Abid Ali continued his marathon innings for Pakistan but lost three batting partners on the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe as they looked to wrap up the two-match series on Saturday.

Opening batsman Abid had scored 178 not out as Pakistan reached 404 for seven a little after lunch at Harare Sports Club.

Abid took over 100 balls to add 60 runs to his overnight score of 118.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers restricted the tourists to 85 runs in 28 overs during the morning, claiming the wickets of Sajid Khan, Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan Ali.

It could have been better for Zimbabwe, who missed out on an early strike when substitute fielder Wesley Madhevere failed to hold a straightforward chance at gully from nightwatchman Sajid off Blessing Muzaranbani in the third over of the day.

Sajid was on one and went on to score 20 and helped Abid see off the threat of Muzaranbani and Richard Ngarava with the second new ball, which was only ten overs old at the start of play.

Madhevere was fielding in place of Roy Kaia, who suffered bruising when he was struck on the left knee while fielding at short leg on Friday.

Pakistan won the first Test by an innings and 116 runs.

Scores
Brief scores a little after lunch on the second day of the second Test between Zimbabwe and Pakistan at Harare Sports Club on Saturday:

Pakistan 404-7 in 132 overs (Abid Ali 178 not out, Azhar Ali 126; B. Muzarabani 3-53).

Toss: Pakistan