Daryl Mitchell stands tall as Zimbabwe fight back on Day 2

Blessing Muzarabani and Tanaka Chivanga spearheaded an impressive fightback from Zimbabwe on Day 2 of the first Test in Bulawayo, although New Zealand were still in the ascendancy. New Zealand lost quick wickets but Daryl Mitchell's 80 off 119 ensured a good total for the visiting side as they finished with 307, taking a lead of 158. Zimbabwe then lost both their openers late in the day as they went into Stumps at 31/2, trailing by 127 runs.

Muzarabani struck early on Day 3, ending the overnight opening stand on 92 without a run added, as Will Young fell to a shortish delivery that came back in and was caught at forward short leg. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls then put together a steady 66-run stand for the second wicket, guiding New Zealand into the lead. But from a strong position at 158/1, the visitors stumbled to 181/5. Nicholls slashed a Muzarabani delivery to gully, Rachin Ravindra edged Sikandar Raza to slip, and by Lunch, New Zealand were 174/3.

Chivanga made an early impact in the second session, getting Conway to cut one to gully, 12 runs short of a well-deserved century. Tom Blundell followed soon after, top-edging a pull off Chivanga as New Zealand lost half their side. The lead edged past 50 before Muzarabani removed Michael Bracewell, who also top-edged a pull. At 200/6, stand-in skipper Mitchell Santner looked to rebuild with Mitchell, but their 33-run stand ended when Santner chipped a return catch to Vincent Masekesa. Mitchell then combined with Nathan Smith to take New Zealand to Tea without further damage, with the lead crossing 100.

Mitchell got past fifty early in the third session, with a four off Chivanga while Smith also struck a boundary off Muzarabani. But they were watchful otherwise, keeping the Zimbabwe bowlers at bay while blunting the second new ball as they raised a half-century stand. However, just before the lead crossed 150, Smith retired hurt - he was in a lot of pain, holding on to his stomach before leaving the field. Mitchell then struck a six off Newman Nyamhuri but New Zealand's innings ended quickly after that. Matt Henry was bowled by Sean Williams while Mitchell was the last to fall, bowled by Nyamhuri, with Smith not coming out to bat again due to an abdominal tear.

Zimbabwe openers began their second innings in a steady manner before Ben Curran fell to a short ball from Henry, top-edging a pull. Brian Bennett followed soon after, edging to the 'keeper to give William O'Rourke his first wicket of the match. Nick Welch and Masekesa took Zimbabwe through to Stumps without further damage.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 149 & 31/2 (Brian Bennett 18; Matt Henry 1-11, William O'Rourke 1-18) trail New Zealand 307 (Devon Conway 88, Daryl Mitchell 80; Blessing Muzarabani 3-73) by 127 runs.