Masakadza's unbeaten century keeps West Indies at bay

Hamilton Masakadza's unbeaten century kept West Indies at bay on a rain-affected Day 1 of the second Test on Sunday.

Bulwayo: Hamilton Masakadza's unbeaten century kept West Indies at bay on a rain-affected Day 1 of the second Test on Sunday.

Opener Masakadza was 101 not out, and had rescued Zimbabwe from 14/3 and taken it to 169/4, when rain cut short the opening day at Queens Sports Club.

Masakadza, the 34-year-old veteran, made use of a couple of lives to record just a fifth Test century in his 16-year career. It rolled back the years for Masakadza, who made his first century against West Indies on debut at the age of 17. At the time, he was the youngest player ever to make a century on Test debut.

Masakadza put on 142 for the fourth wicket with PJ Moor (52) on Sunday after quicks Kemar Roach (2/24) and Shannon Gabriel (1/37) made light of Zimbabwe's top order.

West Indies won the first Test and pushed hard for early control of the second under gray skies.

Roach had Solomon Mire caught behind for 4, Gabriel bowled Craig Ervine for a duck — snapping middle stump in half in the process — and Roach forced Brendan Taylor to play on for 1.

Masakadza propped up Zimbabwe, but only after surviving when a couple of edges fell short or wide of fielders. He was also called back after being dismissed off a no-ball by Gabriel. Masakadza hit nine fours and two sixes and was supported by Moor's half-century.

Moor fell three overs from stumps, bowled by offspinner Roston Chase. Sikandar Raza was 9 not out alongside Masakadza when the rain, which had been threatening most of the day, arrived after tea.