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Williamson falls short as NZ dominate

NZ skipper just misses a small slice of history as Tom Latham century punishes Zimbabwe's bowlers

Kane Williamson fell just short of becoming the first New Zealander in almost three decades to score a century in his first Test as captain as the Black Caps continued their dominance of the first Test against Zimbabwe.

Quick Single: Wagner's six powers NZ on day one

Tom Latham made a century and Williamson fell just nine runs shy of three figures as the tourists opened up a 151-run lead with six wickets remaining on day two in Bulawayo.

Opener Latham struck 12 fours on his way to 105 for his fourth Test century as the Black Caps closed on 4-315 after skittling out Zimbabwe for 164 on the opening day.

Williamson, the world's third ranked Test batsmen, struck nine boundaries in his 179-ball innings of 91 in his first Test since taking over from Brendon McCullum as captain.

In addition of just missing out on his 14th Test century, Williamson fell short of becoming just the fourth Kiwi to score a century in his first match as Test skipper.

The last NZ batsman to achieve the feat was Jeff Crowe, who scored 120no against Sri Lanka in April 1987, while Bevan Congdon (126 against the West Indies in 1972) and Graham Dowling (239 v India in 1968) are the other Kiwis to achieve the feat.

Left-arm seamer Neil Wagner's six-wicket haul on day one spelled trouble for the hosts and it was left to Latham and Williamson to press home New Zealand's advantage by putting on 156 for the second wicket.

The tourists resumed on 32 without loss and reached 79 before Latham's opening partner Martin Guptill was caught by Craig Ervine at gully off Chamu Chibhabha for 40.

Latham's fine partnership with Williamson ended in the 73rd over by Hamilton Masakadza when he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Brian Chari.

Ross Taylor and Williamson took the score on to 272 but in the 86th over the Black Caps skipper was lured into playing a false shot by Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer and caught at first slip by Masakadza.

Henry Nicholls was caught behind off Donald Tiripano after making 18 to leave New Zealand 4-299, but at the close Taylor was unbeaten on 38 and Ish Sodhi was five not out having taken them to 315 without further loss.