Last-wkt stand gives Zimbabwe slim lead over Ireland

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Feb 07 (AFP): A superb 67-run 10th-wicket stand between Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu earned Zimbabwe a seven-run first-innings lead over Ireland on Friday in a one-off Test.

Ireland were all out for 260 late on the opening day on Thursday, and looked set to build a healthy lead after reducing the hosts to 200 for nine on day two in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe were eventually all out for 267, thanks to the last-wicket partnership and Test debutant Nick Welch, who struck 90 while many of his teammates failed to make an impact.

Muzarabani, who took seven wickets on Thursday, stole the limelight again, this time with the bat as he contributed a Test best 47, including six fours.

The innings ended when Muzarabani was caught out by the pace of a delivery from spinner Matthew Humphreys, which uprooted the middle and leg stumps.

Fellow tail-ender Gwandu proved a patient partner and was unbeaten on 18 having faced 79 balls at Queens Sports Club in the southwestern city.

The heroic stand between Muzarabani and Gwandu came after a dream debut by Welch, whose 173-ball knock included a six and nine fours.

Welch departed after a spectacular catch at deep midwicket by Harry Tector off a Mark Adair delivery.

Before the last-wicket heroics, the only notable Zimbabwe partnership on Friday was 46 runs from Welch and Wessly Madhevere for the fourth wicket.