DURHAM seized control on the opening day of their three-day match against Zimbabwe ‘A’ at Harare Sports Club, declaring at 368 for eight before striking early to leave the hosts reeling.
The English county side, put in to bat, made the most of their time at the crease, with George Drissell and Ollie Robinson both scoring 81. Will Rhodes chipped in with a solid 48, as Durham’s middle order consistently contributed to the total.
However, it was Zimbabwe ‘A’ pace bowler Victor Nyauchi who stole the show in the morning session, trapping Emilio Gay lbw for four in his second over. He went on to claim the key wicket of Durham captain Alex Lees, caught behind for 41, and finished with impressive figures of three for 44 in 17 overs.
Despite Nyauchi’s efforts, Durham’s batsmen continued to find ways to score, with Drissell and Matthew Potts putting on a rapid 110-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Drissell’s eventual dismissal for 81 signalled the end of Durham’s innings, with the visitors declaring at 368 for eight.
Zimbabwe ‘A’ got off to a disastrous start in response, losing Takudzwanashe Kaitano to Matthew Potts’ first ball, caught behind. With bad light forcing an early close to play, the hosts were left struggling at 0 for one, still 368 runs behind.
At stumps, Durham were firmly in control, with Zimbabwe ‘A’ facing an uphill battle to get back into the match.
