs.
Mawoyo was the first to fall, caught by Mahmudullah at deep backward point with Sibanda the second to go, midway through the afternoon session, when he edged a short ball to wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim.
Despite the return of Test cricket, the match only attracted fewer than 1,000 people.
But the performance of the Zimbabwe had International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat feeling optimistic over the team's future in the five-day game.
Masakadza and captain Brendan Taylor added 102 unbroken by the close, with the former 12 short of a second Test century overnight having faced 203 balls and hit seven fours and a six.
Taylor will resume on 40 not out at the other end.
In their first five-day appearance for six years, Zimbabwe amassed 264 for two, led by Vusi Sibanda (78) and Hamilton Masakadza, who will resume on 88 on the first day of a one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
All four of Zimbabwe's top batsmen made runs with Hamilton Masakadza finishing the day unbeaten on 88 with seven fours and a six as he closes in on a second Test century.
Sibanda, who combined with debutant opener Tino Mawoyo in a century stand in the morning session, fell for 78, with seven fours and one six, as the two put on 102 for the first wicket.
Masakadza made his first century 10 years ago on his debut at the age of 17, scoring 119 against West Indies on this same ground.
New skipper Brendan Taylor was also undefeated on Thursday, having made a steady 40 off 108 balls.
After losing the toss, and being put into bat on a greenish wicket by Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hassan, Zimbabwe constructed a foundation for what could be a winning score.
Bangladesh, already defeated by a Zimbabwe X1 in a three-day tour match at the weekend, looked shell-shocked by the day's end.
Only 21-year-old medium-pacer Rubel Hossain got wickets and finished with two for 58 off 18 overs.
Mawoyo was the first to fall, caught by Mahmudullah at deep backward point with Sibanda the second to go, midway through the afternoon session, when he edged a short ball to wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim.
Despite the return of Test cricket, the match only attracted fewer than 1,000 people.
But the performance of the Zimbabwe had International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat feeling optimistic over the team's future in the five-day game.
Masakadza and captain Brendan Taylor added 102 unbroken by the close, with the former 12 short of a second Test century overnight having faced 203 balls and hit seven fours and a six.
Taylor will resume on 40 not out at the other end.
Source - Byo24Sports
