New Zealand wrapped up a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening Test at Bulawayo, sealing the match within three days and laying down a marker for the series. The win gave the Black Caps a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.
After Zimbabwe elected to bat first, Matt Henry delivered a devastating spell, taking 6 for 39 and tearing through the hosts’ top order. Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 149—their lowest score in seven innings and the second-lowest total of 2025. Nathan Smith offered strong support in only his third Test, finishing with 3 for 20.
New Zealand responded with intent. Openers Will Young (41*) and Devon Conway (51*) put on a solid stand, swiftly erasing the deficit. Despite a brief collapse—losing five wickets for 42 runs—the visitors recovered to post 307, led by a gritty 80 from Daryl Mitchell and an excellent 88 from Conway. This gave New Zealand a first-innings lead of 158.
Mitchell Santner wrecks Zimbabwe on Day 3
Zimbabwe’s second innings began shakily, ending day two at 31 for 2, still trailing. On day three, they folded for 165, losing their remaining eight wickets for 134.
Mitchell Santner, standing in as captain for the injured Tom Latham, dismantled the batting order with figures of 4 for 27 from 17.1 overs. Henry and William O’Rourke lent him support with three wickets apiece.
Chasing just eight runs for victory, New Zealand lost Devon Conway for a duck, but Will Young and Henry Nicholls each struck a boundary to complete the chase with ease.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Santner said, “Great collective performance, more in it with the ball than we thought. Lengths and lines, getting it right, to bowl them out for 150 was great. Could’ve batted a bit better. We had good intent [with the bat], talked about getting partnerships, didn’t have many significant ones.”
The second and final Test is scheduled to start on Thursday, August 7, in Bulawayo.
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