HARARE – Victor Nyauchi delivered a fine pace bowling performance, but Durham still seized control on the opening day of their first three-day match against Zimbabwe ‘A’ at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
At stumps, the English county side, having been put in to bat, had declared at 368 for eight off just 76.2 overs, before striking early to leave the hosts one wicket down without a run on the board.
Nyauchi made an immediate impact in the morning session, trapping Emilio Gay lbw for four in his second over.
Gay’s opening partner, captain Alex Lees, looked in fine touch, peppering the boundary regularly.
However, he and his teammates found Nyauchi a much tougher challenge, often forced to curb their natural aggression against the pace spearhead.
Nyauchi soon claimed the key wicket of Lees, caught behind by Nyasha Mayavo for 41 off 41 balls, with Durham on 55 for two.
Will Rhodes played a measured knock of 48, while Ollie Robinson was more aggressive, hammering 81 off 89 balls, including two sixes and 11 fours.
The middle order chipped in consistently, with Gay the only one among the top eight failing to pass 20.
The standout partnership came for the seventh wicket, as George Drissell (81 off 81 balls) and Matthew Potts (34) added 110 runs in just over 15 overs.
Drissell’s dismissal for 81, matching Robinson’s score, signalled the end of Durham’s innings, with the visitors declaring at 368 for eight.
Nyauchi was Zimbabwe ‘A’s standout bowler, finishing with three for 44 in 17 overs, while Alex Falao and Vincent Masekesa chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Zimbabwe ‘A’ could not have made a worse start to their innings, as Takudzwanashe Kaitano fell to Potts first ball, caught behind.
Nick Welch joined Ben Curran at the crease, but just two balls later, bad light forced an early close to play. – ZimCricket Media
