ZIM vs NZ: New Zealand crush Zimbabwe in first Test, Matt Henry shines with 9/90 | Cricket News

New Zealand made light work of Zimbabwe in the first Test at Queens Sports Club, wrapping up a nine-wicket win inside three days on Friday. The visitors were set a target of just eight runs after bowling out Zimbabwe for 165 in their second innings, and despite losing Devon Conway, they got the job done without fuss. It marked a dominant return to red-ball cricket between the two nations, who hadn’t met in the format since 2016. That Test too had ended in a heavy defeat for Zimbabwe, and little had changed nearly a decade later. Zimbabwe managed to avoid an innings loss thanks to some fight from their lower order. But their second innings effort still wasn’t enough to push New Zealand past tea, with the result sealed shortly after the break. New Zealand’s bowlers were once again the difference. Matt Henry, who took 6 for 39 in the first innings, picked up three more to finish with match figures of 9 for 90. He could have had a 10-wicket haul had his teammates held on to a couple of chances. Mitchell Santner, leading the side, stepped up with 4 for 27 in the second innings, striking at key moments to dent Zimbabwe’s brief resistance. Will O’Rourke chipped in with three wickets as well, including a double strike in one over. Zimbabwe resumed the day on 31 for 2 but slipped to 114 for 6 by lunch. Sean Williams top-scored with 49, while Craig Ervine made 22. Their partnership briefly lifted hopes, but both fell before the session ended. Sikandar Raza, returning to the Test side, couldn’t make an impact and was dismissed for just 5.

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