New Zealand crushed Zimbabwe by 9 wickets in the first Test of the two-match series in Bulawayo. New Zealand completed a comfortable win over Zimbabwe by chasing a target of only eight runs in just 14 balls. This marked another home defeat for Zimbabwe, who continue to struggle in Test matches. So far in 2025, their only win has been against Bangladesh in Chattogram back in April. With this latest result, they have now lost five consecutive Tests.
Bowlers Set Up Victory
New Zealand's bowlers led the way to victory. Matt Henry stood out with his second Test nine-wicket haul. He picked up three wickets in the second innings. Even though pacer Nathan Smith didn’t bowl on the third day due to an abdominal strain, the rest stepped up. Will O'Rourke took 3 for 28 and stand-in captain Mitchell Santner grabbed 4 for 27. Their efforts ensured Zimbabwe were bowled out for less than 170 runs in both innings.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Struggles Continue
Despite having a mix of young talent and experienced players, Zimbabwe’s batters failed to deliver. Only Sean Williams showed some resistance with a score of 49. Wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga also contributed with a career-best 30 in the first innings and 27 in the second. His efforts prevented an innings defeat and forced New Zealand to bat again.
However, Zimbabwe had only one partnership above 50 in the match. That was a 57-run stand between Williams and Craig Ervine for the fifth wicket in the second innings. It came after Nick Welch was dismissed early on day three, caught behind off O'Rourke.
Lower Order Resistance Falls Short
Nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa held on for 58 minutes but made just 2 runs. He eventually gloved a ball with variable bounce to short leg. Williams batted aggressively early on, scoring 14 off 12 balls, and along with Ervine, helped calm things temporarily. Ervine handled Henry’s line well and hit two beautiful drives for four.
But trouble began once Michael Bracewell was brought into the attack. He used flight cleverly to trouble the batters. Williams managed to counter him with a reverse sweep but fell after edging a fine glance off Santner to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.
Two overs later, Ervine edged a seaming delivery from Henry to the keeper and departed for 22. Zimbabwe went to lunch at 114 for 6, still trailing by 44 runs.
Henry, Santner Wrap Up the Innings
After lunch, Henry nearly dismissed Tsiga on 1, but Bracewell dropped a chance at second slip. However, Henry soon got Sikandar Raza, who again failed trying to hit a big shot. In the first innings, he had fallen to a short ball. This time, he tried hitting Henry over midwicket but mistimed it. Rachin Ravindra took the catch.
That wicket gave Henry his ninth for the match. He kept searching for a tenth and thought he had Nyamhuri when there was a noise as the ball passed the bat. But replays showed the bat had hit the pad.
Santner removed Nyamhuri, then had Blessing Muzarabani dropped when he was on 1. Muzarabani and Tsiga built a 36-run partnership, and Tsiga even gave Zimbabwe a small lead with a straight four. But Zimbabwe needed a much bigger total to challenge New Zealand.
Santner ended Muzarabani’s innings by tempting him with a flighted delivery. Tsiga, now batting with No.11 Tanaka Chivanga, top-edged a slog sweep and was caught at point. Zimbabwe’s innings ended right before the tea break.
New Zealand Wrap Up the Match Quickly
Although only a handful of runs were needed, the teams took the tea break. Once play resumed, New Zealand wasted no time. Devon Conway hit a four off the fifth ball but was then bowled trying to attack Nyamhuri again.
That was the only bright moment for Zimbabwe. Henry Nicholls finished the match by hitting the winning runs. With the game ending quickly, both teams now get a break before the second Test, which begins next Thursday.