New Zealand took firm control of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, finishing day two with a commanding 158-run first-innings lead before making early inroads into the hosts’ second innings.
Resuming on 92 without loss, the Black Caps eased past Zimbabwe’s first-innings total of 149 and went on to post 307 for 9 declared, with all-rounder Nathan Smith retiring hurt on 22 due to an abdominal strain. Zimbabwe were left reeling at 31 for 2 at stumps, still trailing by 127 runs.
Opener Devon Conway top-scored for New Zealand with a composed 88 but fell shortly after lunch, cutting a rising delivery from Tanaka Chivanga to Brian Bennett in the gully. Daryl Mitchell added 80 before being bowled by debutant Newman Nyamhuri, who claimed his maiden Test wicket.
New Zealand had earlier lost Will Young to the first ball of the day, with the opener edging Blessing Muzarabani behind for 41. Muzarabani returned the best figures for the hosts with 3 for 73 from a tireless 26-over spell.
Henry Nicholls contributed 34 while Smith looked in good touch before injury curtailed his innings. The visitors added 215 runs on the day, capitalising on a deteriorating pitch to build a significant lead.
In reply, Zimbabwe faced 13 testing overs before the close. Openers Ben Curran and Brian Bennett both fell cheaply, with Bennett caught behind and Curran trapped lbw, leaving the hosts in early trouble.
Nick Welch (2*) and Vincent Masekesa (0*) will resume on Friday, tasked with the difficult job of rescuing Zimbabwe from a precarious position heading into day three.