Williams, Tiripano fightback takes test into final day

Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams (106*) and bowling all-rounder Donald Tiripano (63*) put on a fighting eighth wicket stand to send the second test against Afghanistan into the fifth day.

Sean Williams in action for Zimbabwe Cricket against Afghanistan

Their stand of 124 – the second highest for Zimbabwe in tests- ensured that Afghanistan will have to bat again to win this test match.

At 266 for the loss of seven wickets, they lead by eight runs after being forced to follow-on the day before.

Zimbabwe came into the day on 24 without loss with openers Kevin Kasuza and Prince Masvaure at the crease.

Both lost their wickets early in the day. Masvaure, known in domestic cricket for his ability to dig in a build an innings, was playing uncharacteristically aggressive shots. He drove one back to Amir Hamza who collected it caught and bowled for 15.

Kasuza was next to go, the first of five victims for Rashid Khan, an edge to first slip for 30.

Willams and Tarisai Musakanda guided Zimbabwe to lunch without further casualties.

After that, a cluster of wickets fell – five for just 42 runs – in the period leading to tea.

For the young prospect Wessly Madhevere, it was an unwelcome fourth duck in a row, not great reading for his first foray into test cricket.

Regis Chakabva and Ryana Burl were two others not register runs.

Williams and Tiripano showed great capability and application in their stand. It demonstrated that the top and middle order in the first and second innings had thrown out chances to bat deep. Indeed, the two simply played sensibly, dealing with individual balls as they came without needing to force runs along.

Tiripano got to his maiden half century, clobbering a delivery over Khan’s head to the boundary.

Williams getting to his second century of the series was significant too. His four, a brilliant cut also off Khan, ensured that Zimbabwe took the lead in the match for the first time.

Zimbabwe will be happy to still have a horse in the race when it comes to the result, even though Afghanistan are far out favourites. The Southern African side will want to bat as deep as possinle into day five and have enough of a lead to make a win tricky.

Play resumes on Sunday at 7.30am Zimbabwe time.

Zimbabwe 287 and 266 for 7 (Williams 106*, Tiripano 63*, Rashid 5-105) lead Afghanistan 545 for 4 dec by eight runs