Middle order helps Zimbabweans take lead

The Zimbabwe batsmen gave a good account of themselves on the second day at Harry Barker Reserve, taking a 56-run lead. The tourists were carried by half-centuries by Tatenda Taibu, Malcolm Waller and Regis Chakabva, who remained unbeaten on 87 with the No.11 Ray Price for company.

Resuming on 38, the Zimbabweans lost the early wicket of Tino Mawoyo for 26. There was further trouble for them as they lost Foster Mutizwa and Hamilton Masakadza in quick succession. At 55 for 3, Taibu and Waller weathered the storm with a stand of 119 for the fourth wicket. Neil Wagner, the left-arm fast bowler, removed them both, as well as Elton Chigumbura first ball to leave the tourists in need of another recovery at 186 for 6.

Both Taibu and Waller spent valuable time at the crease, hitting 11 and eight fours respectively. The tail rallied around Chakabva as he went on the attack, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. Shingirai Masakadza put on 46 for the ninth wicket with Chakabva, before Price helped add 72, off 83 balls, for the final wicket to frustrate the hosts. Chakabva was slow to begin with but later dictated terms with his aggression.

Wagner picked up three wickets but was a tad expensive, going at 4.52 runs per over. Andy McKay and Chris Martin picked up two wickets each. Daniel Vettori, however, bowlerd just six overs.