Encouraging first day for Zimbabwe

A solid all-round performance from Zimbabwe sees the tourists with the upper hand as their three-day tour match began against a New Zealand XI at Harry Barker Reserve in Gisborne today.

The tourists are set to resume tomorrow morning on 39 without loss responding to the New Zealand's first innings of 272 for seven declared.

It marked an encouraging day's work from Zimbabwe, who were invited to field once New Zealand XI captain Ross Taylor won the toss. That was a decision Taylor had cause to question as his side slumped to 59 for four.

While the wickets were shared around the Zimbabwe bowlers, the New Zealand XI were held aloft by the middle order resistance offered by Daniel Vettori, BJ Watling and young Otago all-rounder Sam Wells.

These three were principally responsible for enabling a declaration after tea, particularly Watling, who spend nearly four hours over a fighting 84 before his dismissal via a run out prompted Taylor to spike the innings early.

Watling hit 12 fours and sharing valuable stands with Vettori, who made 49 in 96 minutes batting at No 5, and 125 with Wells for the sixth wicket.

Wells' share was an impressive 65 in two hours, with seven fours and one six.

Earlier, Zimbabwe cut through the home side's top order as Michael Bracewell went for a duck, fellow opener Kruger van Wyk managed five, Taylor seven and Kane Williamson 26.

Zimbabwe openers Tino Mawoyo and Hamilton Masakadza were left to negotiate 14 overs before the close, something they managed despite offering a couple of chances the New Zealanders failed to grasp.

Mawoyo will take guard tomorrow on 23 with Masakadza on 15.