Twitter Reactions: Holder and Dowrich rescue Windies after Sikandar's fifer

Resuming from their overnight score of 79/1, nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo elongated stayed at the crease for 52 balls where he scored 23 runs before getting out. Kyle Hope was dismissed cheaply soon after, to reduce West Indies to 135/3.

Opener Kieran Powell continued to bat for a prolonged period. However, he closely missed out on a century as he was dismissed for 90. Shai Hope and Roston Chase together put up a 56-run stand for the fifth wicket. What followed was a flurry of wickets as both got out in quick succession.

From 219/4, Windies slipped to 230/7. Just when it seemed that Zimbabwe would manage to bundle the visitors with a lead skipper Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich batted brilliantly to rescue them from the woods. Both combined for a splendid unbeaten partnership of 144 runs for the eighth wicket. The Zimbabwe bowlers failed to take any wicket for the rest of the day. While Holder was unbeaten on 71, Dowrich looked in sublime touch with 75 not out.

The West Indies were superbly placed at 374/7 at stumps on Day 3 with a lead of 48 runs. The Caribbeans would be looking forward to increasing their lead to 150-200 runs and put the Zimbabwe batsmen under pressure. As for the hosts, they would be hoping to contain West Indies early before lunch tomorrow.

Sikandar Raza rose to the occasion with his maiden fifer. He was absolutely stunning as he had figures of 5/82. Skipper Graeme Cremer managed to take just the lone wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite yesterday. As for Chris Mpofu, he got the important wicket of Kieran Powell. Tendai Chisoro went wicketless.

Twitter was filled with various reactions regarding the proceedings of Day 3. While some lauded the pair of Holder and Dowrich for rescuing the Windies, the Zimbabwean fans went from lauding Sikandar Raza to bashing Cremer and the umpiring decisions.

Here we present to you some of the tweets from Day 3 of the second Test match between Zimbabwe and Windies:

Is Regis chakabva a wicket keeper or what? #ZimvWI don't we have a decent wicket keeper amongst the ranks

— October 22ndMovement (@wellimakombe) October 31, 2017

Raza putting in a MOM performance #ZIMvWI

— Kay D Madziwa (@kayD03_) October 31, 2017

Raza's figures….28-10-35-5. Jeeeeeeez. That's some effort #ZIMvWI#puntypunty

— Nellberg cricket ? (@nellbergcricket) October 31, 2017

Dharmasena still upset over Zim's win over SL, why else wouldn't he give that one lbw. DEAD PLUMB! #ZIMvWI

— Hari Sadanandan (@iamharry_88) October 31, 2017

Zimbabwe needs to take the last 3 wickets with at least a 50 run lead. #ZimvWI

— Alternative Movement (@Dobie_M) October 31, 2017

As captain and a bowler himself, Cremer is letting his team down in a big way here. Needs to buckle up sooner than later #ZIMvWI

— Hari Sadanandan (@iamharry_88) October 31, 2017

We’ve never needed a tea break more than we do now. The brains trust must huddle. #ZIMvWI #cricket

— Joe Black ?? (@joeblackzw) October 31, 2017

And then there was that 313-run stand for the eighth wicket between Wasim Akram & Saqlain Mushtaq.#ZimvWI

— The Cricket Prof. (@CricProf) October 31, 2017

#ZIMvWI i think Cremer is tired, even tired to think of changing strategy bring Mpofu on or give Masakadza a go

— taurai onwell mahach (@tmonwell) October 31, 2017

This partnership has blunted Zim's hopes. Almost parity now, spinning track and they need to create a lead. WI's game from here. #ZIMvWI

— Hari Sadanandan (@iamharry_88) October 31, 2017

Shane Dowrich playing his best knock ever? #ZIMvWI

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) October 31, 2017

Windies lead is illegitimate following that howler of decision by "Umpire" Dharmasena! #ZIMvWI @ZimCricketv

— Man'o'faith (@tinotamba) October 31, 2017

Leaving the Windies play well doesn't look too good, get the cashflow sorted out #ZIMvWI

— Matthew Nicholas (@MrMattNicholas) October 31, 2017

Zimbabwe have bowled 95 overs in exactly six hours so far today. Admittedly a fair amount of spin, but still shows what's possible #ZimvWI

— Tristan Holme (@tristanholme) October 31, 2017

Important Session For Both Teams Begins Now #ZIMvWI

— Johns ? (@CricCrazyJohns) October 31, 2017

@SRazaB24 continuing his great spell … #ZimvWI

— srikrishna ? (@1998Srikrishna) October 31, 2017

Maiden international fifer for Sikandar Raza as Windies continue to slip in Bulawayo #ZIMvWI

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 31, 2017

Brendan Taylor what have you done?? #ZIMvWI

— #OVO Slimsem ?? (@SlimSEM_) October 31, 2017

That was plumb! @SRazaB24 missed out on his 6th wkt because of lack of review. #ZimvWI

— Dr Satendra Singh (@drsitu) October 31, 2017

Need to hear more of @irbishi and Fazeer Mohammed in global cricket commentary. Lovely duo on air. #ZIMvWI

— Jamie Alter (@jamie_alterTOI) October 31, 2017

West Indies recover from 230/7 to finish Day 3 of the 2nd #ZIMvWI Test 374/7, a lead of 48.

SCORECARD: https://t.co/doedQYjTeR pic.twitter.com/NLwlSxt2Wl

— ICC (@ICC) October 31, 2017

80 overs up, reviews not replenished because of new playing conditions, Zim get plumb lbw turned down and can't challenge. Farcical. #ZIMvWI

— Paul Dennett (@the_summer_game) October 31, 2017