Published: Aug 10, 2016, 04:17 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 10, 2016, 04:17 PM (IST)
Two contentious umpiring decisions helped New Zealand stay on track for victory on Wednesday on the final day of the second Test against Zimbabwe. Nightwatchman Donald Tiripano and first-innings centurion Craig Ervine battled admirably for the first 90 minutes of the morning session, only to be dismissed by questionable calls from umpire Paul Reiffel. Their departures saw Zimbabwe reach lunch on 112 for five, leaving New Zealand with two sessions to wrap up the remaining five wickets they need for a 2-0 series win. Zimbabwe started the day on 58 for three, and while their official target was 387 for victory, a face-saving draw looked to be their real aim. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2016, 2nd Test at Bulawayo
That goal began to look within their grasp when Tiripano and Ervine batted out the first 22 overs of the day. However, first Tiripano was given out lbw to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner when the ball appeared to be missing leg stump, then Ervine was adjudged caught behind off Martin Guptill.
Replays confirmed that Ervine had not made contact with the ball as it turned past his outside edge.
Earlier on Day Four, with Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor putting on an unbroken stand of 140 in the space of 30 overs, Williamson was able to declare on 166 for two and allow his bowlers 26 overs at the Zimbabwean batsmen during the evening session. Although openers Chibhabha and Tino Mawoyo made a promising start in reaching 45 without loss, three dismissals before the close left Zimbabwe facing a long final day to avoid defeat.
