Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on Zimbabwe’s batsmen on Friday, claiming three wickets on a tense fourth morning of the second Test at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe were 7-172 in their second innings at lunch – an overall lead of 236 – with the home side adding just 51 runs to their overnight total of 4-121 against tight bowling on a tricky pitch.
Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor was still at the crease, however, as his team tried to forge a total big enough to push for a series-levelling win. Taylor was unbeaten on 23 off 76 balls.
The wickets were shared by the Pakistani bowlers. Left-armer Rahat Ali made the first breakthrough of the day when he had Vusi Sibanda caught behind for 10.
Offspinner Saeed Ajmal claimed his first wicket of the innings when Malcolm Waller cut a short-pitched delivery straight to backward point, while left-arm fast bowler Junaid Khan had Elton Chigumbura caught behind. Both batsmen made three.
Richmond Mutumbami survived a difficult bat-pad chance to Azhar Ali at short leg off Ajmal before he had scored. He survived until lunch to be seven not out.
Pakistan had bowled 80 overs in the innings by lunch and had the option of taking the new ball immediately after the break.
Pakistan won the first test by 221 runs, leaving Zimbabwe battling to avoid a fifth series defeat in seven since returning to Test cricket in 2011.
Zimbabwe also have not beaten anyone other than Bangladesh in a Test since 2001, but gave themselves a chance of a rare victory in the last game by bowling Pakistan out for just 230 in the first innings.