Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2016: Bees interrupt Kiwis' tour match against Zimbabwe A

The Kiwis dominated the Zimbabwe A team in the tour match (image courtesy: Cricinfo)

New Zealand, on a tour match against Zimbabwe A in Harare, faced an unusual interruption when a swarm of bees added an extra round of buzz to New Zealand’s bowling attack during the second day. Often referred to as Black Caps, the Kiwis found it little disturbing during the play and were sprawling.

The game was at an interesting point as leg-spinner Ish Sodhi had taken 4-18, helping New Zealand in getting a grasp over the game and to set up a possibility of an outright win. All-rounder Mitch Santner, who returned to the Black Caps team after fracturing a finger late in May, said that his teammates were left sprawling due to an unexpected attack of bees on the ground.

"A swarm of bees floated in front of the sight screen there. Boulty hit the deck pretty early and from there, everyone else seemed to hit the deck," Santner told cricket.com.au. He added, "I was the only one standing, I think you'll find. They were quite far away so I don't know why everyone was on the ground. I didn't feel I was in too much danger."

Once the bees were driven away, the match resumed and the Black Caps dismissed Zimbabwe A for 114 runs in 49.5 overs and themselves reached 154 for four in the second innings to take a lead of 385 runs.

Black Caps declared at their overnight score of 345 for seven in their first innings. It was stunning to see that Zimbabwe A’s top three batsmen came back to Harare Sports Club Pavilion without scoring anything. Sean Williams scored most runs for the host team by making 55. Doug Bracewell took 2-24 whereas Tim Southee took 2-31.

Santner was the opening batsman in the second innings. He struck a total of nine four and one six and retired soon after making 51 in his 49-ball stay.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was unbeaten on 37, having not batted in the first innings and Tom Latham retired for 24. New Zealand lead Zimbabwe A by 385 runs with its six wickets in hand.