[Match Thread] Zimbabwe Pakistan 2nd test

[betterdays]

The reason i am furious is the lack of fight here which could have been averted. The top 3 in previous test lead to our lowest ever total against Pak-a record. Still, what was memorable was the fight by Raza-Waller, Waller-Chiggs partnership which took the game to 5th day.

the second innings was embarrassing but as far as "fight" is concerned: Tino faced 4.1 overs, Vusi 4.3, Chigs 5.5, Waller 6.3 and "head-and-shoulders-above" is Raza who faced 9.0 overs (Mutumbami faced 9.1 to win the "fight"!)...obviously the openers were not going at any pace as that would be criticise-worthy.

On the other hand, Vusi faced only 15 balls less than Waller in the first innings and the top three laid the platform for a first innings lead - when was the last time we did that - by actually seeing off the shine and toughing it out (#4 came in in the 27th over). brmt says it better but you cannot ask for a new top three and expect better. but, one still has to feel a bit for Raza - with Taylor returning someone was always going to be missing out tho

will be interesting to see how it plays out tomorrow

[jaybro]

Looks like the boys blew the chance to really own the 1st day oh well cant say we're surprised ...

How is the pitch playing ?? maybe if we get to 250 and get them out for about the same we're still in for a good show .....

Shingi left out is strange although i think we may not have pulled up well after the big workload in the 1st test ......

Would have liked to see Williams play but couldn't find room for him .....

Vusi is safe for now but if some one has a big 1st class season opening the batting he might have to start scoring some runs ......

[foreignfield]

How is the pitch playing ?? maybe if we get to 250 and get them out for about the same we're still in for a good show .....

Looked okay for most of the day but in the evening balls started to misbehave. The one that got Chigs shot along the ground as if it was day five.

[Jemisi]

I am impressed we managed to last the day after the collapse came on. Good on Utseya for hanging around and Panyangara for making an impact. Hopefully we can add another 15 or so for each of these wickets and make it to 270. If Chigs' dismissal is a portent, we may have a chance of getting a few pitch assisted wickets.

[betterdays]

the first hour is really when Junaid got the ball to sing (he got it talking most of the day) - aren't we wasting that if we sit out the first hour for 12-15 runs more nd all out!!?

[bayhaus]

Waller looked brilliant, especially those drives off Ajmal and Rehman; a much different player compared to the Waller in the West Indies who had no idea/clue how to face Shillingford.

I have not been a fan of Waller from the beginning but he has won me over with his positive play and he it seems like he he does not like to give his wicket easily. Certainly not as talented as the top 5 even not as talented as Elton, but he has heart! And he makes the most of what he does have.

[foreignfield]

Chatara is enjoying the giddy heights of number 10. 20 balls survived, that's personal record.

[foreignfield]

the first hour is really when Junaid got the ball to sing (he got it talking most of the day) - aren't we wasting that if we sit out the first hour for 12-15 runs more nd all out!!?

No big arias this morning so far.

[betterdays]

the first hour is really when Junaid got the ball to sing (he got it talking most of the day) - aren't we wasting that if we sit out the first hour for 12-15 runs more nd all out!!?

No big arias this morning so far.

is it a good idea to prove it to the pakisrani openners

[foreignfield]

Nice to see the tail wagging for Zim for a change, and not against.

Fifty up for Chatara! (Balls faced, that is)