Zimbabwe take control of test as Raza bags seven-for

Sikandar Raza returned the second-best figures by a Zimbabwean in tests with 7-113 as the hosts bowled out Sri Lanka for 293 on day three of the second Test at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza celebrates one of his wickets on day three of the second test against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club PIC: Zimbabwe Cricket/Tsvangirai Mukwazhi

Zimbabwe got the breakthrough after Sri Lanka resumed their first innings on 122-2. It was that of Kusal Mendis whose shot hit the unlucky Kevin Kasuza fielding at forward short leg. The ball popped up in the air into the grateful hands of Carl Mumba.

Mendis was gone for 22 and Kasuza stretchered off to take no further part in the innings. It was later revealed he would not be able to bat in the second innings due to a concussion. Maruma replaces him.

Dinesh Chandimal was next to go, stabbing one back to Raza, caught and bowled for 6.

Zimbabwe had their tales up.

A partnership of 84 between Angelo Matthews and Dhananjaya de Silva put them in check as it was curated in no time. Sri Lana looked like they were having a go.

This was until Raza got one to stay low and bowled de Silva for 42. The reaction by Matthews from the non-striker’s end was as if someone had stolen his favourite sandwich.

Niroshen Dickwella did not stay long, trapped leg before by Raza for his second five-wicket haul.

Suranga Lakman fell to Raza too, pushing one to mid-on.

Carl Mumba broke the Raza streak when he accounted for Matthews, with wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva completing the catch.

The off-spinner was not done as he did Lasith Embuldiniya who tried to go over but had to walk after substitute fielder Brian Mudzinganyama completed a great running catch.

There as a rearguard action with 49 for the last two wickets, which included a comical mixup that could have resulted in a run-out.

Victor Nyauchi got the final wicket, Chakabva completing a spectacular catch.

The sides took tea and when they returned it was Prince Masvaure opening the batting with Craig Ervine. The latter opened the account with four straight past the bowler.

Ervine would be the first to fall on 13, judged edged to Dickwella although TV replays suggest he may have hit into the ground.

Zimbabwe pushed on with Chakabva at number three and ended the day on 62-1. Chakabva was on 14 with Masvaure on 26 and the lead 175.

With rain having stopped play, day four starts at 9.35 am with a scheduled 97.1 overs.

Zimbabwe will look to bat until after tea and have a lead north of 350. This will give them three sessions and some change to bowl out Sri Lanka to pick a win.

The dangerman for Sri Lanka will be Embuldiniya as Raza was getting turn on an obliging rough surface around short leg.