Zim Chevrons declare after Williams half century

Mugove Chigada

ZIMBABWE have declared after captain Sean Williams hit a six to reach his half-century on day five of the test match against Sri Lanka.

This left Sri Lanka with a target of 361 to win this second test match at Harare Sports Club.

The decision to declare early seems to have emanated from fears that rain could deny Zimbabwe victory on day five.

Play was disrupted on day four and then stopped early when captain Sean Williams and Donald Tiripano were on the crease.

Zimbabwe was leading by 354 runs in their second innings with three wickets remaining.

A big possibility was Zimbabwe would declare and put Sri Lanka to bat on a day rains are expected later in the afternoon, a situation that has taken place.

Both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have a chance of winning the test if there is a full day of play, but if the rains come early, a draw is likely.

In this second test match, Zimbabwe posted 406 in their first innings. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 293 in their first innings, thanks to an impressive 7 off 113 balls by Sikandar Raza.

At stumps on Thursday, Zimbabwe had managed 241 for seven in their second innings.

An impressive 67 runs by Brendan Taylor is what carried the hosts as they tried to push their lead to 400 and post a rare test win here in Harare.