Cricket: Black Caps and Zimbabwe draw

Black Caps captain Ross Taylor. Photo / Christine Cornege

New Zealand's two-day tour match with Zimbabwe A, played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, finished in a draw this morning.

The Kiwis won the toss and chose to bat in a game where both sides used up to 14 men as different players were used ahead of the one-off test match, which starts on Tuesday night.

Kane Williamson followed on from his 69-ball hundred in the final one-day international as he crafted an unbeaten 86 in a knock, which included 13 fours and two sixes.

Brendon McCullum (63) and Ross Taylor (51) also made half centuries as New Zealand posted 344-8 from their allotted 90 overs in the first innings.

Eight different bowlers were given a go with the ball by Black Caps' skipper Taylor as the Kiwis bowled Zimbabwe A out for 241 in 70.5 overs.

Paceman Chris Martin steamed in for 12.5 overs and picked up three wickets, while spinner Daniel Vettori bagged three for 35 from a long spell of 18.3 overs.

Doug Bracewell, Graeme Aldridge and part-timer Dean Brownlie shared the other scalps as Malcolm Waller (66) was the only Zimbabwean to pass 50.

New Zealand then had 12 overs to bat before the end of the game and Vettori opened with BJ Watling and the pair put on 49, with Vettori notching up a rapid 32.

The match will have served as valuable lead up for Martin and Vettori who haven't played any cricket of late but will be a major part of the side's ability to win this week's test match.

Martin is poised on 199 test match wickets and is a short-priced chance to join the 200 club this week.

Of the 14 players at coach John Wright's disposal, Jeetan Patel, Watling and either Aldridge or Andy McKay appear surplus to requirements.

The make-up of the middle of the batting order this week will be of interest too, particularly where Vettori will slot in.

Summary: New Zealanders 344 for 8 (K Williamson 86*, B McCullum 63, R Taylor 51) and 49 for 0 drew with Zimbabwe A 241 (M Waller 66, C Martin 3-31)