Bishoo puts West Indies in control

BULAWAYO: Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo pricked Zimbabwe’s bubble of optimism yesterday as his fivewicket haul put the West Indies in charge of the first Test at Queens Sports Club.

Zimbabwe came into the two-match series in a buoyant mood following the return of Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis to their ranks, and carried it through the opening day when they dismissed the West Indies for 219.

But Bishoo’s 5 for 79 on the second day was like a bucket of cold water on Zimbabwe’s spirits as they were bowled out for 159, with Hamilton Masakadza’s 42 the top score. “There were way too many soft dismissals, and the boys are upset with themselves. That wasn’t how we wanted to play,” said Zimbabwe’s batting coach Lance Klusener.

“We’ve got a second bite at the cherry, but it won’t be easy to bat out there.” With Zimbabwe bowled out in just 61.3 overs, the West Indies began their second innings after tea and reached stumps on 88 for one, giving them an overall lead of 148. Kraigg Brathwaite led the way with an unbeaten 38, while Kyle Hope registered a career-best 32 not out in his fourth Test.

The hosts made a positive start in reply to West Indies’ 219 all out, with openers Masakadza and Solomon Mire moving their overnight total from 19 to 44 without loss.

But from 91 for one Zimbabwe slipped to 139 for seven as Masakadza felt for a Bishoo delivery and edged behind, Brendan Taylor reverse-swept the legspinner to slip and Sikandar Raza holed out to long-off. Shannon Gabriel finished off the innings with the wicket of Chris Mpofu on the stroke of tea, leaving the tourists with a sense of satisfaction. — AFP