foreignfield wrote:When was the last time we took a first-innings lead against one of the top sides?
To answer my own question: Probably against the Windies in 2003 when Tibba, Streak and Blignaut took us to 500+.
2002. Was that not in the second innings? I think we made a mediocre 150 something batting first the bettered it second innings. Which would remind me that statistically, Hammy makes runs in the second innings. He made 119 in the second innings of that match.
Boy, ain't I chuffed by Malcolm Waller this evening. And Chigumbura too! Even Chigs
Last edited by Conant on Wed Sep 04, 2013 3:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
So Zimbabwe have a slight edge in the match, heading into day three. I doubt anyone could have predicted this, especially with no Taylor, Jarvis, Cremer or Williams.
How do you see the game panning out from here?
Zimbabwe currently lead by 32 runs with 3 wickets remaining in the 1st innings; I agree with Malcolm Waller's assessment of a 100 run lead being a good result. A tough ask for sure because it will require patience (and no wickets lost) during the first hour tomorrow. But if S Masakadza can play a cameo role like Utseya did, and Panyangara and Chatara can scramble 15 between them then I have confidence that Chigumbura will naturally accumulate another 30-40 to bring up that 100 run lead.
I'd expect Pakistan to play better, surely, in the 2nd innings. If they make 350-400, leaving Zimbabwe 250-300 to chase with a day and half to chase them down - game on. Any more than a target of 200 and Pakistan would back themselves on a 4th/5th day pitch with Ajmal at their disposal, but Zimbabwe have performed above expectations all throughout this series so I definitely wouldn't call it out of reach.
Worst case scenario: we collapse like a house of cards within the first 5 overs tomorrow. Then all bets are off and it's basically a second innings shoot out, which is advantage Pakistan due to the Ajmal factor in the fourth innings.
feel we need a 100 run lead here as the wicket will probably be good for batting on day 3. 68 runs required for that 100 run lead which is deffintly possible with Chigbumbura at the wicket.
Really pleased for Malcolm Waller, he is a proven hard worker and has improved a lot in the last 3 years, he still has his brain freeze moment but he does seem to be able to do the business for Zimbabwe in pressure situations.
Really good effort by the boys here they're in a great position as everyone has said alot rests on the shoulders of Chigs n Shingi. If Shingi can hang around and Chigs gets going 100 run lead is possible and even more ......
I haven't seen any of the match how is the pitch playing ?? If it's got a few demons in it maybe we can bowl em out for less than 300 again and chase around 220 for victory what a finish that would be .....
Not matter what state the game is in or who is playing Im loving the fighting spirit by the boys severly under maned and on paper so far out of their league with only 1 player averageing over 30 with the bat and not even 50 wickets between them they're taking it to the Pakis .....
Reminds me of the good old days with the great fighting Zimbo spirit ......
I wouldn't be confident of us chasing anything over 115 for victory in the fourth innings.
We really need the lead to get to a hundred and then back up for another great bowling effort. I think we have a chance of getting them out for under 300 second time around, but whatever we chase I think it needs to start with a 1 for us to have a shot.
yeah I was saying 220 max for us to chase but I wouldn't be surprised to see us bundled out for cheap in the 4th innings so the 1st innings lead and size of it is vital ....
Today is really the day for Chigs to stand up and make a mark on the International scene,he will enjoy " The best batting conditions " according to Waller so he must make it count. He is capable of much more than we have seen from him so far so I have faith he can deliver a big score since he is well set. Just hopeing Shingi and the other 2 can hang around with him .....
I once again will not be able to watch tonight so chances of another good day for the boys is high ....
