ZIM VS WI 1ST TEST

Right then, that is it from this exciting Test match which ultimately ends in a draw, but both teams put up a decent fight to force a result. However, both these sides will have another chance to win the series in the second and final Test. That game will start on 12th February at 1.30 pm IST(8 am GMT). You can join us early for the build-up though. Till then, take care and goodbye!

Tagenarine Chanderpaul is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for scoring an unbeaten 207 in the first inning. He says that it was good to go out there and get some runs. Adds that the pitch was spinning a bit and that playing in the practice game helped him a lot. Mentions his double hundred and the record-opening partnership with Kraigg Brathwaite is something to cherish and they will try it go from strength to strength.

Craig Ervine the captain of Zimbabwe says that the last over felt like forever but says it was an exciting Test. Adds that there was a lot of fight from his boys after getting no wickets on Day 1. Credits Gary Ballance and Brandon Mavuta for their partnership and says that got them back in the game. Mentions that he has given the freedom to his team to express themselves on the field and is proud of his boys. Ends by saying that the squad will be the same for the Second Test.

Kraigg Brathwaite the skipper of West Indies says that after losing almost a day due to rain it was a commendable effort from them to push for the win. Adds that after the first innings, they had a feeling that they could bowl the hosts out twice and praises his bowlers for trying hard but also credits Gary Ballance and other Zimbabwe batters. Mentions that early wickets could have been crucial, but is happy with their performance. Ends by saying that he was not surprised with the performance of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and says that he is a fighter and this is just the start of great things to come for him.

Time for the presentations...

Zimbabwe started their first inning well but lost three wickets just before Stumps on Day 3 and were in a precarious position. The morning session on Day 4 did not go too well for them as they lost four wickets and were looking at following on which would have made this game go completely in West Indies' favor. The turning point in the game arrived when Jason Holder dropped Brandon Mavuta when he had just arrived at the wicket and he went on to score a half-century adding 135 runs with Gary Ballance for the eighth wicket. The latter reached his century on debut for Zimbabwe and remained unbeaten as Craig Ervine opted to declare with them still trailing by 68 runs. This was the move that changed the course of the game as it got both teams believing that they can get the better of their opponent. We hope this game is just the trailer and we experience a blockbuster in the series decider provided the rain gods do not spoil the party.

The game did not get off to a great start as there were just 51 overs bowled on Day 1 due to rain interruptions and West Indies looked to be watchful scoring 112 runs without losing any wickets. Both opening batters were unbeaten on 55 and they continued from where they left off on Day 2. Rain once again had a massive role to play as the game resumed only for the final session in which West Indies remained wicketless once again and took the opening partnership to 221 with both batters scoring their hundreds in the process. The opening partnership ended on Day 3 with 336 on the board after which West Indies lost quick wickets in the bid to accelerate the scoring. Kraigg Brathwaite made a remarkable 182 while Tagenarine Chanderpaul remained unbeaten on 207 as the visitors declared with 447 runs on the board and having lost 6 wickets. Brandon Mavuta claimed a five-wicket haul but his main contribution came with the bat.

West Indies wanted to get in as many overs as possible before Stumps with them turning mainly to spin and even Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers decided to turn into spinners in a quest for wickets. Gudakesh Motie did the bulk of the damage taking four wickets while Roston Chase chipped in with two as well. Earlier in the day, the openers were dismissed early but half-centuries from Raymon Reifer and Jermaine Blackwood helped them set a target of 272 for the hosts. Wellington Masakadza and Brad Evans claimed three and two wickets respectively as Zimbabwe hunted for a win themselves but the target set for them was too steep and it did not look likely that they would be able to chase it down. Both teams tried their best though and it bodes well for the next game as we know that both teams will be looking for a win to seal the series.

This game was headed for a draw but we had some exciting action in the final session as West Indies claimed six wickets in the Zimbabwe second innings and were four wickets away from registering an unlikely win. Zimbabwe played just three balls before rain halted play and the umpires decided to take early Tea. The openers came out looking to be positive but lost Tanunurwa Makoni early after which Chamu Chibhabha got together with Innocent Kaia and put together a 47-run partnership. They looked like they were building towards an exciting run chase but they lost both set batters along with the skipper Craig Ervine for 22 runs. Gary Ballance and Tafadzwa Tsiga decided to play for time thereafter and once again the game looked like it was heading for a draw but the wickets of the former and Brad Evans gave West Indies hope once again. Wellington Masakadza faced 36 deliveries without scoring a run and along with Tafadzwa Tsiga closed the game out.

Despite the rain intervals, full credit must be given to both teams as they looked to push for a result in this game. With the first three innings being declared, it is fair to say that both teams fancied their chances in this game and a drawn game is a fair result for the effort they have put into this match. West Indies believed that they could win this game right till the end and tried really hard but Zimbabwe managed to block them out for several overs.

Floated, full and on off, Wellington Masakadza prdos forward to defend, but gets beaten by the turn inside as the keeper collects it. All the eyes on the umpire to see if there is any signal, but there isn't any. However, Kraigg Brathwaite decides to shake hand now and it is all over for thie Test match. IT ENDS AS A DRAW!

Fires this one full, on middle, Wellington Masakadza is solid in his defence again.

Tossed up, full and on off, Wellington Masakadza defends it on the front foot.

Slower through the air, on middle, Wellington Masakadza leans on to defend, but misses as the ball loops up of his pads and the short leg fielder pouches it. There is an appeal, but turned down.

Quicker, full and on middle, Wellington Masakadza defends it again.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Wellington Masakadza blocks it out.

FOUR! Easy pickings! A low full toss, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga drives it through covers for a boundary. Tafadzwa Tsiga is feeling a bit uneasy now and both the batters are havinig some drinks on the field. This may also be a tactic from Zimbabwe to waste time.