New Zealand batsmen start strongly in second Zimbabwe Test

New Zealand's batsmen continued their dominance of Zimbabwe's toothless bowling attack as the second Test got underway in Bulawayo on Saturday.

Zimbabwe managed to take just six wickets in the first Test, which they lost by an innings and 117 runs, and failed to make any inroads on the first morning of the second and final Test after New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat.

Opening pair Martin Guptill and Tom Latham were untroubled in the opening session as they took New Zealand to 101 without loss at the lunch break.

The teams were playing at the same venue as the first Test but the pitch appeared even more placid, particularly with Zimbabwe's pace-shy seamers unable to resort to speed to cause any problems for the batsmen.

Guptill went to lunch unbeaten on 49, while Latham had 42 not out.

The Zimbabweans made three changes to their side for the match, with wicketkeeper-batsman Peter Moor making his Test debut and opening batsman Tino Mawoyo and offspinner John Nyumbu also brought in.

Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari and the injured Hamilton Masakadza were the players to make way.

New Zealand announced an unchanged side from the one that dominated the first Test, as Kane Williamson and Tim Southee earned their 50th Test caps.

Source: AFP