An opening double-century stand from openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul put the West Indies within the ascendancy in opposition to Zimbabwe within the first Test match in Bulawayo. In management for giant intervals throughout day one and two, the pair’s greatest risk seemingly got here from inclement climate, although rain solely might delay the success of the pair who have been each near their finest with the bat. Brathwaite (116*) introduced up his century first, reaching the milestone with a late reduce by the slip cordon off the bowling of Wellington Masakadza. Not to be outdone, Chanderpaul introduced up his maiden Test century in simply his third Test match, calmly pushing Victor Nyauchi into the leg-side.
Chanderpaul’s hundred was additionally the primary Test century scored by a West Indies opener exterior of Brathwaite since 2013, breaking a streak of a dozen unmatched a whole lot from his associate.
As a results 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 Test again in 1928.
The highest 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 a large 298 runs.
Rather fittingly, Daren Ganga, who accompanied Chris Gayle to the West Indies’ different opening double-century stand in Zimbabwe (214 in 2001 on the similar floor), was on the decision when the pair handed his determine. The stand is the primary double-century opening stand for the crew in Test cricket since 2012, and the fifth away from dwelling.
Perhaps 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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