New Zealand Dominates Zimbabwe in First Test Victory

New Zealand triumphed over Zimbabwe in the first cricket test at Queens Sports Club, winning by nine wickets in just three days. Stand-in captain Mitchell Santner took four crucial wickets, while Henry Nicholls hit the winning run. Zimbabwe struggled against New Zealand's robust bowling attack despite winning the toss.

New Zealand secured a resounding victory over Zimbabwe in the first cricket test within just three days, triumphing with a nine-wicket win at Queens Sports Club. The visitors, led by stand-in skipper Mitchell Santner, delivered a dominant performance.

Resuming at 31-2, Zimbabwe were skittled for a mere 165 runs in their second innings, setting a very achievable target of eight runs for New Zealand. Though opener Devon Conway fell early to a delivery by Newman Nyamburi, Henry Nicholls ultimately secured the victory, hitting the winning run in the third over after tea.

Zimbabwe faced an uphill battle, starting the day with a 158-run deficit and ended with critical batting failures. Despite losing two key bowlers to injuries, New Zealand's attack, led by Matt Henry's nine-wicket haul across both innings, proved too strong. The second test is slated for next Thursday in Bulawayo.

(With inputs from agencies.)