Zimbabwean batsmen continued their stubborn show of defiance this morning as they racked up a pretty impressive 78 run lead before the brilliance of a Saeed Ajmal 7-Fer special stopped them in their tracks. The Pakistani top-order in return failed to make amends as they were reduced to 27/3 before a near epic 116 run stand between the Misbah and Younis provided Pakistan with a fig leaf of respect. Misbah's departure after yet another 50 to his name has allowed Zimbabwe with another whiff of a historic victory. A target of 200 or more could prove to be too stiff a challenge for the hosts but Pakistan have a lot of work to do to make that happen.

By PakPassion Staff (5th Septmeber, 2013)

Zimbabwe started the day with a slender lead of 32 runs over Pakistan and steadily built on it. Elton Chigumbura brought up his third half century while Shingi Masakadza provided him support until he was trapped lbw by Saeed Ajmal on 14. Elton Chigumbura soon followed him, when Azhar Ali took his catch off Saeed Ajmal for 69. On the very next ball, Chatara nicked one to Younis Khan for a golden duck. Saeed Ajmal grabbed 7 wickets, but not before Zimbabwe had accumulated a pivotal lead of 78 runs over Pakistan. 

Fall Of Wickets 

8-310 (SW Masakadza, 97.3 overs) 
9-327 (Chigumbura, 103.2 overs) 
10-327 (Chatara, 103.3 overs)
 

Pakistan openers failed to prove their worth in Test cricket yet again as Khurram Manzoor fell cheaply on his second go after a much-awaited comeback. He was struck in front by Tinashe Panyangara for 5. Azhar Ali couldn’t replicate his first innings heroics and departed for a duck. He was also trapped lbw by the same bowler. Mohammad Hafeez, presumably battling an injury in the field, failed to alter his dismal Test form. He was caught by Tino Mowayo off Chatara for 16. 

Then came an excellent partnership between Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan who joined hands to steer Pakistan out of troubled waters. The going was slow, yet steady. Both of the old guns killed Zimbabwe’s lead and marched along. Runs choked as Zimbabwe built pressure. Both of them reached their half centuries. Misbah-ul-Haq succumbed under pressure and gave the easiest of catches to Vusi Sibanda at cover off Shingi Masakaza, who celebrated wildly after getting that wicket. He made 52 patient runs. 

Pakistan opted for a regular batsmen instead of a nightwatchman and Asad Shafiq made his way out to the middle. In a test of patience and determination and resolve, both of them looked to play out overs for the day. At stumps, Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq remained unbeaten on 76 and 15 respectively. Pakistan ended Day 3 with 168/4 on the board and with a lead of 90 runs. 

Fall Of Wickets 

1-17 (Khurram Manzoor, 5.5 overs)
2-21 (Azhar Ali, 7.3 overs)
3-23 (Mohammad Hafeez, 10.2 overs)
4-139 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 58.6 overs)

 

Zimbabwean batsmen continued their stubborn show of defiance this morning as they racked up a pretty impressive 78 run lead before the brilliance of a Saeed Ajmal 7-Fer special stopped them in their tracks. The Pakistani top-order in return failed to make amends as they were reduced to 27/3 before a near epic 116 run stand between the Misbah and Younis provided Pakistan with a fig leaf of respect. Misbah's departure after yet another 50 to his name has allowed Zimbabwe with another whiff of a historic victory. A target of 200 or more could prove to be too stiff a challenge for the hosts but Pakistan have a lot of work to do to make that happen.

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