Zimbabwe struggle

WELLINGTON, February 19: Zimbabwe were left reeling at 132 for eight wickets at stumps on the first day of the first Test against New Zealan...

WELLINGTON, February 19: Zimbabwe were left reeling at 132 for eight wickets at stumps on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand at Wellington8217;s Basin Reserve today.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Zimbabwe got off to a good start after lunch. Openers Gavin Rennie and Grant Flower strolled through the opening overs without any trouble until paceman Simon Doull bowled Rennie for 13 with the total at 30.

A further 23 runs were added before Murray Goodwin was trapped leg-before wicket by left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori. New Zealand captain StephenFleming juggled his bowlers around and his decision to bring back left-arm swing bowler Shayne O8217;Conner shortly before tea paid immediate dividends.

O8217;Connor had Guy Whittal and Andy Flower caught behind by wicket-keeper Adam Parore within the space of just six runs.

Zimbabwe went to tea at 70 for four, and their plight worsened on resumption, Dion Nash bowling Grant Flower for 38. When captain Alistair Campbell was run out for 37 afterlooking to be in fine touch, Zimbabwe were on the ropes.

Doull then had Paul Strang caught in the slips for one, to return best figures of 2-12 while Chris Cairns induced an edge to Parore from Andy Whittal, also out for one. At the close tail-enders Heath Streak not out nine and Adam Huckle one were left to face the fired-up Kiwis tomorrow.

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand 1st innings: G Rennie b Doull 13, G Flower b Nash 38, M Goodwin lbw b Vettori 8, G Whittall c Parore b O8217;Connor 6, A Flower c Parore b O8217;Connor 2, A Campbell run out 37, P Strang c Young b Doull 1, H Streak not out 9, A Whittall c Parore b Cairns 1, A Huckle not out 1; Extras 10Lb, 6nb 16.

Total: 132 for eight wickets.

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Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-53, 3-64, 4-70, 5-78, 6-89, 7-122, 8-131

Bowling: Cairns 12-2-25-1, O8217;Connor 13-6-36-2, Doull 12-6-12-2 1nb, Nash 14-7-11-1 2nb, Vettori 17-8-38-1.