Latham on brink of ton as New Zealand forge ahead

Taylor’s century ended a barren run in his last seven test innings, the first time he has passed 50 since bludgeoning 290 against Australia in Perth in November.

Zimbabwe were still trailing New Zealand by 291 runs with five wickets in hand at stumps on day three.

Martin Guptill was out for 40, the only wicket to fall for New Zealand in its first innings.

Ross Taylor and BJ Watling scored centuries as the Black Caps closed in on victory against the hapless Zimbabweans.

New Zealand had resumed the day on 315 for four and lost only nightwatchman Ish Sodhi (11) in the first two sessions as Taylor and Watling plundered runs.

New Delhi: Welcome to our live cricket blog for Day 2 of the 1st Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand at Bulawayo. Taylor started the day on 38 and reached 87 by the lunch interval, while Watling was untroubled throughout his innings and scored progressively quicker as the day wore on.

But 72/4 soon became 72/8 with Ervine (13), Raza Butt (22), Regis Chakabva (0) and Cremer (0) all losing their wickets within just nine balls to leave Zimbabwe’s innings ailing.

It took the unlikely combination of tail ender Tiripano and Masvaure to restore a bit of decency to Zimbabwe’s score with the partnership broken after the latter was snared by Southee well after tea, bringing debutant Mike Chinouya to the crease.

Bulawayo Province: Left-arm seamer Neil Wagner’s raw pace and aggression proved too much for an out-of-touch Zimbabwean batting lineup as New Zealand stamped their authority on the first Test on the opening day at Queens Sports Club on Thursday.

Williamson just missed out on a century when he was beaten by Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer and edged the legspinner to slip.