Masakadza century helps Zimbabwe flourish

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Top order batsman Hamilton Masakadza stroked an unbeaten century as Zimbabwe enjoyed a good outing ahead of next week’s first Test, against the WICB’s High Performance Centre here yesterday.

Playing at the Desmond Haynes Oval on the outskirts of the capital here, the right-hander hit 109 to fire the tourists up to 222 for five at the close.

Masakadza struck 12 fours and two sixes in an innings that lasted 261 balls and five hours and 43 minutes.

Batting at number three, he shared three half-century partnerships which kept the innings together.

He put on 61 for the second wicket with Tino Mawoyo (14), another 52 for the third wicket with captain Brendon Taylor (20) before adding 66 in an unbroken sixth wicket stand with Malcolm Waller, who struck 45.

Waller has faced 93 balls in 111 minutes at the crease, and struck seven boundaries.

Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican has claimed two for 48.