New Zealand Take Control on Second Day of Second Test Against Zimbabwe

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-08 17:11:28 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-13 03:23:01

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Zimbabwe's home Test series against New Zealand remains wide open as the second match heads to Day 3. New Zealand scored freely on Day 2, posting 411 runs for the loss of just three wickets by the close of play.

By the end of the second day in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, New Zealand's stand-in captain Tom Latham was batting on 113 and shared a 213-run partnership with Will Young, who was dismissed late in the day for 82 off 179 balls.

Earlier on Day 2, New Zealand started at a steady pace, with Young and Latham taking their opening stand to 29 before Zimbabwe earned their first wicket, as Young skied a delivery from off-spinner Wellington Masakadza to be caught at mid-on. However, the Kiwi batters continued to dominate and piled on the runs despite the regular fall of wickets.

Latham, who was dropped on 68, punished the home side's bowlers, smashing 13 fours and a six in his innings so far. He was well supported by Ross Taylor (31), Henry Nicholls (32), and Tom Blundell (21*) later in the day.

New Zealand, who need to win the second Test to draw the two-match series, will be hoping to build on this impressive performance with the bat and get close to the 500-run mark on Day 3.

Zimbabwe, who need to pick up early wickets on the third morning to stand a chance of winning the match and series, will be confident after their lower-order fightback in the first innings.

The home side will be relying on their experienced bowlers, such as Blessing Muzarabani and Sean Williams, to penetrate New Zealand's top order and restrict them from posting a mammoth total.

The first Test, played at the same venue, ended in a draw after persistent rain and a wet outfield forced the final day to be called off.

With weather expected to be sunny for the remainder of this Test, a result seems inevitable this time around, with New Zealand in the driver's seat.

Go!