Saqlain's seven leave Zimbabwe in trouble

Saqlain Mushtaq bowled with sublime control to earn Pakistan the advantage on the first day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Saturday.

The off spinner took seven for 66 as Zimbabwe collapsed to 178 all out after winning the toss and batting on a slow, cracked pitch.

Pakistan were 29 without loss when bad light ended play two overs early, with Taufeeq Umar on 16 and Salim Elahi 13 not out.

Saqlain struck first in the 12th over after lunch when Alistair Campbell dabbed indecisively at a delivery and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal for 46 to end a third-wicket partnership of 86 with Grant Flower after Zimbabwe had slumped to eight for two in the fifth over.

Eleven overs later Saqlain, bowling around the wicket, trapped Flower lbw for 54, his second consecutive half century.

Flower was at the crease for three hours, faced 140 balls and hit eight fours.

Hamilton Masakadza became Saqlain's next victim in his following over, caught behind without scoring after he played for non-existent turn.

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar struck with the 12th ball of the match when he trapped Mark Vermeulen in front for two.

Three overs later Dion Ebrahim left a significant gap between bat and pad to a delivery from Waqar Younis and was out leg before for five.

Saqlain's unerring accuracy on a surface which did not offer much turn was then too good for Zimbabwe's lower order batsman as he mopped up.

Grant Flower's 54, Campbell's 46 and Andy Flower's 30 were the home side's only noteworthy scores.

First Test: Tireless Saqlain anchors Pakistan win

Mail Cricket Editor