Zim vs NZ: New Zealand Crush Zimbabwe in the first test, Matt Henry shines with 9/90 Cricket News

New Zealand did a mild work of Zimbabwe in the first Test at the Queens Sports Club, winning nine wickets within three days on Friday. Visitors were set a target of just eight runs after the bowling of Zimbabwe for 165 in their second innings, and despite losing the Devon Conway, he got work without fuss. It marked a major comeback in red-ball cricket between the two countries, which had not met in the format since 2016. The test was also finished in heavy defeat to Zimbabwe, and had changed very little after nearly a decade. Zimbabwe managed to avoid the loss of an innings for some fight by his lower order. But his second innings attempt was still not enough to push New Zealand’s previous tea, the result was sealed immediately after the break. The New Zealand bowlers had a difference once again. Matt Henry, who took 6 to 39 in the first innings, woke up three more to finish with 90 match figures. He had raced 10-cicat, his colleagues placed their colleagues on some spot. Mitchell Santner led the side, stepping with 4 for 27 in the second innings, which is striking in major moments to dent Zimbabwe’s brief resistance. Will O’Rurke pasted three wickets with three wickets in an over with three wickets, including a double strike. Zimbabwe resumed the day to 2 at 3, but slipped to 64 for lunch for 64. Sean Williams scored the top with 49, while Craig Erwin made 22. His partnership briefly raised expectations, but both fell before the session ended. Alexander Raza, returning to the test side, could not create an impact and was rejected for just 5.

With this result, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second Test will also be played in Bulwayo starting on Thursday.