ZIM v WI, 1st Test, Day 1 Review: Zimbabwe take control on day 1; Windies' top order falters

Brendan Taylor’s comeback match is heading exactly in the right direction as far as Zimbabwe are concerned as the Windies’ top order falters on day 1. Barring two splendid knocks from Shai Hope and Kieran Powell, it was a disappointing rendition overall from the visitors and this gives Zimbabwe an early advantage.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Kyle Jarvis provided the first breakthrough for Zimbabwe. Kraigg Brathwaite, usually a decent outlet at the top, struggled a lot in the 22 balls he faced and he finally succumbed to Jarvis. Kyle Hope has been out of form in recent times and he started off well with three boundaries first up.

Yet, that was all he could manage as Solomon Mire sent him back. There was some respite for the Windies as Shai Hope and Kieran Powell ensured they lost no more wickets in the powerplay. Powell got to his half-century just after the first session was done and the duo added 75 runs for the third wicket.

The hosts finally got a breakthrough with Graeme Cremer sending Powell back. Once again, DRS came into play to rescue Zimbabwe as Ervine’s catch at short-leg was initially given not out. Roston Chase came in and played some brilliant shots and in the meantime, Shai Hope completed his half-century.

Hosts pounce hard on the Windies

Just when they were taking control in the game, Zimbabwe fired on all cylinders and changed the whole course of the game. It all began with Roston Chase’s wicket picked up by Sikandar Raza. Ervine’s second catch at short-leg saw Windies lose their 4th wicket. Just two overs later, Jermaine Blackwood was dismissed by skipper Cremer and half their side was back in the gallery.

Graeme Cremer started to pounce all over the Caribbean men as the latter’s efforts got belittled in front of Zimbabwe’s brilliance. Shai Hope was silently fighting his own battle, but at the other end, it was an obnoxious Chaos. Sean Williams next to join the wicket taker’s list as he sent Shane Dorwich back.

Almost immediately, Williams pulled another wicket and it was the big one of skipper JasonHolder. He was rapped on his pads and the umpire had no choice but to raise the fingers. The left-arm spinner got his third wicket of the innings in his next over as Devendra Bishop was sent back for a duck. From 110/2, they really must’ve fancied a big score and a disastrous collapse which not many saw coming played the party spoiler.

The last few wickets in the innings fell like a pack of cards and the tail showed no resistance. Skipper Cremer grabbed the ball the next over after Bishoo fell and completed the innings in style. First up, he induced Roach to edge it straight to short leg and who else, but Ervine’s took yet another catch. The very next ball, Ervine’s picked up his fourth catch of the day in what seemed like an action replay of the previous wicket.

Windies were bowled out for a below par 219 in 82.5 overs and it was a comprehensive rendition from the bowlers which materialized this dream start. Cremer picked up four wickets and was backed up brilliantly with three from Sean Williams. Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 90 off 201 balls and the world felt bad for him.

Zimbabwe played just five overs on the first day and scored 19 runs without losing a wicket. They’ll have to build a decent partnership to take this game completely into their grasp and it’ll be interesting to see how they approach on day 2.

Brief Scores

Windies first innings: 219 all out in 82.5 overs (Shai Hope 90*; Graeme Cremer 4/64, Sean Williams 3/20)

Zimbabwe first innings: 19/0 in 5 overs