Zimbabwe piled on the runs yesterday to reach a total of 479 all out in response to Namibia's 214 all out on Saturday.

However, Namibia managed to reduce the deficit late yesterday thanks to another scintillating innings from Jan Berrie Burger.

Burger, who played a crucial role in Namibia's one-day success last week, had scored 83 not out by the close yesterday out of a total of 109 for 0 wickets off 25 overs.

His opening partner Marius van der Merwe ended the day on a more sedate 23 not out.

Each team was allocated 90 overs for their first innings, but as Namibia were all out in 69 overs, Zimbabwe were also able to use the excess 21 overs as they totalled 479.

Craig Wishart, who punished Namibia in the World Cup, found a devastating seam of form at the weekend to rack up 175 runs while Gary Brent made 120 for the visitors.

Paceman Rudie Scholtz was the best of Namibia's bowlers taking five wickets.

The final day starts at 9h00 at the Wanderers Cricket Club this morning, with Namibia still needing another 156 runs to make Zimbabwe bat again.

The sides will play their second three-day match from September 4-6 at the same venue.

Namibia won last week's one-day series 2-1.

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