adminAN opening double century stand from openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul lifted the West Indies into the ascendancy against Zimbabwe in the first Test match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
In control for large periods across day one and two, the pair’s biggest threat seemingly came from inclement weather, though rain only could delay the success of the pair who were both close to their best with the bat.
Brathwaite (126*) brought up his century first, reaching the milestone with a late cut through the slip cordon off the bowling of Wellington Masakadza. Not to be outdone, Chanderpaul brought up his maiden Test century in just his third Test match, calmly pushing Victor Nyauchi into the leg-side.
Chanderpaul’s hundred was also the first Test century scored by a West Indies opener outside of Brathwaite since 2013, breaking a streak of a dozen unmatched hundreds from his partner.
Brathwaite said scoring a Test hundred is a superb feeling.
“I think Zimbabwe bowled really well. I don’t think they made it easy at all. Today, the ball was moving around a bit. I think we went about our work really well. Credits to Tagenarine, he was fantastic.
“I see him progressing to be a top opener, he’s world class.
“I’m glad we got some big partnerships and we just have to continue. Losing more than a whole day is a lot of time. We surely need to make up tomorrow and score quicker so that we can take 20 Zimbabwean wickets,” he said.
As a result of their efforts, the pair joined elite company in their achievement, compiling just the West Indies’ 10th opening wicket double-century stand since their first ever Test back in 1928.
Rather fittingly, Daren Ganga, who accompanied Chris Gayle to the West Indies’ other opening double-century stand in Zimbabwe (214 in 2001 at the same ground), was on the call when the pair passed his figure.
The stand is the first double-century opening stand for the team in Test cricket since 2012, and the fifth away from home.
Perhaps making the feat more remarkable, just 17 fours and a six have been hit by the pair at stumps on day two, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiling to no avail across the two days.
The hosts’ five-pronged attack have 20 maidens to show for their efforts, with Masakadza’s 0/30 from 16 overs the most economical of the group (1.87).
Fifty-two overs were lost on the first day on Saturday and yesterday’s 39 makes it one full day’s play lost.
The forecast is significantly better for day three and most of the 98 overs’ play should be played today. – ICC Cricket/Sports Reporter.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter