Roston Chase top scored with 70 and Joshua Da Silva added a patient knock of 44 as West Indies reached 290-8 in the first innings – an overall lead of 175 in the first innings – on a rain-hit second day on Monday. Chase shared half-century stands with Kyle Mayers (34) and Da Silva to fortify the visitor’s grip on the match with three days still to be played.
Pacer Victor Nyauchi ended play with 3-56 from 16.4 overs, and leg-spinner Brandon Mavuta supported with 3-73 from 24 overs.
This was the highest of the four half-centuries Chase has scored since his unbeaten 102 against England three years ago at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia.
“Obviously, I was looking for a century, but I thought my mindset was still in an old ball mindset, and the new ball tends to do a bit more, so I thought it was a bit disappointing on my end, but it was a good delivery from the bowler and credit must go to him,”
Chase said to members of the media after the play ended.
“I was a bit disappointed not being able to convert to a hundred, but I was happy that I was still able to get a decent score… It’s always a good feeling to get a good score, I didn’t get much in the last game because I was in a position where I had to come out and look for runs right away. “That’s out of my game plan and strategy, but this game, I really had the opportunity to go out there and play my natural game, and play to my strengths.”
Chase said he hoped the West Indies could extend their lead well past 200, which will put them in a far better position to try to force a win over the remaining three days, weather permitting.
“I am happy with the position that we are in, but it could be better. We are still leading the game, and I feel if we can carry the total up to 350 that would give us a significant lead, and it will be enough to bowl out Zimbabwe in the second innings.”
The third day’s play is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am (3:30 am Eastern Caribbean/2:30 am Jamaica). At the wicket for West Indies are Jason Holder on three not out and Gudakesh Motie on 11.