Zimbabwe were decimated by another fiery spell from Hasan Ali, who registered his fifth Test fifer – fourth in five innings – as the hosts were bundled out for 132. The evening session yesterday had jolted Zimbabwe and Hasan ensured that there was no letting-up this morning, removing Tendai Chisoro in the first over of the day to set the tone.
He struck twice again in that spell and it became increasingly evident that Pakistan would get the opportunity to enforce the follow-on. It was another shoddy batting performance from the home side with only Regis Chakabva showing a semblance of solidity with the bat.
The others simply lacked application on a slow surface that has started to show a bit of uneven bounce and turn. Hasan Ali was the standout, getting the new and old ball to talk.
Pakistan’s bowlers all got among the wickets except Nauman Ali who was unfortunate as Blessing Muzarabani was dropped at first slip by Babar Azam. It was otherwise a clinical fielding display from Pakistan, especially in the catching department.
With another eight sessions remaining in the game, the writing is on the wall for Zimbabwe, if it wasn’t already.
