TAKASHINGA star Blessing Muzarabani led Zimbabwe’s bowling charge with a three-wicket haul, helping the Chevrons claw back into the Test match against New Zealand at the Queens Sports Club on Thursday.

Despite the visitors posting 307 runs in their first innings, Muzarabani’s eventful spell played a pivotal role in restricting the Kiwis to a 158-run lead.

The towering seamer returned figures of three for 73. His third wicket, a well-timed dismissal of Michael Bracewell, was a highlight of the day.

The drama unfolded early in New Zealand’s innings, with the visitors looking dominant after Devon Conway’s 88, made up of 12 boundaries, had taken them to 177 for 4.

However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers, spearheaded by Muzarabani and fellow Takashinga pacer Tanaka Chivanga, turned the tide.

Chivanga struck first, removing Tom Blundell for just two runs, leaving New Zealand on at 181-5.

Muzarabani then stepped up, his probing line and length forcing errors. Bracewell’s dismissal for nine runs reduced the tourists to 200 for six, injecting hope into the Zimbabwean camp.

Zimbabwe elected to bat first upon winning the toss on Wednesday before being dismissed for 149. They closed day two on 31/2 and trailing New Zealand by 127 runs with eight wickets remaining in their second innings.