ZIM vs NZ: Fans erupt as Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner star in New Zealand’s dominant 9-wicket win in first Test

Zimbabwe’s poor run on home soil continues as they are beaten by New Zealand by 9 wickets in the opening Test match in Bulawayo. After a winless Test series against South Africa, followed by a disappointing T20I series, Zimbabwe have added one more defeat to their growing list of struggles.

Mitchell Santner dismantles Zimbabwe batting as New Zealand cruise to victory

The hosts started Day 3 with a mountain to climb against the experienced bowling lineup of New Zealand. Having already lost two wickets on the previous day, Zimbabwe still needed 127 runs with just eight wickets in hand. But the wickets kept tumbling, as the side was soon reduced to 53 for 4. Sean Williams, however, held one end firm with a gritty 49, while Craig Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsiga contributed valuable runs that helped Zimbabwe narrowly avoid an innings defeat.

With the ball, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner had a memorable outing as he chipped in with four key wickets that broke Zimbabwe’s backbone in the middle order. Pacers Matt Henry and William O’Rourke also claimed four wickets each. It was a comprehensive bowling performance that showcased control, precision, and relentless pressure from all departments. With just 8 runs needed in the fourth innings New Zealand finished the game in style.

Matt Henry and fluent top order laid the foundation of New Zealand’s win

Zimbabwe’s first innings never got going as they were bundled out for just 149 runs in 60.3 overs on a tricky Bulawayo pitch. Ervine top-scored with 39, while Nick Welch’s 27 and Tafadzwa Tsiga’s 30 tried to hold things together. But wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Henry was outstanding, claiming 6 for 39 in a fiery spell. Nathan Smith supported well with three wickets, and the rest chipped in as Zimbabwe’s batting unit once again failed to produce a solid start or meaningful partnerships against disciplined New Zealand bowling.

In reply, New Zealand piled on 307 runs, gaining a massive first-innings lead. Opener Devon Conway led the way with a fluent 88, while Daryl Mitchell added an entertaining 80 to keep the scoreboard ticking. Blessing Muzarabani was Zimbabwe’s best bowler with 3 for 57, while Tanaka Chivanga picked up two. Despite some fight from the hosts’ bowlers, New Zealand’s top and middle order proved too steady and composed, setting up complete control early in the match.

Also WATCH: Craig Ervine grabs a stunning juggling catch to dismiss Rachin Ravindra on Day 2 of the first Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

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Also READ: Blessing Muzarabani leads Zimbabwe spirited fightback against New Zealand on Day 2 of the first Test