Cricket: Blacks Caps' fourth wicket stand extends lead

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor. Photo / Alan Gibson

An unbroken 75-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor took New Zealand's lead to 224 at lunch on the fourth day of their Test against Zimbabwe on Friday.

The Black Caps were in momentary trouble when nightwatchman Jeetan Patel was bowled by Kyle Jarvis to leave them teetering on 3-36 in their second innings, but Williamson and Taylor consolidated to take New Zealand to the interval on 3-111.

Williamson was not out on 48, while Taylor had 40 to his name, but both were fortunate to survive a spirited mid-morning spell from local man Njabulo Ncube.

The fast bowler bent his back and found the edge three times, but with Zimbabwe setting largely defensive fields he was left frustrated as none of them went to hand.

Left-arm spinner Ray Price found some turn and beat the bat on a couple of occasions, but after an attacking first stint bowling around the wicket to the right-handers he was forced to take a more defensive approach as the New Zealand partnership gathered momentum.

The tourists started the day on 2-28 - an overall lead of 141 after they'd bowled Zimbabwe out for 313 on day three - with the stated aim of setting up a declaration some time after tea as they look to give themselves enough time to dismiss their hosts a second time.

- AFP