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Santner, Pacers Lead New Zealand to Crushing Nine-Wicket Win Over Zimbabwe in First Test
New Zealand Take 1-0 Lead in Two-Test Series After Clinical Display in Bulawayo
New Zealand have taken a 1-0 lead in the ongoing two-match Test series against Zimbabwe after completing a commanding nine-wicket victory on Day 3 of the first Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Spearheaded by a disciplined bowling performance from Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, and William O’Rourke, the Black Caps dismissed Zimbabwe for 165 in their second innings, needing just 8 runs to win, which they chased down in 2.2 overs.
Bowlers Set Up a Swift Win
Early Breakthroughs Break Zimbabwe’s Resistance
Zimbabwe resumed Day 3 at 31/2, already trailing by 127 runs, but any hopes of a revival quickly faded. Fast bowler William O’Rourke provided early breakthroughs, removing Nick Welch and Vincent Masekesa in rapid succession. Welch edged one behind while driving, and Masekesa fell to a well-directed short ball that ballooned to short leg.
From there, Zimbabwe’s resistance was led by experienced hands Sean Williams and Craig Ervine, who put together a valuable half-century partnership. They struck nine boundaries between them and briefly revived home fans’ hopes. However, the momentum was halted just before Lunch, as both batters were dismissed in successive overs — Williams caught down leg off Santner for 49 and Ervine nicking behind to Matt Henry.
➡️ Related Reading: Matt Henry’s Best Bowling Spells for New Zealand
Santner’s All-Round Impact Leads the Way
After the break, Henry and Santner continued to apply pressure. Though Tafadzwa Tsiga was dropped early off Henry, it was the senior pacer who sent Sikandar Raza back with a mistimed pull. Newman Nyamhuri was bowled by Santner, as Zimbabwe stumbled to 126/8.
Tsiga and Blessing Muzarabani offered brief resistance with a gritty 36-run partnership, despite New Zealand dropping a couple of chances — Ajaz Patel missed a catch at deep midwicket and a wild throw let Tsiga survive a run-out scare. Both batters struck a few boundaries off Michael Bracewell, dragging Zimbabwe into the lead.
However, Santner came back to wrap up the innings, removing Muzarabani for 19 and Tsiga for 27, ending with figures of 4 for 27. The teams went into Tea with New Zealand needing just 8 runs to win the Test.
Calm Chase Caps Off Dominance
New Zealand’s chase was a mere formality. Devon Conway, who top-scored with 88 in the first innings, began the run chase with a boundary. However, he was bowled by Nyamhuri shortly after. Henry Nicholls finished the game in style, hitting a boundary off the same bowler to seal a nine-wicket win.
The visitors, who posted a first innings total of 307, dominated throughout the Test. With pacers doing the damage in the first innings and spinners joining the party in the second, New Zealand look poised to sweep the series if they continue this form.
Brief Score Summary
-
Zimbabwe 149 & 165
(Sean Williams 49, Craig Ervine 39; Mitchell Santner 4-27, Matt Henry 3-51, William O’Rourke 3-28) -
New Zealand 307 & 8/1
(Devon Conway 88, Daryl Mitchell 80; Blessing Muzarabani 3-73) -
Result: New Zealand won by 9 wickets
Looking Ahead to the Second Test
New Zealand’s dominant win in Bulawayo sets the tone for the remainder of the series. Zimbabwe will need to regroup quickly before the second and final Test. With New Zealand’s bowling firing on all cylinders and the top order looking settled, Zimbabwe face an uphill task.
For full match stats and future fixtures, visit ESPNcricinfo’s match page.
