Zimbabwe v New Zealand, Second Test, Day 4, Harare

In another dour morning's play, Zimbabwe continued to slide slowly towards defeat, worn down by the persistent New Zealanders. They inflicted two run-outs on themselves, always a sign that things are not right in the team, but then came a superb fightback led by Andy Flower and Guy Whittall. Flower scored 65, but Whittall was unbeaten with 105 at the close. Defeat for Zimbabwe, 299 behind on first innings, is still virtually inevitable, but at 228 for five they are at last putting up a fight.

Zimbabwe began the day on 6 for one wicket. Grant Flower finally got off the mark from the 51st ball he faced, with a handsome off-driven boundary off O'Connor. He and Carlisle again set their sights on survival, but their stand was broken after an hour when Flower (10) called for a risky run to Wiseman at backward point and was sent back, failing to make his ground, although television replays seemed to indicate that Astle had broken the wicket illegally. Zimbabwe were 27 for two in the 29th over.

Campbell avoided his pair with a six over long leg off Nash, followed by a similar stroke for four. For the first time in the innings, runs scored exceeded overs bowled. Then came another run-out as Carlisle pushed a quick single near Sinclair in the covers and Campbell (10) was unable to make his ground, further evidence that Zimbabwe are back to their very worst; 39 for three.

Next to go was Carlisle (20), brilliantly caught by Fleming in the gully off Astle from a full-blooded cut; 48 for four. After lunch Andy Flower and Whittall fought back well, although both got away with an occasional uppish stroke. Once the total reached three figures they opened out and looked in little trouble against Wiseman and McMillan. Whittall reached his fifty off 95 balls, while Flower soon followed off 106.

After tea Flower reached 59 and became the first Zimbabwean to reach 3000 Test runs. A crucial factor was the second new ball, taken with the score 177 for four. It brought the wicket of Flower two runs later, although it was not the new ball itself that was responsible but rather a brilliant catch at backward point by Sinclair off a full-blooded cut by Flower (65) off O'Connor.

Streak proved obdurate, and the New Zealanders' behaviour deteriorated as they became frustrated. Whittall continued to choose his strokes wisely and reached his third Test century with a six off Astle over long-on. He and Streak (10) were still there at the close as Zimbabwe unexpectedly took the match into the final day.