HARARE (Zimbabwe): Five-wicket hauls by Hasan Ali and Nauman Ali had Pakistan on the brink of their second consecutive innings win at the conclusion of third day’s play in the second and final Test against Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Despite a fighting innings by Regis Chakabva on the third day of the second and final Test at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe were 220 for nine in their follow-on innings at the close, 158 runs short of making Pakistan bat again.
“It would be a great win for us tomorrow as we will end both tours with wins in all series,” said left-arm spinner Nauman, who took five for 86 in the second innings.
Zimbabwe, following on, were tottering at 220 for nine and had a daunting task of surmounting 158 runs by stumps. Pakistan’s last series in Zimbabwe was drawn 1-1 and as such a win tomorrow will see them secure their first Test series win in Zimbabwe since 2011.
Zimbabwe were rolled out for 132 after resuming the day on 52 for four thanks to Hasan, who recorded his career-best figures in an innings. The right-arm pacer dismissed Tendai Chisoro, Luke Jongwe, Roy Kaia and Regis Chakabva to return five for 27 from 13 overs.
Looking to wrap up the match, Babar Azam enforced follow on and Zimbabwe were dealt with a blow early on as Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Tarisai Musakanda.
Nauman, who had to wait until he was 34 before making his Test debut against South Africa in January, claimed his second five-wicket haul in four Tests. His bowling performance followed a swashbuckling innings of 97 on Saturday.
“I never lost hope and kept performing at the domestic level,” said Nauman. “My performance in Tests is all because of my hard work. I was a bit angry on missing a maiden century so I was determined to do well in bowling.”
