Bulawayo, July 31 (NationPress) New Zealand faced a batting downturn yet still managed to secure a 158-run advantage against a resilient Zimbabwe, maintaining their dominance on the second day of the opening Test at the Queens Sports Club here on Thursday.

Resuming from an overnight score of 92 for no loss, the BlackCaps lost Will Young (41) without scoring further. However, Devon Conway (88), Daryl Mitchell (80), and Henry Nicholls (34) ensured the team reached 307 all out, establishing a 158-run lead. Zimbabwe, who were dismissed for 149 in their first innings, improved their bowling performance, effectively stalling the tourists' momentum and preventing a more substantial lead.

New Zealand further solidified their position by capturing two wickets during the final session, leaving the hosts struggling at 31/2 at stumps on Day 2.

Matt Henry, who delivered an impressive 6-39 in the first innings, dismissed Ben Curran (11), while Will O’Rourke claimed Brian Bennett (18), making early breakthroughs in Zimbabwe's second innings. Zimbabwe now trails by 127 runs with eight wickets remaining.

At the close of play, Nick Welch was at 2 runs, while Vincent Masekesa had yet to score. After being whitewashed in a two-Test series by their neighbors last month, Zimbabwe will rely on key players Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, and Sikandar Raza to not only erase the deficit but also post enough runs to challenge New Zealand. Their primary goal is to force the BlackCaps to bat again.

Initially, it appeared that New Zealand would dominate the day with a massive total, considering the openers' performances.

However, the day took a turn when Will Young was dismissed on the first ball, leading to a collapse. Conway, who resumed at 51, added 66 runs with Nicholls before the latter was caught for 34.

From a promising 158/2, New Zealand found themselves at 200/6 after losing Rachin Ravindra (1), Devon Conway (88), Tom Blundell (2), and Michael Bracewell (9). Captain Mitchell Santner managed 19 runs before being caught off his own bowling.

Daryl Mitchell held firm, reaching his fifty off 85 balls, contributing to a valuable lead. However, Nathan Smith was forced to retire hurt after scoring 22 runs. The BlackCaps concluded their innings at 307, a smaller lead than anticipated.

For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani claimed 3-73 while Tanaka Chivanga took 2-51. Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, and Vincent Masekesa each took a wicket.

Brief scores:

Zimbabwe 149 & 31/2 in 13 overs (Brian Bennett 18; Matt Henry 1-11) trail New Zealand 307 all out in 96.1 overs (Devon Conway 88, Daryl Mitchell 80, Will Young 41; Blessing Muzarabani 3-73, Tanaka Chivanga 2-51) by 127 runs.