Zimbabweans on top at Edgbaston

Douglas Hondo picked up five wickets and Grant Flower cracked a century to give Zimbabwe the upper hand against British Universities at Edgbaston, in the opening match of their tour.

After a rain-affected first day, the Universities resumed on a healthy 92 for 2, but by the time Hondo had taken four wickets in three overs, their innings was in tatters. They folded for 146, as 15 wickets fell in the day.

Zimbabwe launched their reply with a brace of fifties for Mark Vermeulen and Stuart Carlisle, but by the time Rob Ferley and Justin Bishop had ripped through the middle order, Zimbabwe were themselves in some considerable strife at 183 for 7. Flower, however, stood firm, adding 119 for the eighth wicket with his captain Heath Streak (37 not out).