Rains halt Kiwi charge

Torrential rain dashed New Zealand’s hopes of building an imposing first-innings lead in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe on Friday, an injury to captain Ross Taylor further frustrating the home side.

The New Zealanders began the day at 331 for five and looked to be comfortably approaching Taylor’s stated target of 450-plus as they advanced to 392 without loss. But rain ended play midway through the first session and officials abandoned play when it became apparent that the weather would not clear.

In a further setback, Taylor was forced to retire hurt early in the day. He took off for a quick single but pulled up mid-wicket clutching his right calf and limped to the non-striker’s end, unable to continue despite on-field treatment.

SCORE BOARD

NEW ZEALAND (I Innings, O/n: 331/5):
McCullum lbw Jarvis    83
Guptill c Taibu b S Masakadza    51
Williamson (run out)    4
Taylor (retd hurt)    122
Brownlie c Taibu b H Masakadza    0
Vettori st Taibu b Cremer    38
Watling (batting)     52
Bracewell (batting)    11
Extras (LB-21, W-2, NB-8)    31
Total (for 5 wkts, 105.2 overs)    392
Fall of wickets: 1-124, 2-131, 3-195, 4-196, 5-278.
Bowling: Jarvis 26-6-76-1, Vitori 22.2-3-89-0, S Masakadza 20-2-83-1, H Masakadza 21-6-45-1, Cremer 16-2-78-1.