New Zealand recorded an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first Test, wrapping up the match inside three days at the Queens Sports Club.
New Zealand's dominant victory over Zimbabwe in 1st Test
After dismissing the hosts for just 165 runs in their second innings, New Zealand needed only eight runs to win. Despite losing opener Devon Conway for four, they comfortably chased the target, with Henry Nicholls hitting the winning run in the third over after tea on the third day. This win puts the tourists 1-0 up in the two-match series.
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Zimbabwe's second innings collapse
Zimbabwe started the day with a 158-run deficit and hoped to set a challenging target for New Zealand. However, their ambitions were quickly thwarted. They added only three runs to their overnight score before losing opener Nick Welch. The situation worsened for Zimbabwe as they lost key batsmen before lunch, with leading scorer Sean Williams caught behind for 49 and captain Craig Ervine also dismissed for 22. Despite New Zealand being two bowlers short due to injuries to Nathan Smith and Will O’Rourke, the remaining attack proved to be more than enough.
Matt Henry shines bright with fiery nine-wicket haul
New Zealand's bowlers were exceptional throughout the match. Mitchell Santner, captaining the side in the absence of Tom Latham, led the charge in the second innings with figures of 4-27, mopping up the tail end. Matt Henry, who had a stellar first innings with 6-39, continued his strong performance with 3-51, ensuring a nine-wicket match haul. The injury to O'Rourke, who took 3-28 before leaving the field, didn't stop the team from securing a decisive victory. With the second Test also scheduled to be played in Bulawayo starting next Thursday, Zimbabwe will need to regroup quickly to stand a chance in the series.