Centuries from Sean Williams and Keith Dabengwa gave Zimbabwe XI the first-innings lead against Ireland on the third day of their Intercontinental Cup match in Harare. Only three wickets fell for 331 runs as Zimbabwe XI completely dominated the day's proceedings.
Williams and Dabengwa began with Zimbabwe XI still 290 runs adrift of Ireland's 465. They didn't get bogged down though, and kept the runs flowing during their 237-run stand for the fourth wicket that came at more than 3.5 runs an over. Williams was caught by Gary Wilson off John Mooney's bowling after having made 178 off 280 deliveries, his fourth first-class century.
At 348 for 4, Zimbabwe XI were still short of Ireland's total by 117 runs. Dabengwa then shared a century partnership with wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva to take his team past 450. However, both were dismissed by Kevin O'Brien in consecutive overs. Dabengwa made 140 off 291, his fourth first-class century, while Chakabva got 54 off 99.
If Ireland thought they could run through the tail, their hopes were belied by Forster Mutizwa and Shingirai Masakadza who were still together at stumps, after taking Zimbabwe XI past 500 in a 49-run stand.
Ireland used as many as eight bowlers in their bid to stem Zimbabwe, who picked up six points for taking the lead.