Zimbabwe side trails by 360 runs against India A after Day 2

Harare, July 26 (UNI) India 'A' tightened the noose on the Zimbabwe select team and looked set to force a follow on after scoring 489 in their first essay and later reducing the hosts to 129 for four, a lead of 360 runs, at the close of second day's play at the Harare Sports Club.

Resuming on their overnight 331 for five, the Indians struggled initially only to cut loose after hosts skipper Prosper Utseya turned to his spinners.

Subramaniam Badrinath (62) and Piyush Chawla (58) joined four other compatriots to score a half centuries in the first innings.

Ed Rainsford struck three times after lunch including that of Badrinath, all to catches by former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu.

India's last pair added to Zimbabwe's frustration as VRV Singh twice deposited Prosper Utseya over the media centre before Chris Mpofu finally ended the India innings.

The host team, virtually a full national side in all but name, started confidently with openers Hamilton Masakadza and Tino Mawoyo looking comfortable, and by tea they had reached 31 for no loss.

But, the Indians struck post tea and scalped four wickets. The opening pair put on 45 before the Tino was caught by India 'A' skipper Mohammad Kaif at first slip off Mahesh Rawat.

In came Vusimuzi Sibanda but he did not last long and fell for just 12 runs, caught at first slip by Kaif off Pankaj Singh's delivery.

Masakadza was the leading scorer for the Zimbabwe Select with 38 runs. His best shot being a big six off Rajesh Pawar, but it was Pawar who had the last laugh, dismissing Masakadza caught by Parthiv Patel at gully.

Taibu, batting at number four remained unbeaten on 25, showing that he has not lost his touch despite a lengthy absence from the international scene.

Stuart Matsikenyeri made 19 and his departure marked the end of the day's proceedings.

For India A, Pankaj Singh was the most successful, returning with figures of 2 for 12 from five overs.

Earlier yesterday, four top order India 'A' batsmen, including Kaif (63), strucked half centuries. Robin Uthappa (88), Rohit Sharma (65) and Parthiv Patel (67) were the other batsmen who scored fifties.

Brief Scorecard: India 'A' 1st Innings: 489 all out (Robin Uthappa 88; Parthiv Patel 67; Mohd. Kaif 63; Rohit Sharma 66; S Bandrinath 62; Piyush Chawla 58; Mpofu 3-90, Rainsford 3-82) Zimbabwe Select 1st innings: 129 for four (Tino Mawoyo 20; Hamilton Masakadza 38; Taitendra Taibu not out 25; Pankaj Singh 2 for 12) UNI