Daijiworld Media Network – Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Aug 1: New Zealand outclassed Zimbabwe in the opening Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, sealing a convincing nine-wicket victory within just two-and-a-half days to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The Black Caps’ pace unit, led by Matt Henry, dismantled Zimbabwe's batting lineup. Henry returned with remarkable match figures of 9 wickets, including a fiery 6/39 in the first innings, which saw the hosts bundled out for just 149. Despite a brief fightback from Sean Williams (49) and Tafadzwa Tsiga (27), Zimbabwe could only manage 165 in their second innings.

In reply, New Zealand piled on 307 runs, thanks to strong knocks from Devon Conway (88) and Daryl Mitchell (80), gaining a massive 158-run lead. Mitchell Santner (4/27) and Will O'Rourke (3/28) then mopped up the Zimbabwean lower order with ease.

Chasing just 8 runs for victory, New Zealand lost Conway early but crossed the finish line comfortably in 2.2 overs.

This marks Zimbabwe’s fifth consecutive Test loss and raises further concerns about their home form. The second and final Test begins August 7 at the same venue.