After a 1-2 series defeat in T20Is, Zimbabwe lost both Test matches against Pakistan in Harare by massive margins – first by an innings and 116 runs, then by an innings and 147 runs. Despite being outclassed by Pakistan, the hosts found some fighters in the series. Let us have a look at how each of the players fared in the contest.
Blessing Muzarabani: 8.5/10 (M 2, W 7, Ave 22.14)
Despite the margin, Zimbabwe’s lead seamer has been a standout performer for his side in the Test series. Muzarabani bowled 60 overs in two Tests and claimed seven wickets at 22.14. This included three wickets in three overs on the first day of the second Test to give his side a ray of hope to level the series.
Regis Chakabva – 8/10 (M 2, R 146, Ave 48.67, C 6, S 1)
One of Zimbabwe’s most consistent performers in recent years, Chakabva showed his class and composure against a strong Pakistan bowling attack. However, he seldom received support at the other end. He threw away a well-deserved hundred in the last innings of the series when his attempted slog went to slip. With 146 runs at 48.67, he finished as third-highest scorer, behind only Abid Ali and Azhar Ali.
Donald Tiripano – 5/10 (M 2, R 53, Ave 17.67, W 4, Ave 43)
For Zimbabwe, only Blessing Muzarabani got more wickets than Tiripano in the series. In the first Test, Tripano bowled 23 overs for the wickets of Azhar, Babar Azam and Faheem Ashraf. However, in the second, he only had one more, despite bowling 22 overs. He scored 53 in four innings.
Brendan Taylor – 4.5/10 (M 2, R 92, Ave 23)
Standing in as captain for the injured Sean Williams, Taylor got two starts in four innings but failed to make it big. His biggest impact came in the last innings of the series when he fell one short of fifty. He and Chakabva launched a counterattack to add 79 for the third wicket at a rapid pace. This partnership was Zimbabwe’s highest of the series.
Tarisai Musakanda – 4/10 (M 2, R 65, Ave 16.25)
Still new to Test cricket, Musakanda was run out for 43 in the second innings of the first Test. Unfortunately, his other three innings fetched him just 22 more.
Luke Jongwe – 3.5/10 (M 1, R 56, Ave 28, W 1, Ave 68)
After guiding Zimbabwe to register first-ever T20I win over Pakistan last month, Jongwe got his maiden Test cap in the second match. However, apart from a hard-fought 37 in the final innings, he rarely made his presence felt in the contest. He bowled 17 overs for his maiden Test wicket, of Hasan Ali.
Richard Ngarava – 3.5/10 (M 2, W 3, Ave 54)
After making his debut, the left-arm seamer bowled 53 overs for three wickets, of Imran Butt (twice) and Sajid, on a slow and low Harare track.
Roy Kaia – 3/10 (M 2, R 59, Ave 14.75)
Kaia fell two short of fifty in the first innings of the first Test. Since then, he got two ducks and an 11. He also bowled seven overs but failed to pick up any wicket.
Kevin Kasuza – 3/10 (M 2, R 54, Ave 13.50)
As an opener, Kasuza had the opportunity to provide Zimbabwe with solid starts in both Test matches. However, all he managed was 0, 28, 4 and 22.
Tendai Chisoro – 3/10 (M 2, W 3, Ave 73.33)
Despite making his ODI debut in 2016, left-arm spinner Chisoro is still a new member of the Test squad. He bowled 74.1 overs for up three wickets in the series.
Milton Shumba – 2.5/10 (M 2, R 49, Ave 12.25, W 0)
Only 20, Shumba had a disappointing maiden Test series. In four innings, he only scored a mere 49 runs at 12.25. He also bowled 24 overs but failed to claim his first wicket.
Prince Masvaure – 1.5/10 (M 1, R 11, Ave 11)
Masvaure played only in the first Test, where he scored 11 in the first innings before Shaheen Shah Afridi removed him. Unfortunately, he sustained a dislocation fracture in his left thumb while fielding on Day 2, and did not bat a second time.