ZIM vs PAK, 2nd Test, Day 2 Review: Abid Ali's double century put Pakistan in pole position against crumbling Zimbabwe

In what proved to be a downright forgettable day for hosts Zimbabwe, Pakistan solidified their position with a spectacular double century from Abid Ali and a lower-order that thoroughly annoyed a worn-out Zimbabwean attack.

Earlier in the morning, nightwatchman Sajid Khan and the ever-impressive Abid Ali kept them at bay. However, three strikes in the first session infused some hopes in the host camp to restrict Pakistan under 400. Sajid’s steadfast knock ended courtesy of a magnificent catch behind by keeper Regis Chakabva, which also gave Donald Tirpano some respite after his muddled lines and lengths the previous day.

As Ali went past 150, and Pakistan 300, Mohammad Rizwan joined for a brief passage before he miscued Tendai Chisoro to mid-off. Luke Jongwe then claimed Hasan Ali for a duck to inject some hope of wrapping up the batters from the other end as Abid declared his intentions of not dropping the guard no matter what.

Another day, another Ali show

Although, walked in with dangerously similar intention was another Ali, Nauman, who made life difficult for a bowling attack that had been made to toil for four sessions already. If it was Abid and Azhar who did the most damage on day one, Nauman ensured to not have any fear of missing out in a game of Alis.

En route their mammoth 9th wicket partnership of 169, Abid notched up his maiden double century, while an aggressive unbeaten 93 that Nauman had managed until Tea took the lead past 500, crushing ruthlessly all hopes for Zimbabwe to restrict Pakistan for a manageable total.

Nauman had started toying with the bowlers once past fifty, picking two fours and a six off Milton Shumba before smacking Muzarabani for a boundary to go into the 90s. Although, a deserved century was denied soon after play resumed after Tea as Chakabva whipped the bails off when Nauman was trying to maintain his balance after attempting to play a wide delivery.

With him being just three short, that Pakistan was waiting for his landmark to arrive was evident as Babar Azam immediately called for declaration. Nauman’s 97 with five sixes and nine fours, alongside Abid, who went undefeated at 215, had put Pakistan in the pole position.

Zimbabwe’s submission

Pushed to bat in the most uncomfortable territory in a Test, Zimbabwe was rocked early by the 36-year-old debutant Tabish Khan, who struck in his first over of international cricket, pinning opener Taris Musakanda for a duck.

With a batter (injured Roy Kaia) short, Zimbabwe’s expectations of responsible batting from the top-order were crumbled into pieces when Hasan Ali cleaned up Kevin Kasuza, while skipper Brendan Taylor nicked one behind to give Shaheen Afridi his first scalp. After Sajid Khan trapped Shumba lbw, Chisoro battled out the remaining day alongside Chakabva, who has hung in the middle for 71 balls for 28 runs.

The hosts, who are still 458 runs in the red, have an Everest to climb with even the score to avoid follow-on 259 away with 6 wickets and an injured Kaia in the bank.