West Indies’ bid for a clean sweep in the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe ended in frustration as wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva and captain Graeme Cremer remained defiant to earn the host a draw (1-1) at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Thursday, Nov. 2.
West Indies won the first Test.
Starting the final day confident of victory West Indies managed to take just three wickets as Zimbabwe produced a gritty performance to end on 301 for seven in their second innings, when the match was abandoned mid-way through the final session.
Chakabva and Cremer put on a 91-run unbroken eight wicket stand to steer the host team safely through the final session to earn a draw.
Chakabva was unbeaten on 71 and Cremer chipped in with 28 to help frustrate the West Indies, in the final session.
West Indies bowlers toiled on a slow track with fast bowler Shannon Gabriel (2 for 34), Kemar Roach (2 for 37) and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo (2 for 74) all only managed to take two wickets each.
West Indies scored 448 in their first innings to lead Zimbabwe to lead by 122 as the host made 326 in their first innings.
Shane Dowrich and Captain Jason Holder both scored centuries in their first innings.
Holder, whose last hundred came in his fourth Test two years ago, scored 100 off 198 balls and struck nine fours and two sixes.
Together they both extended their overnight stand to 212 — a new West Indies record for the eighth wicket.
This was only the eighth time in Test history that a pair had added 200 or more for the eight-wicket or lower in Test matches.
Leg spinner Bishoo was named Man-of-the- Series for his 13 wicket-haul. In the first Test he took 9 wickets for 174.
