New Zealand in cruise control against Zimbabwe

New Zealand's captain Ross Taylor's 111 not out has put the hosts in a commanding position against Zimbabwe. New Zealand are five for 331 on the first day of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Napier on Thursday.

New Zealand lost the toss and were put to bat as Zimbabwe expected the wicket to favour the bowlers. However, things did not go according to the tourists' plans.

Openers Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill hit half centuries in a 124-run opening stand, while Daniel Vettori scored a rapid-fire 38 off 46 balls.

The opening pair dominated the first session and frustrated Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor. There was no hope left of an early breakthrough.

New Zealand batters kept the scoreboard ticking over with boundaries.

Test debutant Shingi Masakadza finally broke the partnership when Guptill's attacking instincts got the better of him on 51 as he edged a rising ball to wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu.

Scorecard
New Zealand 1st innings
B. McCullum lbw b Jarvis 83
M. Guptill c Taibu b S.Masakadza 51
K. Williamson run out 4
R. Taylor not out 111
D. Brownlie c Taibu b H. Masakadza 0
D. Vettori stumped Taibu b Cremer 38
B.J. Watling not out 15
Extras: (lb-21, w-2, nb-6) 29
Total: (5 wickets, 90 overs) 331
Fall of wickets: 1-124, 2-131, 3-195, 4-196, 5-278.
Bowling: Jarvis 22-6-56-1, Vitori 19-2-75-0, S. Masakadza 17-2-68-1, H. Masakadza 16-4-33-1, Cremer 16-2-78-1.