Natal got off to a flying start on the first day of their three-day game against Zimbabwe at the Bulawayo Athletic Club. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat by the home side, the visitors scored 416 for three wickets declared. Captain Hashim Amla led his team from the front, scoring an unbeaten 178 off just 168 balls.

Their opening pair of Victor Xuxu and Wayne Madsen struggled in the early overs owing to the wet conditions and the pressure applied by the home bowlers. They finally settled in when the pitch dried and started to chase the runs. Their partnership was finally broken when Madsen was dismissed by Stewart Marisa, caught at mid-on by Conan Brewer to depart for 46 in the 27th over.

Marisa struck again when he trapped Xuxu leg before wicket to send him back to the pavilion for 41 in the 29th over. Natal went to lunch at 121 for two off 38 overs. Afterwards they lost one further wicket, that of Imran Khan who also played an outstanding innings, scoring 120 runs before he was caught by Seager off the bowling of Shah. That ended an outstanding display that saw him share a third-wicket partnership with Amla that produced 299 runs.

The visitors finally declared their first innings closed at 416 for three at 15.45 with the captain still unbeaten, together with East Springer on 19. The home side in reply was 94 without loss at the close of play with Charles Coventry on 73.

© ZCU