A gap double-century stand from openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul put the West Indies within the ascendancy in opposition to Zimbabwe within the first Take a look at match in Bulawayo. In management for giant intervals throughout day one and two, the pair’s greatest menace seemingly got here from inclement climate, although rain solely may delay the success of the pair who had been each near their greatest with the bat. Brathwaite (116*) introduced up his century first, reaching the milestone with a late minimize via the slip cordon off the bowling of Wellington Masakadza. To not be outdone, Chanderpaul introduced up his maiden Take a look at century in simply his third Take a look at match, calmly pushing Victor Nyauchi into the leg-side.

Chanderpaul’s hundred was additionally the primary Take a look at century scored by a West Indies opener exterior of Brathwaite since 2013, breaking a streak of a dozen unmatched lots of from his associate.

On account of their efforts, the pair joined elite firm of their achievement, compiling simply the West Indies’ tenth opening wicket double-century stand since their first-ever Take a look at again in 1928.

The very best opening stand by Windies was between Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes again in 1990 in opposition to England at St John’s, Antigua, the place the duo placed on an enormous 298 runs.

Quite fittingly, Daren Ganga, who accompanied Chris Gayle to the West Indies’ different opening double-century stand in Zimbabwe (214 in 2001 on the identical floor), was on the decision when the pair handed his determine. The stand is the primary double-century opening stand for the group in Take a look at cricket since 2012, and the fifth away from residence.

Maybe making the feat extra outstanding, simply 17 fours and a six have been hit by the pair at stumps on day two, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiling to no avail throughout the 2 days.

The hosts’ five-pronged assault have 20 maidens to point out for his or her efforts, with Masakadza’s 0/30 from 16 overs probably the most economical of the group (1.87).

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