Tom Latham’s century and 91 from Kane Williamson put New Zealand firmly in the driving seat with a 151-run lead over Zimbabwe on the second day of the first test on Friday.
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Chamu Chibhabha (15), one of three debutants for the hosts, and veteran Hamilton Masakadza (15) set about on a fix mission with a second wicket stand of 31 runs, but once that partnership was broken, things went on a slippery slide for the hosts.
But anyone else would have chosen to bat first, it’s only that his batsmen failed to back him in that decision falling to a combination of poor shot selection and some good bowling by New Zealand particularly Neil Wagner, who claimed six scalps.
New Zealand closed the day on 32 without loss, with Tom Latham on 16 and Martin Guptill on 14.
Zimbabwe’s only wicket was opener Martin Guptill who was out for 40 before lunch, driving away from his body to offer a catch in the gully to Craig Irvine and hand debutant Chamu Chibhabha a first test wicket. Brian Chari filled in behind the stumps.
Zimbabwe climbed down from 35/1 to 36/4 in a space of just 10 balls and were on 49/4 at lunch.
The Zimbabwean bowlers have to be on top of their game if they are to prevent the Black Caps from posting a massive first innings score when the match enters its second day this morning. The unbeaten pair of Latham and Williamson added 112 runs to their alliance with consummate ease, making the home team’s bowling attack look pedestrian. The Tea break brought some luck for the hosts as New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals to finish with 315 for 4.
Zimbabwe redeemed themselves in the final session of the day.
Sikandar Raza got out at mid-wicket and Regis Chakabva nicked behind before hosts skipper Graeme Cremer edged to short leg for a first-ball golden duck. Ross Taylor (38) and nightwatchman Ish Sodhi (5) were not out at the close.
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Henry Nicholls was the fourth wicket to fall, caught behind by Chairi from a full delivery by Donald Tiripano.
