Sibanda leads Zimbabwe fightback against Pakistan

HARARE: Vusi Sibanda survived some hostile bowling as Zimbabwe made a cautious start to their first innings on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe were 67 for one at lunch in reply to Pakistan's first innings total of 249, with opening batsman Sibanda unbeaten on 30.

It took Zimbabwe just two balls to wrap up the Pakistan innings at the start of play, with the tourists losing their last wicket without adding a run.

Saeed Ajmal was bowled by the first ball he faced from Tendai Chatara on his overnight score of 49, one short of his second half-century in Test cricket.

Tina Mawoyo and Sibanda faced some challenging bowling from Pakistan's left-arm opening bowlers, Junaid Khan and Rahat Ali.

After bowling four overs from over the wicket, Junaid switched to around the wicket and the change of angle brought immediate success as Mawoyo nudged tentatively at the first delivery of the new over and was caught behind by Adnan Akmal for 13.

Captain Hamilton Masakadza joined Sibanda and looked solid as the pair added an unbeaten 42 for the second wicket. His 19 not out included a straight six in off-spinner Ajmal's first over. (AFP)