Debutante Vitori swings Test Zimbabwe’s way

Hosts fight back against Bangladesh after batting collapse.

HARARE:

Debutant Brian Vitori claimed two quick wickets to turn the tide back in Zimbabwe’s favour at stumps on the second day of their one-off Test match against Bangladesh at the Harare Sports Club.

After starting the day looking comfortable on 264 for two in their first-innings, Zimbabwe lost eight wickets in quick succession around lunch. Hamilton Masakadza scored 104 as he resumed after ending day one on 88, and toiled for his runs before completing his century in 235 balls.

Shortly after, he fell to a catch at first slip by Imral Keyes to end a partnership of 142 for the third-wicket with Brendan Taylor. Vusi Sibanda made 78 while Taylor, in an unusually subdued mood, made his fourth Test half-century before being dismissed for 71 as the hosts lost their last seven wickets for 53 runs.

In reply, Bangladesh started badly as Imrul Kayes became Vitori’s first Test victim, caught for just four before Tamim Iqbal was dismissed for 15 with the tourists 36 for two. Shahriar Nafees and former captain Mohammad Ashraful showed resistance and added 66 for the third wicket before the former was bowled by Price for 50 leaving the tourists 263 runs behind their hosts with seven wickets remaining.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2011.