Black Caps tuned for test series with win over Zimbabwe A

Teammates Mark Craig and Neil Wagner celebrate a Black Caps wicket. Photo / Getty

The Black Caps have capped off their preparations for this week's first cricket test against Zimbabwe with a 259 run victory over Zimbabwe A in Harare.

The hosts were dismissed for 173 in their second innings, chasing 433 to win.

Wickets were spread across the bowlers with Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi and Neil Wagner all grabbing two apiece.

Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan said it's been good preparation for the first test in Bulawayo starting Thursday night.

He stressed his team's patience in a tough three days and said everyone was happy with the performance.

However, the real test starts this week with Zimbabwe, who are currently not ranked on the ICC test rankings as they have not played the required eight games since the new standings begun.