New Zealand XI top order clicks in draw

While the three-day tour match in Gisborne ended in an expected draw, the New Zealand XI top order that had failed in the first innings came good this time round, scoring freely against the Zimbabweans. Most significantly, Kruger van Wyk, who is in a race for wicketkeeper's spot in the Test XI with BJ Watling, scored a half-century. Watling, who is the favourite to make the XI, had made 84 in the first innings.

Apart from van Wyk, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor also made half-centuries before retiring, while Daniel Vettori remained unbeaten on 41 as New Zealand finished on 274 for 5. The only Zimbabwean bowler to strike was Graeme Cremer, who bowled opener Michael Bracewell with his legspin. All the other bowlers were on the expensive side - only Brian Vitori and Shingi Masakadza managed to maintain an economy rate of under four an over.

Earlier in the day, the New Zealand XI took three overs to pick up the one remaining wicket in the Zimbabweans' innings. Sam Wells, the Otago medium-pacer who has been added to the squad for the one-off Test, claimed the wicket. He had Ray Price caught, as the Zimbabweans finished on 329 with Regis Chakabva stranded on 87.