Gary Ballance turned solely the second Check batsman after Kepler Wessels to attain a century for 2 nations, hitting an unbeaten 137 for Zimbabwe in opposition to the West Indies in Bulawayo on Tuesday. Needing at the least 248 runs in reply to a West Indies’ declaration of 447-6 to keep away from a potential follow-on, Zimbabwe declared at 379-9 after the second session on day 4 of the primary Check. That left the hosts trailing by 68 runs after the primary innings of their first Check since shedding to Bangladesh two years in the past.

Batting once more, the vacationers had been 21-0 on the shut, giving them an total lead of 89 runs going into the ultimate day on the Queens Sports activities Membership.

Harare-born Ballance scored 4 centuries for England over the last decade earlier than returning dwelling to make his Check debut for Zimbabwe on this match at Queens Sports activities Membership. South Africa-born Wessels scored 4 centuries for Australia earlier than returning dwelling and making two extra for his homeland after they had been readmitted to Check cricket within the Nineteen Nineties.

Ballance and leg spinner Brandon Mavuta, who made 56 earlier than taking part in throughout the road to a brief supply and being bowled by Jason Holder, placed on 135 in a superb eighth-wicket stand. Conscious of his key function having are available in at quantity 5 with Zimbabwe 114-3, Ballance was the epitome of warning, painstakingly constructing his innings.

By the declaration, the 33-year-old had confronted 231 balls and his complete included two sixes, certainly one of which took him to his century, and 12 fours. Whereas Ballance was foiling West Indies plans to bowl out Zimbabwe cheaply and power them to instantly bat once more, Mavuta performed an excellent back-up function.

Having taken 5 West Indies wickets, he proved equally skilful with the bat and didn’t maintain again when supplied scoring probabilities as he slammed 9 fours. The day started with Check debutant Harmless Kaia on 59, however he may add solely eight extra earlier than being trapped leg earlier than by quick bowler Alzarri Joseph for 67.

Kaia fluffed an tried flick and was hit excessive on the entrance pad. A evaluate was not potential because the DRS (resolution evaluate system) shouldn’t be getting used on this sequence.

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