Cricket: Houghton stabilises Zimbabwe's innings

Pakistan 147; Zimbabwe 110-3

ZIMBABWE, attempting their first Test win, were comfortably placed at 110 for 3 on the second day of their third and final Test against Pakistan at Lahore yesterday. Resuming at 15 for no loss after bowling out Pakistan for 147, Zimbabwe were dealt an early blow when Mark Dekker fell without adding to his overnight score of two.

Dekker was brilliantly caught by the wicketkeeper Rashid Latif down the legside as he attempted to glance Wasim Akram, the Pakistan captain. He was soon followed back to the pavilion by Alistair Campbell, who scored 63 and 75 in the second Test, caught again by Rashid, this time diving to his left, off Waqar Younis for six.

The only other wicket to fall in a day that started almost two hours late and ended 25 minutes early because of mist was that of Gary Flower, who went for 30 in the last over before tea. He was dismissed thanks to another brilliant catch by Rashid, who picked up a thin edge one-handed to his left.

Flower had earlier survived a blow when a rising delivery from Waqar hit the visor of his helmet. The batsman fell and needed treatment. Although visibly shaken, he resumed his innings.

Dave Houghton remains unbeaten on 47 after batting for just over two hours.

(Second day: Zimbabwe won toss)

PAKISTAN - First Innings 147 (D Brain 5-42).

ZIMBABWE - First innings

(Overnight: 15 for 0)

G W Flower c Rashid Latif b Rehman 30

M H Dekker c Rashid b Wasim Akram 2

A D R Campbell c Rashid b Waqar Younis 6

D L Houghton not out 47

* A Flower not out 10

Extras (b5 lb5 nb4 w1) 15

Total (for 3) 110

Fall: 1-17 2-35 3-88.

To bat: H H Streak, G J Whittall, W R James, D Brain, E A Brandes, J A Rennie.

Bowling: Wasim Akram 17.1-5-33-1 (nb4); Waqar Younis 16-6-38-1 (w1); Ata-ur-Rehman 10-4-20-1; Mushtaq Ahmed 4-1-9-0.

Umpires: K Hayat and A Zaidi.