Cricket: Latham leads the way for Black Caps

New Zealand batsman Tom Latham. Photo / AFP

Opener Tom Latham hit his second century in a row as New Zealand dominated the second test against Zimbabwe to reach 329-2 Sunday at stumps.

Latham was finally out for 136 in the last over of the first day at Queens Sports Club, caught and bowled by spinner Sean Williams. Latham was also a century-maker in the first test, which New Zealand won by an innings and 117 runs.

Latham cracked 11 fours in a patient innings where he waited for loose deliveries, which came regularly on a good batting wicket.

He shared a first-wicket partnership of 169 with Martin Guptill, who also looked solid for his 87 until he was trapped leg before wicket by seamer Donald Tiripano ahead of tea.

"I think it was fractionally slow," Guptill said of the wicket. "It was pretty tough for them when they bowled. There wasn't much pace for us to work with, but I'm glad we managed to get a few partnerships which got us into a commanding position."

Captain Kane Williamson joined Latham and also took the attack to Zimbabwe, ending five runs shy of his own hundred at stumps.

New Zealand leads the two-match series 1-0.

There were anti-government protests inside and outside the ground, which saw human rights activist Jenni Williams being detained. Williams was denied entry into the ground in the morning and, following a struggle, was handcuffed and taken off to a police station in the city.

Inside the ground, fans waved the national flag and sang the national anthem during the 36th over to protest the 36 years of President Robert Mugabe's time in power.

- AAP