Black Caps centurion Ross Taylor has put his side's commanding third-day Test lead against Zimbabwe down to increased positivity with the bat and ball.
Taylor and wicketkeeper BJ Watling finished with a century apiece at Bulawayo, scoring 173 (not out) and 107 respectively as New Zealand declared at 6-576.
Zimbabwe then went on to finish at 5-121 at stumps on day three, with Trent Boult claiming three wickets on a flat pitch.
The 32-year-old Taylor said he and Watling were challenged by the Zimbabwe attack but found a way to score runs in bursts.
His side would have to work hard to snare the remaining five wickets on day four.
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"You've still got to respect the bowlers and it wasn't an easy wicket to take the odd risk on, but it was a positive move to declare there," Taylor said.
"We could've easily batted on a little longer but it was nice to get them five down."
Taylor said new skipper Kane Williamson had settled well into life as Test captain and adopted a relaxed approach to play.
"Anytime you play under a new captain there's a slight change," he said.
"Kane's trying to take a little bit of what Brendon (McCullum) had, but obviously put his own stamp on it too.
"It's been great to deal with."
