An unbroken 75-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor took New Zealand's lead to 224 at lunch on the fourth day of their test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Friday.
Published: Nov 04, 2011, 05:25 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 04, 2011, 05:25 PM (IST)
Kane Williamson in action during second session of day four © AFP
Bulawayo: Nov 4, 2011
An unbroken 75-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor took New Zealand’s lead to 224 at lunch on the fourth day of their test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Friday.
The Black Caps were in momentary trouble when nightwatchman Jeetan Patel was bowled by Kyle Jarvis to leave them teetering on 36 for three in their second innings, but Williamson and Taylor consolidated to take New Zealand to the interval on 111 for three.
Williamson was not out on 48, while Taylor had 40 to his name, but both were fortunate to survive a spirited mid-morning spell from local man Njabulo Ncube.
The fast bowler bent his back and found the edge three times, but with Zimbabwe setting largely defensive fields he was left frustrated as none of them went to hand.
Left-arm spinner Ray Price found some turn and beat the bat on a couple of occasions, but after an attacking first stint bowling around the wicket to the right-handers he was forced to take a more defensive approach as the New Zealand partnership gathered momentum.
The tourists started the day on 28 for two — an overall lead of 141 after they’d bowled Zimbabwe out for 313 on day three — with the stated aim of setting up a declaration some time after tea as they look to give themselves enough time to dismiss their hosts a second time. (AFP)
Brief Scores: New Zealand 426 (Martin Guptill 109, Ross Taylor 76, Dean Brownlie 63; Chris Mpofu 4 for 92) and 111 for 3 (Kane Williamson 48*, Ross Taylor 40*; Kyle Jarvis 2 for 27, Ray Price 1 for 21) lead Zimbabwe 313 all out (Vusimuzi Sibanda 93, Malcilm Waller 72*, Brendan Taylor 50; Daniel Vettori 5 for 70) by 224 runs.
