THE West Indies built a healthy first innings lead of 175 runs in their second and final Test against hosts Zimbabwe, but rains prematurely curtailed the third session of day two yesterday.
Zimbabwe had started to enjoy themselves out in the field after Victor Nyauchi took two wickets from three balls to slow down the West Indies charge in the afternoon.
After resuming on an overnight score of 133 for 4, the tourists ended the day on 290 for 8 when the umpires called for the covers.
Brendon Mavuta, who finished the day with 3 for 73, got Zimbabwe’s first wicket of the day when Kyle Mayers found Welly Masakadza on 30, with West Indies having added 51 runs to their overnight score.
Nyauchi got in on the act cleaning Roston Chase, for 70.
With rains having disrupted the third session, Nyauchi came back full of fire when the covers were removed to allow play to resume.
The second new ball was working magic for Zimbabwe as Nyauchi castled Joshua Da Silva, who was starring a half century on 44.
Two balls later, Alizarri Joseph was walking back to the pavilion after he skied a Nyauchi delivery to Tanunurwa Makoni.
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With Zimbabwe hunting for another wicket, rains returned with about 25 overs left in the day.
As showers pounded, there was no chance of a return to the field and play was called off for the day.
Mavuta retained figures of 3 for 73, while Masakadza took one wicket at the expense of 58 runs.
Tanaka Chavanga, Donald Tiripano and Milton Shumba are the other bowlers used by skipper Craig Ervine, but though they failed to take wickets.
Play will resume at 9:30 this morning to try and make up for lost time.
With such a healthy lead and with more rains likely to come, the tourist could declare and give themselves ample time to try and force a win.
Zimbabwe only managed just 115 runs after experienced batsman Gary Ballance was ruled out with a headache.
