RAIN played part spoiler on the first day of the first Test match between Zimbabwe and West Indies at Queens Sports Club this afternoon, prompting an early start in the remaining four days, officials confirmed.
The Caribbean Islanders returned to the same ground for the same format for the first time since 2017 was met with an afternoon drizzle. After a long halt, covers were off, only for the downpour to return immediately after during the second session.
Zimbabwe handed Test caps to four debutants, pace bowler Brad Evans, top order batters Innocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, and wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga.
However, Chevrons Captain, Craig Ervine, lost the toss and was asked to field as the bowlers stifled West Indies off free-scoring runs, although the only downside was the failure to take wickets.
The first session went for 54 runs for no loss, with openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul on 20 and Captain Kraigg Brathwaite on 32. At stumps, West Indies were on 112/0, both batsmen on identical 55 runs, scores after facing 51 overs.
Zimbabwe spinner Wellington Masakadza was economical, with the ball going at 1.44 run an over for his 13 in nine overs that included five maidens. Seamer Victor Nyauchi conceded 27 runs in 15 overs and bowled five maiden overs.
A fair crowd came to watch day one of the first Test match. At the same time, the vociferous Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters kept the ground alive with their lively singing and constant terrace/ ground interactions with the players as they routinely called out their names, getting an acknowledgement. This was either by raising the hand or nodding the head, much to the fans’ excitement.
Play resumes on day two 30 minutes early tomorrow (Tuesday) but with high prospects of another disappointing end due to a 30 per cent rain forecast in Bulawayo.
Squads
Zimbabwe – Innocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine (C), Gary Balance, Tafadzwa Tsiga (Wk), Brandon Mavuta, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava.
West Indies – Kraigg Brathwaite, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach.
