New Zealand wrapped up a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first Test, chasing a target of just eight runs in Harare. The win came after Matt Henry delivered a standout performance with nine wickets across both innings, exposing Zimbabwe’s continued batting woes.
The hosts were bowled out for 149 in the first innings and 165 in the second, leaving New Zealand with only a small chase. Zimbabwe have now lost five consecutive Tests, with their last win coming against Bangladesh in April.
Matt Henry’s nine-wicket match haul dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. After his initial 6 for 39, he returned to take three more, well-supported by Will O’Rourke (3/28) and captain Mitchell Santner, who mopped up with 4/27.
As a result, Zimbabwe’s batting card was a bleak read. Aside from Sean Williams’ 49 and a couple of useful cameos from keeper Tafadzwa Tsiga, there was little to cheer about. Their only fifty-run stand was a 57-run effort between Williams and Craig Ervine, far too little to challenge the dominant Kiwis.
Zimbabwe showed brief resistance on the third morning. Nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa occupied the crease for 58 minutes before gloving a rising delivery to short leg. Williams batted with intent, using the reverse sweep to good effect against spin, but fell to Santner on 49.
Ervine was dismissed soon after lunch, edging Henry to the slips for 22, leaving Zimbabwe in deep trouble at 114 for 6. Sikandar Raza’s aggressive approach backfired in both innings, and his spot could be under pressure with Brendan Taylor available for the second Test.
A late partnership between Tsiga and Blessing Muzarabani added 36 runs, briefly lifting Zimbabwe into a slender lead. But Santner cleaned up the tail, and Tsiga’s top-edged sweep ended the innings on the stroke of tea.
New Zealand needed only 14 balls to finish the job. Devon Conway hit a four but fell for 4 trying to attack Newman Nyamhuri. Henry Nicholls then struck the winning runs.
The two sides now look ahead to the second Test, starting next Thursday, with Zimbabwe under pressure to fix their batting frailties.
