New Zealand on track for victory in second Zimbabwe Test
Two contentious umpiring decisions helped New Zealand stay on track for victory on Wednesday on the final day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
Nightwatchman Donald Tiripano and first-innings centurion Craig Ervine battled admirably for the first 90 minutes of the morning session, only to be dismissed by questionable calls from umpire Paul Reiffel.
Their departures saw Zimbabwe reach lunch on 112 for five at the Queens Sports Club, leaving New Zealand with two sessions to wrap up the remaining five wickets they need for a 2-0 series win.
Zimbabwe started the day on 58 for three, and while their official target was 387 for victory, a face-saving draw looked to be their real aim.
That goal began to look within their grasp when Tiripano and Ervine batted out the first 22 overs of the day.
However, first Tiripano was given out lbw to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner when the ball appeared to be missing leg stump, then Ervine was adjudged caught behind off Martin Guptill.
Replays confirmed that Ervine had not made contact with the ball as it turned past his outside edge.