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New Zealand clinched the T20I tri-series after remaining undefeated against South Africa and Zimbabwe recently. Carrying forward the good form they dominated the first Test of the two-match series at the Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo as well, despite the absence of players like Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, and Kyle Jamieson. Zimbabwe on the other hand, were looking forward to this Test in an attempt to register their second win this year after defeating Bangladesh in Chattogram in April. But even with the presence of both youthful talent and experience, Zimbabwe was not able to put up a fight against the BlackCaps.
New Zealand chased a target of eight runs in 14 balls as they defeated Zimbabwe in the first Test in the third session on day three. In a commanding performance over the hosts, the Kiwis won the game by nine wickets ending the game in three days. This win was spearheaded by Matt Henry’s match-defining nine-wicket haul, including a sensational 6 for 39 in the first innings. The BlackCaps dominated a struggling Zimbabwe side, whose batting frailties were exposed on a pitch offering assistance to seamers. The victory marks New Zealand’s seventh consecutive Test win over Zimbabwe.
Matt Henry registered his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests since 2021
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Zimbabwe were skittled out for just 149 in 60.3 overs by New Zealand. Matt Henry tore through their lineup as he dismissed their key batters including Nick Welch and Sikandar Raza. Zimbabwean skipper Craig Ervine was the top scorer of the side scoring 39 runs. Nathan Smith’s three wickets added to the misery of the hosts caused by Henry. Matt Henry registered his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests since 2021. New Zealand’s response led them to take a lead of 158 runs, scoring 307 in the first innings despite a disciplined bowling effort by Zimbabwe. Devon Conway (88) and Daryl Mitchell (80) were the top scorers of the side, and from the hosts, Blessing Muzarabani was the top wicket-taker in the innings (3/73).
Zimbabwe’s second innings also began with two batters back in the pavilion with a team total of 29 runs. On the third day, despite a gritty fightback by Sean Williams (49 runs), Craig Ervine (22 runs) and Tafadzwa Tsiga (27 runs), the hosts were bowled out for 165. Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke took three wickets each, while captain and spin bowler Mitchell Santner claimed four wickets.
New Zealand had just eight runs in front of them as target, and in that chase, Devon Conway’s wicket by Newman Nyamhuri was the only dismissal. The second Test of the series will commence on August 7, at the same venue in Bulawayo.
