Zimbabwe's batting flopped for a second time in their four-day tour opener here, leaving them staring a heavy defeat in the face against the Patron's XI.

The tourists slumped to 111-6 at close on the third day at the Defence Stadium, needing another 159 runs to avoid an innings defeat with four wickets and a full day's play left.

At the close, Elton Chigumbura and Gary Brent both on two were at the crease.

The home side made 479-6 before declaring their first innings, giving them a huge first innings lead of 270 runs.

Stand-in captain Hamilton Masakadza (44) and Tatenda Taibu (30) helped the tourists avoid disaster with a fighting 63-run stand for the third wicket in an otherwise unimpressive batting display.

New-ball bowlers Samiullah Niazi (3-15) and Sohail Khan (3-30) bowled lively spells to derail the tourists. Niazi removed Vusi Sibanda (23) and Brendon Taylor (4) before returning to dismiss Taibu after tea.

Khan removed Masakadza before snaring Sean Williams (4) and Keith Dabengwa off successive deliveries to push Zimbabwe to the brink of defeat.

Earlier in the day, Naumanullah Khan (86) and Fawad Alam (82 not out) helped the Patron's XI press home their advantage with a fourth-wicket stand of 127.

Left-arm spinner Ray Price was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers with 4-130.

Zimbabwe are due to play five one-day internationals against Pakistan on the tour. The first match is scheduled here on January 21.

Abbreviated Scores: Zimbabwe 209 (B. Taylor 64; Shahid Afridi 4-37) and 111-6 (H. Masakadza 44; Samiullah Niazi 3-15, Sohail Khan 3-30); Patron's XI 479-6 declared (Nasir Jamshed 182, Naumanullah Khan 86, Fawad Alam 82 not out, Afaq Rahim 77; R. Price 4-130)

(Article: Copyright © 2008 AFP)