Windies humble President's XI

Dellmar photo

HARARE, (Reuters):

WEST INDIES saw off some dogged low order resistance to win the opening first-class game of their tour of Zimbabwe yesterday, defeating a Zimbabwe Cricket Union President's XI by 214.

West Indies declared their second innings overnight on 457 for five wickets ­ a lead of 520 ­ with Chris Gayle remaining unbeaten on a career-best 259.

They then dismissed the President's XI for 306, one hour into the final session.

When the home side slipped to 178 for eight half an hour before tea, victory looked a formality.

But a ninth wicket partnership of 114 between Paul Strang and David Mutendera forced the tourists to dig deeper than they might have expected to clinch victory.

West Indies' cause was not helped by a deepening of their injury problems as neither strike bowler Reon King nor leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine was able to bowl in the final session, both suffering from back strains.

Mutendera was eventually clean bowled by Colin Stuart for 34 and the game was wrapped up when Stuart bowled Douglas Hondo for 10, leaving Strang undefeated on 81. He faced 89 balls and hit 12 fours and a six.

Earlier, Guy Whittall (45) and Hamilton Masikadza (38) batted confidently in adding 71 for the second wicket after Gavin Rennie was caught behind off King for one.

But despite a fluent 50 off 83 balls, including eight boundaries, from Dirk Viljoen, the tourists looked in control.

Whittall was trapped in front by Neil McGarrell, while 17 year-old Masikadza showed great promise for the second time in the match before he was stumped by Jacobs off Ramnarine.

Viljoen and Sean Ervine frustrated the tourists for 45 minutes after lunch, but West Indies' patience was rewarded when Viljoen drove loosely at King and edged to Jacobs.

Captain Mluleki Nkala followed three balls later for a duck, leg before wicket.

Jacobs then picked up three further catches, Gary Brent (7) swinging wildly at Ramnarine, Ervine (25) trying a similar shot at Stuart and Colin Delport (4) undone by a perfect leg-spinner from Ramnarine.

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