Twitter Reactions: Hasan Ali leads Pakistan to victory in the opening Test against Zimbabwe

After a tad under three days, Pakistan managed to beat Zimbabwe by an innings and 116 runs. At the Harare Sports Club, the hosts put forth a spirited show, but they couldn’t hold on after lack of experience showed. It also meant that Babar Azam and Co secured a crucial 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second and final Test gets underway on Friday, May 7 in Harare itself.

Pakistan amass a massive lead

At the close of play, Pakistan had already amassed a lead of 198 runs courtesy of Fawad Alam’s century and a 90 from Imran Butt. On the third day, Fawad went on to score 140 runs off 204 balls with the help of 20 fours. He, eventually, fell prey to fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani. Hasan Ali also contributed with 30 runs off 26 balls and his knock was laced with three fours and two sixes.

Muzarabani inflicted most of the damage for the hosts as he brushed off the tail and picked up four wickets. In the meantime, Pakistan amassed a colossal lead of 250 runs. Zimbabwe started on a positive note after opener Kevin Kasuza and Tarisai Musakanda put on 48 runs for the opening wicket. Hasan Ali trapped Kasuza, who scored 28 with three fours, to break the partnership.

Hasan Ali wreaks havoc

Once the first wicket fell, Zimbabwe crumbled like a house of cards. Musakanda went on to score 43 runs with five fours before he got run out. Brendan Taylor showed a positive outlook as he scored 29 runs off 33 balls with two fours and one six. Roy Kaia, who impressed in the first innings, couldn’t open his account. The lower order couldn’t contribute much and flattered to deceive with the bat.

Hasan turned out to be the Player of the Match after he followed up his four-wicket haul in the first innings with a fifer in the second. The fast bowler got the apt support from tweaker Nauman Ali and seamer Faheem Ashraf, who both picked a combined tally of three wickets. In the end, Zimbabwe lost their last nine wickets for 86 runs and were bundled out for a paltry 134 in 46.2 overs.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to Pakistan’s win: