adminJeffrey Murimbechi Sports Correspondent
ZIMBABWE assistant coach Stephen Mangongo knows the dramatic twists and turns that have characterised his team’s duel with Pakistan but he believes his boys are on the right track in the second Test.
Pakistan had had a firm stand starting day three on 163/3 but by the end of the day they were trailing the hosts by 64 after a sensational post-lunch collapse in which Brian Vitori starred with the ball in his five-wicket haul.
And just when it looked like Zimbabwe were moving on nicely, Pakistan struck late and grabbed three wickets leaving the hosts effectively 185-4.
But Mangongo believes they are on the right track.
“It’s Test cricket and it has its ups and downs and to be honest it’s an intriguing game, we really bowled well, cleaned them up,” said Mangongo.
“We started batting very well, Tino Mawoyo and Hamilton Masakadza gave us a brilliant partnership, but we lost three wickets at the close of play.
“We have a healthy lead of 185 for four and we will take that going into day four and, with wicket deteriorating, that will be interesting and I believe that we are on top and will concentrate on the job that is at hand.”
Vitori proved to be the sensation for Zimbabwe as the Southern Rocks bowler took his second Test five wicket haul, which turned the game around in the home side’s favour.
“That was a fantastic performance from our bowlers, Panyangara and Vitori bowled really well. We have always said that Vitori has that ‘X’ factor and after that five-for things went our way,” said Mangongo.
“We are expecting to bat for at least a session tomorrow we will be fine because the wear and tear on the pitch will make it very difficult to chase anything between 240-250.”
Online Reporter