BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (CMC):
Wicketkeeper batsman Shane Dowrich struck a maiden Test hundred and captain Jason Holder his second, before seamer Kemar Roach produced a lethal new-ball burst to leave Zimbabwe staring down the barrel in the second Test here yesterday.
At the close of an intriguing fourth day at Queens Sports Club, the hosts had recovered to reach 140 for four in their second innings - a lead of 18 runs - and a marked turnaround after they languished at 46 for four at one stage during the second session.
Behind by 122 runs on first innings after West Indies converted their overnight 374 for seven into 448 all out, Zimbabwe were blown away by Roach's first spell to stumble at lunch on eight for two, before finding themselves in deeper trouble when they lost two further wickets on resumption.
However, Sikandar Raza carved out his second half-century of the match with an unbeaten 58, while Peter Moor stroked 39 not out, as they put on 94 in an invaluable 94-run, fifth-wicket stand.
Roach, who bowled beautifully first up, finished with two for 14.
The Caribbean side's advantage, however, was achieved through Dowrich and Holder, who both carried their enterprise from Tuesday's third day into the morning session to reach three figures.
Dowrich, under pressure at the start of the match with a mere 47 runs in his last eight outings, made 103 in an innings lasting 232 deliveries and including 10 fours and a six.
Holder, whose last hundred came in his fourth Test two years ago, fashioned 110 off 198 balls and struck nine fours and two sixes.
Together, they extended their overnight stand to 212 - a new Windies record for the eighth wicket - in the process snuffing the spirit out of the Zimbabwe side.