Cricket: Strang puts brakes on Black Caps

8:00 AM

Zimbabwe leg-spinner Paul Strang six-wicket haul has limited New Zealand to 252 for seven after three days of the first test in Bulawayo.

The Black Caps are still 98 behind, chasing Zimbabwe's first innings total of 350.

Opener Matthew Horne was the hero for New Zealand, holding the innnings together en route to his fourth test century.

Horne's well-compiled 110, which included 13 boundaries, was ended by Strang who had him trapped leg-before just prior to tea.

None of the other top six kiwi batsmen made more than 14, as the Kiwis collapsed from 109-2 to 180-6.

Strang added to Matthew Sinclair's wicket from day two, dismissing night watchman Paul Wiseman, Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle and Horne.

Strang, who finished the day with career-best figures of six for 78, also had Craig McMillan caught behind for 58 with the last delivery of the day.

McMillan's dismissal ended a 72-run partnership with Chris Cairns, who will resume on 33.

The match now looks destined for a draw with the pitch remaining placid and unhelpful to the bowlers.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF and IRN