OTD | Hamilton Masakadza became the first black African to score a Test century 

Hamilton Masakadza was one of the earliest trail-blazing batters to come out of Zimbabwe. The right-handed batter was one of the youngest Test centurions for his national side. His 119 versus West Indies during the Harare Test at the age of 17 made him the first African ethnicity batter to score a Test century. 

In his very first Test match versus West Indies, Masakadza showed a talent for the bat. From there, he was expected to make himself the best batter in Zimbabwean colours, but sadly, inconsistency and lack of cricket for a few years meant that Hamilton Masakadza didn’t fully realize his potential. 

In a total of 38 Test matches, Masakadza scored 2223 runs with an average of 30 along with 5 centuries and 8 half-centuries. The former Zimbabwean skipper also played 209 ODI matches and scored 5658 runs with 5 tons and 34 fifties with an average of 27. In 66 T20I matches, Masakadza had 1662 runs with 11 fifties at a strike rate of 117.2 

Hamilton Masakadza makes history

Zimbabwe hosted the West Indies for a short tour and in the second Test played in Harare, the home team were bowled out for 131. Debutant Hamilton Masakadza was out for 9 when he fell to Colin Stuart. 

In reply, West Indies scored 347 to take a lead of 216 runs with the bat. Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored fifties to enable the visiting side to take the huge lead. 

During the 2nd innings, the early fall of Dion Ebrahim for 12 brought Hamilton Masakadza to the crease to join former skipper Alastair Campbell. The pair added 91 runs for the 2nd wicket in 22 overs before Campbell fell for 65. 

Craig Wishart and Masakadza added 169 runs for the 3rd wicket in 59.4 overs to frustrate the West Indians. During the massive stand, Hamilton Masakadza became the young Test centurion for Zimbabwe and the first ethnic player to reach the three-figure mark. 

Young Masakadza was out for 119 runs from 316 balls with 12 fours and having batted for over 6 hours. Heath Streak (83) and Andy Blignaut (92) then took the home team past the West Indian total before the home side declared at 563/9. The match ended in a draw as new hope-filled Zimbabwean cricket following the heroic debut of Hamilton Masakadza.   

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