NZ Crushes Zimbabwe: Henry & Santner Lead 9-Wicket Victory

  • August 1, 2025

Zimbabwe’s disappointing streak at their home ground persists, as they faced a defeat against New Zealand by a margin of 9 wickets during the initial Test match held in Bulawayo. Following an unproductive Test series with South Africa, and subsequently, an underwhelming T20I series, Zimbabwe has now experienced yet another setback, exacerbating their ongoing struggles.

Mitchell Santner Breaks Down Zimbabwe’s Batting as New Zealand Easily Secures Victory

The home team commenced Day 3 confronting a significant challenge against New Zealand’s seasoned bowling attack. Having already conceded two wickets the previous day, Zimbabwe still required an additional 127 runs with only eight wickets remaining. However, the loss of wickets persisted, swiftly reducing the team’s score to 53 for 4. Despite this, Sean Williams displayed resilience, maintaining his position with a courageous 49, while contributions from Craig Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsiga provided valuable runs, aiding Zimbabwe in narrowly preventing an innings defeat.

In terms of bowling, New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, enjoyed a noteworthy performance, contributing with four crucial wickets that destabilized Zimbabwe’s batting order in the middle overs. Additionally, pace bowlers Matt Henry and William O’Rourke each secured four wickets. The bowling display was comprehensive, highlighting command, accuracy, and sustained pressure from all areas of the attack. With merely 8 runs required in the fourth innings, New Zealand concluded the match triumphantly.

Matt Henry and Strong Top Order Establish Base for New Zealand’s Victory

Zimbabwe’s initial batting effort struggled to gain momentum, concluding at just 149 runs within 60.3 overs on the challenging Bulawayo pitch. Ervine emerged as the top scorer with 39, supported by Nick Welch’s 27 and Tafadzwa Tsiga’s 30, who endeavored to stabilize the innings. However, wickets fell consistently. Henry delivered an exceptional performance, claiming 6 for 39 through a spirited spell. Nathan Smith offered valuable support with three wickets, while others contributed, highlighting Zimbabwe’s batting lineup’s inability to establish a firm beginning or significant partnerships against New Zealand’s precise bowling.

In response, New Zealand amassed 307 runs, securing a substantial lead in the first innings. Opener Devon Conway spearheaded the effort with a fluid 88, complemented by Daryl Mitchell’s entertaining 80, maintaining scoreboard momentum. Blessing Muzarabani stood out as Zimbabwe’s leading bowler, securing 3 for 57, with Tanaka Chivanga claiming two wickets. Despite some resilience from the home team’s bowlers, New Zealand’s top and middle order displayed composure and stability, establishing early dominance in the match.

Also WATCH: Craig Ervine Executes an Impressive Juggling Catch to Dismiss Rachin Ravindra on Day 2 of the First Test

Here’s How Spectators Responded:

Also READ: Blessing Muzarabani Spearheads Zimbabwe’s Determined Comeback Against New Zealand on Day 2 of the Opening Test

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