Fawad Alam's fourth Test century put Pakistan in a commanding position against Zimbabwe as they closed the day on 374/6 at Harare Sports Club, on Friday, 30 April. The Zimbabwe bowlers put up a disciplined show in the first session as runs became hard to come by for the tourists. Imran Butt (91) and Abid Ali (60) could only add 12 to their overnight tally of 112 for the opening wicket stand. Then Abid’s edge flew to first slip where Brendan Taylor made no mistake.
Azhar Ali (36) was proactive on the crease. He drove twice off Donald Tiripano, and attempted a cut on the last ball, but could not pierce the gap this time and found Tarisai Musakanda at the gully.
Tiripano struck again on the next ball, got Babar Azam caught at short mid-on, and found himself on the cusp of a hat-trick. Azam’s dismissal reduced Pakistan to 182/3.
Imran Butt (91) missed out on his maiden century after a thick edge found Regis Chakabva behind the stumps. Butt got stuck in the crease and aimlessly threw his bat at a fullish delivery outside the off stump.
Fawad Alam (108*) and Mohammad Rizwan (45) then held the innings together and added 97 runs for the fifth wicket. Fawad reached his half-century with a powerful drive towards the non-striker end.
Blessing Muzarabani provided Zimbabwe with a much-needed breakthrough when Rizwan (45) chopped onto his stumps. Pakistan then lost another wicket in the next over as Faheem Ashraf walked back without opening his account as he hit one to mid-on to Tendai Chisoro.
Fawad Alam raced to his fourth Test century with back-to-back fours off Tiripano. He walked back unbeaten on 108, while Hasan Ali launched two sixes and a four to reach 21 off just 18 deliveries at the end of Day 2. For Zimbabwe, Tiripano (3-89) was the pick of the bowlers.
Brief Score:
Zimbabwe 176 (Roy Kaia 48; Shaheen Afridi 4-43, Hasan Ali 4-53) trail Pakistan 374/6 (Fawad Alam 108, Imran Butt 91; Donald Tiripano 3-89) lead by 198 runs.