Paul Strang stars for Manicaland on day two in Mutare

Matabeleland go into day three of this match with three wickets down and still 291 runs away from the follow-on target after a second day of Manicaland dominance. Neil Ferriera continued where he left off the previous day to register his first double-century after a lengthy nervous period looking for the last 10 runs.

At the crease for nearly eight hours (341 balls) it was the highlight of a successful season for the popular Manicaland captain. Watchful throughout, he rarely failed to punish loose balls and drove with burgeoning confidence as the innings progressed.

A sweetly struck off-driven six from the left-arm orthodox spinner Keith Dabengwa was the shot of the innings. As good a stroke as it was, a question mark remains over its planning as it is only the second six of a successful first-class career.

Keeping him company in a 173-run sixth-wicket partnership was 32-year-old leg-spinner Paul Strang, himself knocking a best-ever 154. Having waited five years since his last first-class century - 106 against Pakistan in the Sheikapura Test of 1997 -- Strang revelled in the perfect conditions and non-lethal bowlers.

He might easily have bagged a double-ton too if it were not for hitting out for an early declaration. Finished in the eyes of the (non-present) selectors he again proved how valuable the Strang brothers could still have been to Zimbabwe cricket.

Younger brother Brian (29) has the third-best bowling average in Zimbabwe's history but has retired to Johannesburg, sensing political redundancy.

Matabeleland's bowlers toiled manfully but lacked variety or ideas, and their demeanour suggested a history of subservience. Off-spinner Ewing was the pick, collecting five wickets at less than 20 during a marathon 36. 3 over spell. Townshend is a big man who is prepared to experiment but needs more rhythm to generate pace.

Manicaland declared an hour after lunch and took three wickets before bad light brought a premature end to play 45 minutes from time. Seamer Gary Brent (3/44) bowled an immaculate line outside off stump, allowing skipper Ferriera to place seven and sometimes eight fielders on the off side. A fourteen-over spell of variable paced off-cutters -- with occasional leg-cutters delivered from close in - maintained irresistible pressure on the demoralized Matabeles.

Early signs are that the spinners may prove testing on day three. Strang extracted turn and occasional bounce whilst left-arm orthodox Coulson got in-drift, turn and showed a good arm-ball in the final overs.