Journalism of Courage
HIGHLIGHTS Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, New Zealand in Zimbabwe 2 Test Series 2025, 1st Test- Result, Scorecard
Match Ended
149165
1st2nd
3078Target : 8( 216 )
NZ
New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by 9 wickets
New Zealand lead the 2 Test Series 1-0
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Devon Conwayb Newman Nyamhuri
4
6
1
0
Will Youngnot out
0
6
0
0
Henry Nichollsnot out
4
2
1
0
Rachin Ravindra
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Blundell
Michael Bracewell
Mitchell Santner
Nathan Smith
Matt Henry
Will O'Rourke
Total
2.2 Over (RR: 3.43)
8/1
Fall of Wickets
1-4 (Devon Conway, 1 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Newman Nyamhuri
1.2
0
8
1
Sean Williams
1
1
0
0
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Brian Bennettc Tom Blundell b Will O'Rourke
18
21
4
0
Ben Curranc Will O'Rourke b Matt Henry
11
26
2
0
Nick Welchc Tom Blundell b Will O'Rourke
4
32
0
0
Vincent Masekesac Rachin Ravindra b Will O'Rourke
2
40
0
0
Sean Williamsc Tom Blundell b Mitchell Santner
49
66
6
0
Craig Ervinec Tom Blundell b Matt Henry
22
53
3
0
Sikandar Razac Rachin Ravindra b Matt Henry
5
22
1
0
Tafadzwa Tsigac Devon Conway b Mitchell Santner
27
83
2
0
Newman Nyamhurib Mitchell Santner
1
9
0
0
Blessing Muzarabanic sub Ajaz Patel b Mitchell Santner
19
38
3
0
Tanaka Chivanganot out
0
13
0
0
Total
67.1 Over (RR: 2.46)
165/10
Fall of Wickets
1-25 (Ben Curran, 7 ov), 2-29 (Brian Bennett, 7.5 ov), 3-34 (Nick Welch, 17.5 ov), 4-53 (Vincent Masekesa, 21.5 ov), 5-110 (Sean Williams, 39.1 ov), 6-110 (Craig Ervine, 40.3 ov), 7-119 (Sikandar Raza, 46.5 ov), 8-126 (Newman Nyamhuri, 49.3 ov), 9-162 (Blessing Muzarabani, 63.3 ov), 10-165 (Tafadzwa Tsiga, 67.1 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Matt Henry
21
5
51
3
Will O'Rourke
10
4
28
3
Michael Bracewell
15
2
42
0
Mitchell Santner
17.1
6
27
4
Daryl Mitchell
4
1
10
0
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Will Youngc Nick Welch b Blessing Muzarabani
41
70
4
0
Devon Conwayc Brian Bennett b Tanaka Chivanga
88
170
12
0
Henry Nichollsc Brian Bennett b Blessing Muzarabani
34
56
6
0
Rachin Ravindrac Craig Ervine b Sikandar Raza
2
10
0
0
Daryl Mitchellb Newman Nyamhuri
80
119
5
1
Tom Blundellc Sean Williams b Tanaka Chivanga
2
6
0
0
Michael Bracewellc Tafadzwa Tsiga b Blessing Muzarabani
9
23
1
0
Mitchell Santnerc & b Vincent Masekesa
19
30
1
0
Nathan Smithretired out
22
79
1
0
Matt Henryb Sean Williams
5
10
1
0
Will O'Rourkenot out
0
4
0
0
Total
96.1 Over (RR: 3.19)
307/10
Fall of Wickets
1-92 (Will Young, 26.1 ov), 2-158 (Henry Nicholls, 44.4 ov), 3-163 (Rachin Ravindra, 47.4 ov), 4-177 (Devon Conway, 54.5 ov), 5-181 (Tom Blundell, 57 ov), 6-200 (Michael Bracewell, 62.4 ov), 7-233 (Mitchell Santner, 71.2 ov), 8-307 (Matt Henry, 95.2 ov), 9-307 (Daryl Mitchell, 96.1 ov), 10-307 (Nathan Smith, 96 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Blessing Muzarabani
26
5
73
3
Tanaka Chivanga
18
3
51
2
Newman Nyamhuri
16.1
2
64
1
Sikandar Raza
20
2
63
1
Sean Williams
7
1
23
1
Vincent Masekesa
9
1
29
1
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Brian Bennettc Will Young b Matt Henry
6
11
1
0
Ben Curranc Will Young b Matt Henry
13
20
1
0
Nick Welchc Michael Bracewell b Matt Henry
27
68
4
0
Sean Williamsb Nathan Smith
2
13
0
0
Craig Ervinelbw b Nathan Smith
39
116
6
0
Sikandar Razac Tom Blundell b Matt Henry
2
3
0
0
Tafadzwa Tsigalbw b Nathan Smith
30
78
5
0
Newman Nyamhuric Will Young b Matt Henry
9
20
1
0
Vincent Masekesarun out (Devon Conway / Tom Blundell)
7
22
0
0
Blessing Muzarabanic Mitchell Santner b Matt Henry
1
8
0
0
Tanaka Chivanganot out
0
4
0
0
Total
60.3 Over (RR: 2.46)
149/10
Fall of Wickets
1-10 (Brian Bennett, 3 ov), 2-24 (Ben Curran, 6.4 ov), 3-31 (Sean Williams, 11.2 ov), 4-67 (Nick Welch, 26.2 ov), 5-69 (Sikandar Raza, 26.5 ov), 6-123 (Craig Ervine, 50.1 ov), 7-136 (Tafadzwa Tsiga, 52.5 ov), 8-143 (Newman Nyamhuri, 56.5 ov), 9-149 (Vincent Masekesa, 59.2 ov), 10-149 (Blessing Muzarabani, 60.3 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Matt Henry
15.3
3
39
6
Will O'Rourke
13
3
26
0
Nathan Smith
14
8
20
3
Mitchell Santner
16
4
46
0
Michael Bracewell
2
0
12
0
Commentary
We are back for New Zealand's replay! Zimbabwe players are in a huddle where Sean Williams is giving them a last-minute pep talk before they take the field. Will Young and Devon Conway are the two openers for New Zealand. Blessing Muzarabani to start proceedings with the ball. Let's go...
... SECOND INNINGS ...
For the visitors, Matt Henry was the standout bowler, displaying pinpoint accuracy and claiming an impressive 6 wickets. Nathan Smith also chipped in with 3 wickets, further exposing Zimbabwe's batting vulnerabilities. With Zimbabwe's innings now over, the focus shifts to New Zealand's batting lineup and how they will capitalize on the hosts' struggles.
Zimbabwe's batting unit struggled to get going, and they were eventually bundled out for a modest 149 runs. The Kiwi bowlers were relentless, not allowing any significant partnerships to form and taking wickets at regular intervals. Although Nick Welch, Craig Ervine, and Tafadzwa Tsiga showed some resistance, it wasn't enough to propel Zimbabwe to a competitive first innings total.
60.3
over
60.3 | 0 Runs | HH: 149/10
60.3
W
Matt Henry to Blessing Muzarabani, OUT! TAKEN! Matt Henry wraps things up with his sixth wicket! He lands this back of a length and on middle, takes off a bit as well. Blessing Muzarabani backs away to flick but closes the face of the bat very early. Gets a leading edge as the ball lobs up in the air. Mitchell Santner from extra covers runs forward and dives to take a fantastic catch. Zimbabwe have been bowled out for 149!
60.2
0
Matt Henry to Blessing Muzarabani, An appeal for a catch, and it has been sent upstairs! Matt Henry bowls a yorker here, on middle. Blessing Muzarabani backs away to play at it, but it goes off the bottom edge and flies towards second slip, who grabs it. The third umpire needs to check for a bump ball here. After a few replays, he gets convinced that the ball bounced before going to the slip fielder. Not Out it is!
60.1
0
Matt Henry to Blessing Muzarabani, Another swing and a miss! Back of a length and around off, Blessing Muzarabani looks to send this into another planet but misses.
60
over
60 | 0 Runs | HH: 149/9
59.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Quicker, full and on middle, Tanaka Chivanga is solid in his defense. MAIDEN-WICKET OVER!
59.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Swing and a miss! Looped up, full and around off, turns away, Tanaka Chivanga has a wild swing across the line but only connects with thin air.
59.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Slows it up, full and on middle, Tanaka Chivanga fends it away.
59.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Flighted, full and on off, Tanaka Chivanga knocks it back to the bowler.
Tanaka Chivanga is the last man in.
59.2
W
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, OUT! RUN OUT! Absolute disaster for Zimbabwe! A complete breakdown in communication, and Zimbabwe are nine down now. Mitchell Santner tosses it up, full and on off,, Vincent Masekesa pushes it towards covers and sets off for the run. His partner responds initially but then sends him back when he is already halfway through. Sells him down the river here. Devon Conway picks up quickly and throws it at the batter's end, where Tom Blundell does the rest. Vincent is well short of his crease and is not happy with Muzarabani here.
59.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Floated, full and around off, turns away, Vincent Masekesa leaves it alone.
59
over
59 | 3 Runs | HH: 149/8
58.6
1
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, In the air....safe! Matt Henry bowls a well-directed bouncer, on middle, Vincent Masekesa gets hurried into his pull shot, and the ball takes the top edge. It flies in the air behind but lands well in front of fine leg. They cross.
58.5
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Hits the length hard, on off, shaping away, Vincent Masekesa plays inside the line of it as the ball goes through to the keeper.
58.4
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Back of a length and on middle, angling in, Vincent Masekesa pats it down towards mid on.
58.3
2
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Goes full again, on the pads. Vincent Masekesa flicks this through square leg and takes a couple.
58.2
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Pitched up wide of off, Vincent Masekesa goes for the block but gets beaten on his outside edge.
58.1
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, On a length and on middle, Vincent Masekesa blocks it from his crease.
58
over
58 | 3 Runs | HH: 146/8
57.6
1
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Quicker, full and on middle, Vincent Masekesa works it wide of mid on for one more.
57.5
1
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Fires one full and on leg, Blessing Muzarabani turns it past short leg for one.
57.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Flatter, full and on off, Blessing Muzarabani taps it to the off side.
57.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Beaten! Tossed up, full and on off, turns away again, Blessing Muzarabani goes for the drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.
57.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Floated, short and on off, turns away, Blessing Muzarabani stays back to punch it away but misses.
57.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Short and on leg, Vincent Masekesa moves back and flicks it through square leg for a single.
57
over
57 | 3 Runs | HH: 143/8
56.6
0
Matt Henry to Blessing Muzarabani, Close! Pitched up and on off, shapes away, Blessing Muzarabani throws his bat at it but the ball zips past the outside edge.
Blessing Muzarabani comes out to the middle now.
56.5
W
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, OUT! TAKEN! NUMBER FIVE FOR HENRY! He has deserved this for the way he has bowled so far. He bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, gets some extra bounce as well. Newman Nyamhuri gets into two minds whether to duck it or play it. He gets very late and fails to get out of the way, keeping his bat in front of his head. It takes the inside edge onto his helmet and loops in the air. Will Young at second slip takes a dolly. Zimbabwe are eight down now!
56.4
2
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, Pitched up and on middle, angling into the pads, Newman Nyamhuri clips it through square leg for a brace.
56.3
0
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, Touch fuller and on off, Newman Nyamhuri gets forward and blocks it out.
56.2
0
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, BEATEN! Good length and in that channel outside off, holds its line, Newman Nyamhuri plays for the inward movment but gets beaten on the outside edge.
56.1
1
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Back of a length and on middle, nips back in, Vincent Masekesa gets cramped up as the ball hits his body and drops it to the leg side. A leg bye is taken.
Matt Henry to bowl from the other end.
56
over
56 | 2 Runs | HH: 140/7
55.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, A bit quicker, full and on middle, Newman Nyamhuri keeps it out.
55.5
1
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Looped up, full and on off, Vincent Masekesa taps it to covers for a run.
55.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Flatter, full and on middle, Newman Nyamhuri drills it towards mid on for a single.
55.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Oh..almost a wicket! Slows it up, full and on middle and off, Newman Nyamhuri strides out and pushes with hard hands. It flies low towards silly point who fails to react quickly and puts it down. A tough chance, but a chance nonetheless.
55.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, And again! Floated, full and around off, turns away again, Newman Nyamhuri has a poke but this one turns past the outside edge as well.
55.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, A beauty to start with! Tossed up, full and on off, grips and turns away, Newman Nyamhuri prods forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.
We are back for the final session on Day 1! New Zealand players are making their way out to the middle with a target to bowl the hosts out as soon as possible. Newman Nyamhuri and Vincent Masekesa will resume the batting for Zimbabwe and hopefully extend the total closer to 200. Mitchell Santner to bowl after Tea. Here we go...
... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...
How long can the hosts bat? Can they try and scrape through to 175? That will not serve any purpose in terms of a good total on this surface, but at least, it will give them some kind of a psychological belief. Additionally, if they can manage to bat for just a bit over an hour, they can stir some nerves in the Kiwi camp by bowling at their batters with around 30-45 minutes for the close. 35 overs left in the day, so we should not need too much of the extended half hour. The third session should begin somewhere around 1300 GMT.
Difficult period for the home side. Won the toss, chose to bat, but instead of batters surviving through the tough period, they have just kept on losing wickets. Only four batters have reached double digits so far and that reflects on the fact that the batters have tried to bed in, but then the cot has got broken. The on-air commentators are hopeful of Zimbabwe doing the same to the Kiwi batters but we believe that the Kiwis have got a stronger technique in batting and discipline than their opponents.
The Kiwis started the post-Lunch session with a brute to dismiss Sikandar Raza but after that, though they had to struggle to pick up wickets regularly, did manage to get rid of the captain, albeit, with some luck. And then, the wicket of Tsiga meant that they are well and truly into the tail. The wickets' column has been filled only for Matt Henry and Nathan Smith but everyone has bowled well.
Slow moving in Bulawayo. 71/3 in 28.4 overs in that session, with the game going absolutely nowhere for Zimbabwe. The Kiwis will not mind it, as they are probably just 5-6 overs away from wiping this tail off.
55
over
55 | 0 Runs | HH: 138/7
54.6
0
Nathan Smith to Vincent Masekesa, A short ball, outside off, Masekesa looks to defend but the ball pitches and then moves off the seam to beat the outside edge. TEA ON DAY 1, ZIMBABWE ARE 138/7!
54.5
0
Nathan Smith to Vincent Masekesa, A short ball again, dropped down in front of short leg.
54.4
0
Nathan Smith to Vincent Masekesa, A short ball now, around middle and leg, knocked down to the leg side.
54.3
0
Nathan Smith to Vincent Masekesa, On a good length, around off, blocked from the crease.
54.2
0
Nathan Smith to Vincent Masekesa, Fuller, around off, driven straight to cover.
54.1
0
Nathan Smith to Vincent Masekesa, A short ball, climbing up, Vincent Masekesa pushes but misses.
54
over
54 | 2 Runs | HH: 138/7
53.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Outside off, pushed into the off side.
53.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Around off, solidly defended.
53.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Full, outside off, poked past slip for a single.
53.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Around off, slightly short, defended off the back foot.
53.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Outside off, spinning away, a play and a miss.
53.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Full, outside off, chipped over cover for a single.
53
over
53 | 4 Runs | HH: 136/7
52.6
0
Nathan Smith to Vincent Masekesa, Around off, patted on the off side.
Vincent Masekesa walks in next, at number 9, replacing Tafadzwa Tsiga.
52.5
W
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, OUT! LBW! That's dead plumb. On a length, angling in, Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to come forward to defend but the ball skids through and beats the bat, hitting him on the pads. The umpire raises his finger on the appeal pretty quickly.
52.4
4
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR! Fine shot. A short ball, outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
52.3
0
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A quick bouncer, around middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga ducks.
52.2
0
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a length again, outside off, blocked to the covers.
52.1
0
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Around off, defended on the off side.
52
over
52 | 4 Runs | HH: 132/6
51.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, On a good length, outside off, pushed towards cover.
51.5
4
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, FOUR! CRACKING SHOT! Newman Nyamhuri punches this delivery from Mitchell Santner on the front foot with good contact, through cover, that races to the boundary.
51.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Pushed forward on the front foot with a good defensive stroke, grounded and controlled by Newman Nyamhuri.
51.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Santner bowls a solid delivery, Newman Nyamhuri plays a cautious forward defense on the front foot, but misses and is hit on the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but it is turned down. Might have been wood involved.
51.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Nice length, Newman Nyamhuri punches it off the back foot with good intent and solid contact, keeping the ball grounded.
51.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Santner pitches it up. Newman Nyamhuri goes forward but is beaten completely.
51
over
51 | 5 Runs | HH: 128/6
50.6
4
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR! STUNNING! A short ball from Nathan Smith, and Tafadzwa Tsiga rocks back on the back foot with a crisp short-arm jab, sending it aerial past the fielder at mid-wicket for a glorious boundary.
50.5
0
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, well defended on the front foot by Tafadzwa Tsiga.
50.4
0
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, Tafadzwa Tsiga gets well onto his back foot and plays a solid defensive stroke along the ground with good contact.
50.3
1
Nathan Smith to Newman Nyamhuri, Normal delivery from Nathan Smith. Newman Nyamhuri gets forward and plays a good defensive flick off the front foot with an aerial trajectory. No chances in the field as the single is taken smartly.
50.2
0
Nathan Smith to Newman Nyamhuri, Bouncer from Nathan Smith, full pace, and Newman Nyamhuri ducks it cleverly.
The new man is Newman. Nyamhuri is the surname. Into the bowlers get New Zealand now. In at 8, replacing his skipper Craig Ervine.
50.1
W
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, OUT! LBW! Nathan Smith strikes again with a perfectly executed good length delivery, hitting Craig Ervine on the pads as he attempts a semi-attacking flick off the front foot. There is a big appeal for LBW and the umpire raises his finger. Ervine looks disappointed and should be. The replay indicates that the ball would have missed leg stump. But, apart from replays, no other technology is used in cricket in Zimbabwe. So DRS is never available at all. Tough luck for the captain.
50
over
50 | 4 Runs | HH: 123/5
49.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Safely defended on the front foot.
49.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Full delivery, Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes it with good frontfoot balance.
49.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Arm ball from Santner, full on length, and Tsiga plays a forward defensive stroke, edging it on the pad.
49.3
1
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Ervine goes back and punches it with good intent and solid contact, keeping it grounded. No fuss in the field, steady single taken.
49.2
3
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Lovely length delivery from Santner, and Tafadzwa Tsiga steps forward to play a confident paddle sweep with good contact, grounded perfectly along the ground. Brilliant running between the wickets as Ajaz Patel saves a run at fine leg. That's three runs on the board.
49.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Solid length and Tafadzwa Tsiga gets forward with a good defense.
49
over
49 | 4 Runs | HH: 119/5
48.6
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Angled away delivery from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine steps forward but is beaten completely.
48.5
4
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Craig Ervine steps forward, plays a semi-attacking on drive with good contact, and the ball races towards the long on fence. Finally, something to cheer for the hosts as the 50-RUN STAND IS UP!
48.4
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Normal delivery from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine advances on the front foot but is beaten again. Tight cricket as Zimbabwe remain at 115 for 5 in the 49th over.
48.3
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Normal delivery from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine comes on the front foot but is beaten.
48.2
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Nathan Smith, Ervine gets forward and plays a solid forward defense with good contact.
48.1
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Nathan Smith comes into the attack now. Starts with a normal delivery, which is nicely played by Craig Ervine on the back foot with a good, grounded flick.
48
over
48 | 3 Runs | HH: 115/5
47.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery from Mitchell Santner. Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a solid forward defense with good contact.
47.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery from Santner, spinning into the right-hander. Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a solid forward defensive shot, straight back.
47.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Good length ball from Santner, spinning in. Craig Ervine moves back and plays a neat leg glance, towards fine leg. The single is taken, rotating the strike.
47.3
2
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, A full toss from Mitchell Santner, Craig Ervine plays a good attacking sweep, grounded and controlled! Smart placement, picks up two runs with precision.
47.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Santner, Craig Ervine plays a solid backfoot defense, grounded and controlled towards the bowler.
47.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Santner, flighted, Craig Ervine plays a solid forward defensive with the front foot, but gets an inside edge towards the bowler.
47
over
47 | 1 Runs | HH: 112/5
46.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery from O'Rourke, Tsiga moves forward with a solid front foot defense, meeting it well with grounded contact.
46.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, steady length, no swing. Tafadzwa Tsiga stays solid on the back foot, playing a good defensive shot with grounded contact.
46.4
1
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Normal delivery, Ervine goes on the back foot and plays a good leg glance along the ground with attacking intent. Smooth timing from the left-hander, picking up a quick single.
46.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Good length, seamed out delivery from Will O'Rourke, Craig Ervine comes on the front foot again but gets beaten again.
46.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery, seamed out from Will O'Rourke. Craig Ervine comes on the front foot but gets beaten completely.
46.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Short of a good length delivery, Craig Ervine stays solid on the back foot with a good defensive stroke.
46
over
46 | 1 Runs | HH: 111/5
45.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a good length, Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a solid forward defensive stroke, front foot steady and contact good. Ball stays grounded, no run.
45.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Full delivery on the pitch, Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a semi-attacking flick with a frontfoot stride, edging the ball on the pad but grounded towards point. Tsiga is not sure where the ball is and sets off. In the meanwhile, the keeper, Tom Blundell, quickly gets across to his right, picks the ball up and breaks the stumps. The appeal for a stumping or run out - whichever way you look at it, is referred upstairs. The replay shows that the batter has just about made it back in.
45.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga goes on the back foot and plays a good square cut, grounded well along the turf.
45.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tsiga goes back and plays a good quality defensive flick, grounded with controlled intent.
45.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Steady length, Tafadzwa Tsiga steps forward and plays a good off drive with solid front foot movement.
45.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Craig Ervine steps forward with a frontfoot on drive, playing a semi-attacking shot with good contact, grounded along the pitch. A quick single taken.
45
over
45 | 4 Runs | HH: 110/5
44.6
4
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR BYES! That bouncer eludes the bat completely but runs away to the boundary as byes for Zimbabwe. Absolutely brilliant delivery from Will O'Rourke, a short bouncer, and the wicketkeeper couldn't stop this one.
44.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, Tsiga gets back and plays a solid defensive stroke, grounded with good contact.
44.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery from Will O'Rourke, no swing, just a simple length ball. Tafadzwa Tsiga gets back and pushes it with good contact, grounded on the pitch.
44.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Seamed in delivery from Will O'Rourke, Tafadzwa Tsiga moves forward but is beaten as the ball nips back in.
44.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, DROPPED! Third missed opportunity for New Zealand, all in this session. Short and outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga slashes hard and hits it a bit uppishly. The ball flies towards gully where Devon Conway leaps to his right but puts it down.
44.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery on the back foot, Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a good defensive flick grounded along the pitch.
44
over
44 | 8 Runs | HH: 106/5
43.6
1
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Pitched up, Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a cautious frontfoot forward defense with an inside edge, keeping the ball grounded.
43.5
2
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short ball from Mitchell Santner, aimed to surprise! Tafadzwa Tsiga goes on the back foot and pulls it with good contact, grounded perfectly, through mid-wicket. Smart running between the wickets brings two runs.
43.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, A frontfoot flick played with good, grounded contact by Craig Ervine. A quick single taken.
43.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Craig Ervine moves forward with a solid frontfoot defense. Good contact, grounded shot showing textbook technique.
43.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Mitchell Santner. Craig Ervine goes for a reverse sweep but misses it completely.
43.1
4
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, EDGED, FOUR! This can happen, when nothing is happening for hours. Outside off, on a length, Craig Ervine pushes at it. The ball comes in and goes off the outside edge. It flies towards slip but Daryl Mitchell is not quite ready. He is not quite accepting it and by the time he moves his right hand, the ball is past him to the deep third fence.
43
over
43 | 2 Runs | HH: 98/5
42.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery from Will O'Rourke, well met by Tafadzwa Tsiga with a solid backfoot defensive shot, grounded and controlled.
42.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short ball from Will O'Rourke, Tafadzwa Tsiga stays still and leaves it alone, the ball hitting his body.
42.5
2
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, WIDE! A bouncer too high to play, Craig Ervine ducks and leaves it alone. Will O'Rourke's radar is off, giving away one wide plus one overthrow, ending in two runs gifted to Zimbabwe.
42.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Normal delivery, Craig Ervine goes back on the back foot and plays a solid defensive stroke.
42.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Normal delivery, Craig Ervine wisely leaves it alone, no movement off the pitch.
42.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Full delivery, seamed out from Will O'Rourke, Craig Ervine chooses to leave it well alone.
42.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Seamed out delivery by Will O'Rourke, Craig Ervine moves forward but is beaten completely.
DRINKS BREAK. 29/1 in 15.4 overs post Lunch. For those following the Eng-Ind Test series and who had managed to challenge their sleep patterns during the WI-Aus Test series, this is how overrate should be. New Zealand have been redefining the art of patience and consistency and landing the ball on a string while Zimbabwe have been, well, tested thoroughly. The only reason why wickets have not fallen regularly is because this is not the 'Gabba. There was a chance offered after Raza's dismissal but other than that, there has not been much to trouble the batters. Yet, runs are not coming and it is just a matter of when rather than how, before the Kiwis run through the middle order.
42
over
42 | 0 Runs | HH: 96/5
41.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a good length, Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a solid front foot forward defense.
41.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery from Santner, spinning in. Tafadzwa Tsiga steps forward but is beaten completely.
41.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tsiga plays a cautious forward defensive stroke, front foot solid, contacting the ball with an outside edge grounded along the pitch.
41.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it well alone.
41.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A defensive shot played and missed on the front foot by Tafadzwa Tsiga. Superb bowling from Mitchell Santner maintaining his accuracy.
41.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A tidy ball outside off that Tafadzwa Tsiga decides to leave alone.
41
over
41 | 1 Runs | HH: 96/5
40.6
1
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short ball from O'Rourke, Tsiga goes on the back foot and pulls it with good timing along the ground through mid-wicket for a single.
40.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, no movement off the pitch. Tafadzwa Tsiga decides to leave it alone, showing immense composure and discipline at the crease.
40.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a normal length, pitching halfway, Will O'Rourke bowls a tidy delivery. Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it alone.
40.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery from Will O'Rourke, defended off the back foot by Tafadzwa Tsiga. The ball takes an inside edge but is grounded safely.
40.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, no movement on offer, Will O'Rourke keeps it tight. Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it alone with perfect discipline.
40.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A normal delivery from Will O'Rourke, met with a solid backfoot defense by Tafadzwa Tsiga.
40
over
40 | 0 Runs | HH: 95/5
39.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Santner, spinning gently in. Craig Ervine plays a controlled flick off the front foot, defensive and grounded through mid-wicket.
39.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Safely negotiated with a backfoot defensive stroke by Craig Ervine. Inside edge involved.
39.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Perfectly flighted. Ervine plays a good defensive flick off the back foot, grounded and controlled. No runs scored.
39.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Outside off, Craig Ervine leaves it alone with no movement or footwork.
39.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Santner, turning in gently. Craig Ervine plays a solid backfoot defense with good contact, grounded and controlled through the cover region.
39.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Santner, spinning in. Craig Ervine plays a solid frontfoot forward defense, towards mid-wicket.
39
over
39 | 4 Runs | HH: 95/5
38.6
4
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR! A short bouncer hurled in by Will O'Rourke and Tafadzwa Tsiga rocks back on the back foot to hook it with attacking intent. But he loses control and the ball flies off the top edge over the keeper, to the fine leg fence.
38.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, Tsiga goes forward and plays a frontfoot flick, meeting the ball on the thigh pad with semi-attacking intent.
38.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, straight and steady. Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a solid forward defensive shot with good frontfoot movement, keeping the ball grounded and under control.
38.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short of good length, an attempted flick off the back foot, getting hit on the pads with semi-attacking intent from Tafadzwa Tsiga.
38.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, pushed defensively with a frontfoot stride, the ball takes an outside edge but stays grounded. Will O'Rourke keeps up the pressure with another dot.
38.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short bouncer from Will O'Rourke, Tafadzwa Tsiga ducks it out smartly with no movement.
Double change. Will O'Rourke comes back. 8-2-18-0 so far.
38
over
38 | 6 Runs | HH: 91/5
37.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Good length ball from Santner, flight on display. Craig Ervine pushes it defensively on the front foot, well-timed and grounded towards mid-wicket.
37.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Craig Ervine plays a cautious backfoot defensive stroke, making an inside edge contact with the grounded bat control.
37.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Craig Ervine gets forward and plays a good defensive flick along the ground with crisp front foot movement.
37.3
2
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Mitchell Santner, Craig Ervine steps forward and unleashes a powerful slog sweep through mid-wicket. The two runs come with no fielder able to stop it. Superb attacking intent!
37.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, A gentle pushed shot on the front foot from Craig Ervine.
37.1
4
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Full, on middle, Craig Ervine gets down and sweeps it to the square leg fence.
Mitchell Santner returns. 4-1-13-0 so far.
37
over
37 | 0 Runs | HH: 85/5
36.6
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short of good length delivery, Tafadzwa Tsiga gets beaten on front foot, and is hit on the thigh pad. Superb bowling discipline from Matt Henry keeping the pressure tight with dot ball number 62. Maiden over territory for New Zealand! Brilliant bowling display!
36.5
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Another edge! Tsiga pushes at it again, gets another outside edge, but this time, the ball lands short of third slip!
36.4
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short of good length delivery, Tsiga goes back and defends it solidly but the ball nips back in, squaring him up. The ball misses the outside edge, deflects off the thigh pad and lands short of the diving keeper, to his right!
36.3
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends forward with solid frontfoot technique, perfectly grounded contact.
36.2
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery, Tafadzwa Tsiga gets forward, plays a solid defensive flick on the front foot, grounded nicely to mid-wicket.
36.1
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length ball on long off, Matt Henry angling in with a normal delivery. Tafadzwa Tsiga uses solid frontfoot forward defense, grounding the bat with good contact.
36
over
36 | 0 Runs | HH: 85/5
35.6
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Short of good length, angled in from Nathan Smith. Craig Ervine goes back foot, jumps slightly and flicks it defensively through mid-wicket with good contact and grounded bat speed.
35.5
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Normal delivery, Craig Ervine plays a solid forward defense off the front foot with good contact, keeping it grounded.
35.4
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, DROPPED! Angled in delivery from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine pushes it with a semi-attacking intent back to the bowler, who cannot hang on.
35.3
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery, Craig Ervine steps forward confidently and plays a grounded straight drive through mid on. Semi-attacking intent with good contact and solid front foot movement. Smooth execution but no run taken.
35.2
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Good length outswinger from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine leaves it alone with no movement.
35.1
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Short bouncer from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine just leaves it alone, no movement forward or back.
35
over
35 | 3 Runs | HH: 85/5
34.6
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short of good length, an outswinger from Matt Henry, Tafadzwa Tsiga plays no shot, leaving it perfectly.
34.5
1
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Short ball from Matt Henry, Craig Ervine rocks back and pulls with good connection along the ground. Smart running between wickets, picks up a single.
34.4
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery, Craig Ervine steps forward with a solid frontfoot defense.
34.3
2
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Good length, angled in from Matt Henry, Craig Ervine gets on his front foot and plays a good quality flick through mid-wicket. Grounded shot with excellent timing, racing away for two runs.
34.2
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Bouncer pitched halfway, Craig Ervine ducks back. Superb bowling! Matt Henry keeps the pressure building with a probing short ball.
34.1
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, A normal delivery from Matt Henry, nicely defended back foot by Craig Ervine with good contact, and the ball stays grounded.
34
over
34 | 5 Runs | HH: 82/5
33.6
0
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A normal delivery from Nathan Smith, right arm, and Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it alone. Brilliant discipline shown by the batter, letting that one go by with perfect judgment.
33.5
0
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short of good length, a normal delivery from Nathan Smith. Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it alone with no movement. The Zimbabwe innings trudges on to 82 for 5 with a run rate of 2.42 in the 34th over.
33.4
4
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR! GLORIOUS! What a magnificent off drive from Tafadzwa Tsiga! Full ball length, played with superb frontfoot movement, grounded and with good connection through mid off. Absolutely beautiful cricket! Nathan Smith will be rueing that full delivery. Pure class on display.
33.3
0
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery, solid forward defensive stroke from Tafadzwa Tsiga, front foot planted with excellent timing. The ball is calmly blocked to gully, grounded and safe. Superb bowling, disciplined line and length, no run taken.
33.2
0
Nathan Smith to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short ball from Nathan Smith, kept well at bay by Tafadzwa Tsiga with no movement. Left alone, a patient response here.
33.1
1
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Normal delivery, Craig Ervine leans forward and plays a semi-attacking off drive with an inside edge, keeping it grounded. Front foot movement shows intent to rotate the strike. The batsmen sneak through for a well-timed single.
33
over
33 | 4 Runs | HH: 77/5
32.6
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Outswinger, short of good length, Matt Henry steaming in with precision. Tafadzwa Tsiga reads it perfectly and leaves it alone.
32.5
4
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR! BEAUTIFUL! What a stroke! A perfect leg glance on the back foot by Tafadzwa Tsiga, executed with attacking intent and crisp contact. The ball races along the ground, caressing the boundary as Matt Henry looks on. He will not be pleased with that, as he bowled it on the pads.
32.4
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A normal length delivery from Matt Henry, Tafadzwa Tsiga comes forward but is beaten completely.
32.3
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal length delivery, Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a solid back foot defense with good contact, grounded firmly.
32.2
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Bouncer from Matt Henry, short and rising sharply! Tafadzwa Tsiga ducks with perfect composure, no movement forward or back, expertly leaving it alone.
32.1
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery from Matt Henry, Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes it with a semi-attacking intent on the front foot. Clean contact, grounded shot with controlled placement.
32
over
32 | 0 Runs | HH: 73/5
31.6
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Angled in delivery, Craig Ervine moves forward with a solid front foot defense, playing it along the ground with good contact.
31.5
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Angled in delivery from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine is beaten on the front foot, getting hit on the pads.
31.4
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Short of good length, seamed out by Nathan Smith. Craig Ervine on the front foot, plays a solid defensive shot but is beaten.
31.3
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Short ball from Nathan Smith, rising sharply! Craig Ervine stays solid on the back foot. Brilliant reflexes from Tom Blundell behind the stumps puts in a strong dive and prevents four runs with pure wicket-keeping excellence! Superb bowling and fielding combo keeping Zimbabwe under pressure.
31.2
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Short ball from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine gets on the front foot but is beaten with a defensive shot.
31.1
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Normal delivery, Craig Ervine gets on the back foot and pushes it with good defensive intent, grounded perfectly. Zimbabwe are 73 for 5 in the 32nd over.
31
over
31 | 4 Runs | HH: 73/5
30.6
1
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Angled in delivery from Matt Henry, Craig Ervine pushes it with a semi-attacking intent but gets a leading edge, keeping it grounded on the front foot. Smart running between the wickets as he takes a single.
30.5
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Angled in delivery from Matt Henry, Craig Ervine leaves it alone with no movement.
30.4
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Short of good length, angled in by Matt Henry, Craig Ervine decides to leave it alone with no movement. Superb discipline from the batter, letting the ball go without offering a shot.
30.3
1
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery, punched with good frontfoot intent through the cover region, grounded and controlled. Smooth execution by Tafadzwa Tsiga. Smart cricket on display as he picks up a quick single.
30.2
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length, a normal delivery from Matt Henry. Tafadzwa Tsiga goes for a solid front foot defense, making good contact, with a grounded shot.
30.1
2
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery from Matt Henry, a normal ball on a good length. Tafadzwa Tsiga uses his front foot to play a neat flick, showing good connection with the grounded shot. Smart running brings two runs here.
30
over
30 | 0 Runs | HH: 69/5
29.6
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, A solid, forward defensive stroke from Craig Ervine, front foot, good contact keeping it grounded.
29.5
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine takes a solid frontfoot stride but is beaten by the ball. Defensive intent is clear, but no contact this time.
29.4
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, A solid forward defense from Craig Ervine, front foot planted firmly, good contact and grounded shot. Nathan Smith delivers a normal ball, met with disciplined defense.
29.3
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery, a solid defensive push on the front foot by Craig Ervine. Grounded contact, nothing loose there!
29.2
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Good length delivery from Nathan Smith, perfectly met by Craig Ervine's front foot cover drive. Attacking intent, good contact, and the ball stays grounded - pure cricketing poetry in motion.
29.1
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Short of good length bouncer from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine leaves it well alone with no movement.
29
over
29 | 0 Runs | HH: 69/5
28.6
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short of good length delivery, and Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it well alone no foot movement, no poke, just smart judgment.
28.5
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Full ball, good length, Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes it semi-attacking on the front foot towards mid off with good contact, grounded shot.
28.4
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length delivery, Tafadzwa Tsiga plays a solid forward defense on the front foot, good contact with the ball grounded.
28.3
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short of good length outside off, Matt Henry bowls a normal delivery. Tafadzwa Tsiga gets forward with a defensive shot, shoulder of the bat meeting the ball with an aerial trajectory. Solid frontfoot work, playing it safely to deep third.
28.2
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short of good length, Matt Henry delivers a normal ball, Tafadzwa Tsiga decides to leave it alone with no movement.
28.1
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Normal delivery, a solid forward defense played with good contact, grounded along the pitch, frontfoot movement by Tafadzwa Tsiga.
28
over
28 | 0 Runs | HH: 69/5
27.6
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Short ball from Nathan Smith, testing Craig Ervine on the front foot. The left-hander goes for a defensive shot but is beaten!
27.5
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, A normal delivery from Nathan Smith, the ball defended off the back foot by Craig Ervine with a grounded edge on the pad. Solid defensive intent, no run taken.
27.4
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, A normal delivery from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine moves forward with a solid front foot and plays a good forward defensive stroke, keeping it grounded with perfect control.
27.3
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Short ball from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine lunges forward but is beaten completely! Defensive intent, front foot movement, but no contact. Superb bowling!
27.2
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Outswinger from Nathan Smith, Craig Ervine gets beaten on the front foot completely! Defensive attempt, no contact at all. Superb bowling discipline, dot ball added to his tally. Brilliant persistence from the bowler as the pressure builds on Zimbabwe's middle order.
27.1
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Normal delivery, Craig Ervine pushes it forward with a solid front foot defense, good contact, and a grounded bat.
27
over
27 | 2 Runs | HH: 69/5
26.6
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length ball, Tafadzwa Tsiga gets forward with a solid defensive stroke, edging the ball onto his pad. Grounded and controlled, front foot technique on display. Superb bowling discipline from Matt Henry, keeping the pressure up.
Tafadzwa Tsiga walks in next, at number 7, replacing Sikandar Raza.
26.5
W
Matt Henry to Sikandar Raza, OUT! SENSATIONAL! Caught behind by Tom Blundell off Matt Henry's bouncer! Sikandar Raza tried a back foot defensive shot, jumping slightly but only managed to get hit on the glove and that's a sharp catch from the wicket-keeper! Zimbabwe 69 for 5 in the 27th over. What a brilliant piece of fast bowling artistry!
26.4
0
Matt Henry to Sikandar Raza, Seamed in delivery from Matt Henry, Sikandar Raza pushes it defensively off the back foot with good contact, keeping it grounded. Superb bowling discipline here no run scored.
26.3
2
Matt Henry to Sikandar Raza, Normal delivery, Sikandar Raza goes back foot and executes a good attacking leg glance along the ground. Brilliant timing and excellent bat speed! Two runs taken confidently.
The players are back out in the middle. There was some turn on purchase in the morning session, so we could see even more of that as the sun beats down hard. Sikandar Raza has walked out at number 6, alongside skipper Craig Ervine, after the fall of Welch's wicket, and the duo will aim for a partnership in the first place. Here we go then, Henry to resume.
It was a difficult opening session for the home side. But from what we have seen in the previous matches, especially when South Africa toured the country, the first session has always been kind of a havoc for batters. In the afternoon though, the deck usually settles down and batting is a lot easier. That's why that wicket of Welch would be hurting the hosts the most, because having faced 67 balls prior to his dismissal, he would have done a lot better in the second session.
... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...
Matt Henry has been the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets, while Nathan Smith also chipped in with a scalp. In the second session, Zimbabwe will need to start anew and get their scoreboard ticking if they want to get back into the game. Can Craig Ervine, alongside Sikandar Raza and others, build a substantial partnership and take the hosts out of trouble? The battle resumes after Lunch at 10.38 am GMT.
However, the partnership between Nick Welch and Craig Ervine was showing promise, with both batters playing carefully and rotating the strike. However, just before Lunch, Mitchell Santner's astute bowling change brought Matt Henry back into the attack, which paid off for the Kiwis. Nick Welch edged a delivery straight to Michael Bracewell at slip, falling victim to Henry's skill. The wicket came at a crucial time, right on the stroke of Lunch, with Zimbabwe still in a precarious position at 67/4.
The first session of Day 1 has come to a close, with New Zealand dominating the proceedings. Zimbabwe's batting unit struggled, managing 67 runs in 26.2 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. The top three batters were dismissed with just 31 runs on the board, putting the hosts in a precarious position.
26.2
W
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, OUT! TAKEN! Matt Henry strikes again! A hammer blow to Zimbabwe on the stroke of Lunch. This is an inspired bowling change from the Kiwi skipper. Henry lands this one back of a length and just around off, holds its line. Nick Welch gets tempted and pushes hard at it, but without much footwork. Gets a thick outside edge towards second slip where Michael Bracewell takes a sharp catch. Welch's resistance is finally broken as he departs for 27 off 68, and Zimbabwe are 67/4. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1!
26.1
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, On a length and on middle, Nick Welch blocks it out.
26
over
26 | 4 Runs | HH: 67/3
25.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Quicker, full and on middle, Craig Ervine keeps it out to the off side.
25.5
4
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, FOUR! Good effort in the deep, but in vain! Looped up, full and around middle, Craig Ervine goes down and connects with his reverse sweep towards deep point. Will O'Rourke covers his ground to his right and dives but only to parry it away to the third man fence for a boundary.
25.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Slows it up, full and on off, Craig Ervine fends it away.
25.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Flighted, full and on middle, Craig Ervine blocks it out in front of short leg.
25.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Goes short and on middle and leg, Craig Ervine stays back and looks to clip it away but gets an inside edge on the pads as the ball drops in front of leg slip.
25.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Floated, full and on middle, turns down the leg side, Craig Ervine leaves it alone.
25
over
25 | 8 Runs | HH: 63/3
24.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Fires one full and on middle, Nick Welch strides out and dead-bats it.
24.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, A bit short and on middle, Nick Welch stays back and clips it to square leg.
24.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Looped up, full and on middle, Nick Welch defends it on the front foot.
24.3
4
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, FOUR! Fine shot! To the other side this time! Flighted, full and on middle and off, Nick Welch gets a bit off balance but executes the reverse sweep to perfection through point for another boundary.
24.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Floated, short and on middle, turns away a long way to the leg side, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
24.1
4
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, FOUR! The runs are starting to come now! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Nick Welch goes down to get inside the line and sweeps it nicely with the turn through square leg for a boundary.
24
over
24 | 7 Runs | HH: 55/3
23.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Flighted, full and on middle, Craig Ervine clips it to short mid-wicket.
23.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Shortish and on middle and off, Craig Ervine stays back and keeps it out on the pitch.
23.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Drags his length back and on off, Craig Ervine punches it to cover-point.
23.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Tossed up, full and on middle, Craig Ervine turns it to the leg side.
23.2
3
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in, Nick Welch looks to work it away but gets an inside edge past short leg and towards the fine leg region. Three runs taken.
23.1
4
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, FOUR! Nick Welch gets into the act now! Floated, full and on off, Welch goes down and drags his sweep beautifully to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. 50 up for Zimbabwe!
23
over
23 | 4 Runs | HH: 48/3
22.6
4
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, FOUR! Great shot! Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Craig Ervine goes down on one knee and nails the sweep to the deep square leg fence for a boundary,
22.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Quicker, full and on middle, Craig Ervine turns it to the leg side.
22.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Lovely bowling! Gives this one some more air, full and on middle, turns away sharply, Craig Ervine gets drawn into his defensive stroke but the ball spins past the outside edge.
22.3
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Flighted, full and on off, turns away, Craig Ervine strides out but only to leave it alone.
22.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Tossed up, full and on off, Craig Ervine gets forward and blocks it out.
22.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Floated, short and around off, Craig Ervine moves back and punches it to cover-point.
22
over
22 | 2 Runs | HH: 44/3
21.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Loops it up, full and on off, Nick Welch strides out and fends it away.
21.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Pushed through quicker, full and on off, angling in, Nick Welch taps it out to short covers.
21.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Flighted, full and on middle, Nick Welch defends it on the front foot.
21.3
1
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Flatter, full and on middle, Craig Ervine decides to stay back and clips it through square leg for a run.
21.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Goes short and on middle, Nick Welch moves back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
21.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, RIPPER! Tossed up, full and on off, turns away slightly, Nick Welch prods forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.
21
over
21 | 0 Runs | HH: 42/3
20.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Much better! Goes a bit fuller and on off, moves away, Craig Ervine plays inside the line of it as the ball goes through to the keeper.
20.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Hard length and around off, shaping further away, Craig Ervine offers no shot at it. This line or length will not bother Ervine.
20.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Will O'Rourke bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, Craig Ervine just about manages to get out of the way.
20.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Short but way, way outside off, Craig Ervine leaves it alone.
20.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Good-length delivery and around off, shaping away a bit, Craig Ervine has a feel for it, but the ball zips past the outside edge. Ervine gets squared up here.
20.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, BEATEN! Short of a length and on the fifth stump line, holds its line nicely, Craig Ervine stays back to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
20
over
20 | 0 Runs | HH: 42/3
19.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Flatter, full and outside off, not much turn this time, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
19.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Goes short and on off, Nick Welch dabs it down to point.
19.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, And again! Flighted, full and on off, turns away again, Nick Welch decides against playing at it at the last moment.
19.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, TURN AND BOUNCE! Slower through the air, full and around off, grips and turns away with bounce, Nick Welch has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
19.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, A bit short and on middle, Nick Welch stays back and keeps it out on the pitch.
19.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Tossed up, full and on off, Nick Welch prods forward and blocks it out.
19
over
19 | 5 Runs | HH: 42/3
18.6
4
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, FOUR! Gets off the mark finally after 22 balls! Will O'Rourke goes a bit too full this time, on off. Craig Ervine presents the full face of the bat, gets his front foot closer to the ball, and drives it gloriously to the long off fence for a boundary.
18.5
1
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Touch fuller and on off, Nick Welch taps it in front of short covers for a quick single.
18.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Hard-length delivery, on off, jags back in a long way, Nick Welch leaves it on length as the ball goes well above the stumps.
18.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Bangs this one into the pitch, outside off, Nick Welch offers no shot at it.
18.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Signs of intent! Back of a length and on middle, Nick Welch rocks back and looks to pull it away but only manages to cue-end it on the pitch.
18.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Short of a length and on off, shaping back in, Nick Welch watches it through and leaves it alone.
18
over
18 | 0 Runs | HH: 37/3
17.6
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, On a length and on middle, Craig Ervine nudges it to short mid-wicket.
17.5
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Fuller and on off, Craig Ervine covers the line of the ball and blocks it out.
17.4
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Ouch! Short of a length and on middle, jags back in with extra bounce this time, Craig Ervine fails to put bat on that and gets hit on his midriff.
17.3
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Hits the length hard, on middle, nipping in sharply, Craig Ervine looks to work it away but gets cramped up as the ball thuds him on the back pad.
17.2
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Good length and on the sixth stump line, angles in, Craig Ervine lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.
17.1
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Starts with a bouncer, on middle, Craig Ervine ducks under it.
17
over
17 | 4 Runs | HH: 37/3
16.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Hard length but angling down the leg side, Nick Welch offers no shot at it.
16.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Back of a length and on middle, angling into the body of the batter, Nick Welch manages well and drops it down to the leg side.
16.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Sharp bowling! A quick bouncer now, on middle, angling in, Nick Welch ducks under it well.
16.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Short of a length and on off, angling in, Nick Welch watches it through and leaves it alone.
16.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Good length and on off, nips back in again, Nick Welch strides out to block but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
16.1
4
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, FOUR! Gets it away! Will O'Rourke bangs this one short and on off, jags back in sharply and climbs up on the batter. Nick Welch just about gets on top and steers it uppishly, but between third slip and gully for a boundary.
16
over
16 | 1 Runs | HH: 33/3
15.6
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Craig Ervine keeps it out to the off side. Ervine has faced 16 balls but is yet to get off the mark here. All 3's on the board. Zimbabwe are 33/3 after 16 overs!
15.5
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Full again and around off, Craig Ervine drives it to short covers.
15.4
1
Nathan Smith to Nick Welch, Just short! Pitched up and on middle, Nick Welch looks to flick it away but fails to keep it down. It goes aerially towards silly mid on but just drops in front of the fielder, who parries it away. They cross.
15.3
0
Nathan Smith to Nick Welch, Good length and on off, Nick Welch covers his stumps and blocks it out.
15.2
0
Nathan Smith to Nick Welch, Back of a length and on middle, angling down the leg side, Nick Welch leaves it alone. Tom Blundell, the keeper, dives to his left a bit too early but adjusts well to extend his right hand to collect it. If he missed, the ball could have easily hit the helmet behind and cost five runs
15.1
0
Nathan Smith to Nick Welch, JAFFA! Fuller in length and in the corridor of uncertainty, shaping away, Nick Welch gets drawn forward into his defensive stroke but gets beaten on the outside edge.
15
over
15 | 1 Runs | HH: 32/3
14.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Hits the length hard again and around off, takes off sharply, Craig Ervine once again plays well inside the line and lets it go.
14.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Back of a length, but much closer to the batter this time, shapes away a touch, Craig Ervine plays inside the line of it as the ball goes through to the keeper.
14.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Short of a length and well outside off, takes off and shapes away too, still moving after passing the stumps. Craig Ervine leaves it alone.
14.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Full again and on middle, Craig Ervine clips it to short mid-wicket.
14.2
1
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Much better! Fuller and on off, shapes in, Nick Welch looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls wide of short covers. A single taken.
14.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Errs in line and bangs this short but way down the leg side, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
14
over
14 | 0 Runs | HH: 31/3
13.6
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, On a length and on middle, Craig Ervine gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.
13.5
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, BEAUTY! Hits the length hard and in that channel outside off, threatens to angle in but straightens after hitting the deck. Craig Ervine gets a bit squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge. There is an appeal for caught behind, but turned down.
13.4
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Play and a miss! Good set up from Nathan Smith! He bowled three balls that angled in before this one. This time he lands this back of a length around off, gets this to shape away. Craig Ervine stays back and has a feel for it, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
13.3
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Pitched up and on off, shapes in a shy bit, Craig Ervine looks to go for the drive but gets a bottom edge towards short mid-wicket.
13.2
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Fuller again and on off, angling into the stumps, Craig Ervine gets half-forward and blocks it out.
13.1
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Nathan Smith from around the wicket, serves this full and on middle, angling in, Craig Ervine tucks it to short mid-wicket.
DRINKS! Not an ideal first hour for the hosts, as they have lost three key wickets with nothing much on the board. Only Nick Welch has shown some kind of resistance, but he will need to make the most of it and not throw his wicket away as well. Zimbabwe are in desperate need of a partnership here, or they could be skittled out pretty quickly. New Zealand and their pacers have been fantastic with the new ball and are asking all the right questions. Matt Henry has already picked up a couple, while Nathan Smith got the big fish, and they are hungry for more before the end of the session.
13
over
13 | 0 Runs | HH: 31/3
12.6
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Good length on off, Nick Welch defends this off his front foot.
12.5
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, This red cherry is doing the talking for Matt Henry and the Kiwis. Good length, around off, shaping away from the batter this time. Nick Welch shadows the front foot defensive stroke and gets beaten.
12.4
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Another one on a length, around off. Nick Welch presses in front and blocks this out.
12.3
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Back of a length, on top of off, Nick Welch defends this solidly off the front foot.
12.2
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Short and wide outside off, Nick Welch leaves it all alone.
12.1
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, On a length, shaping back into the batter. Nick Welch looks to block this out but gets beaten and gets hit on his thigh pad.
12
over
12 | 0 Runs | HH: 31/3
11.6
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Good length outside off, Craig Ervine looks for the front foot defensive stroke but gets beaten.
11.5
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Length dragged further back with the ball nipping back into the batter. Craig Ervine gets beaten on his inside and the ball sails back to the keeper.
11.4
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Back of a length around off, Craig Ervine leaves it all alone.
11.3
0
Nathan Smith to Craig Ervine, Good length, on the pads. Craig Ervine misses out on the flick and gets hit on his pads.
Craig Ervine walks out next to bat.
11.2
W
Nathan Smith to Sean Williams, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Nathan Smith gets a big wicket here! Back of a length, shaping back into the batter. Sean Williams moves to his leg and looks to block this away from his body, but gets cramped up. Edges it off the inside, and the ball has chopped back onto the stumps. Zimbabwe are three down now!
11.1
0
Nathan Smith to Sean Williams, Good length on off, Sean Williams defends this off his front foot.
11
over
11 | 3 Runs | HH: 31/2
10.6
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, On a length, shaping back into the batter. Nick Welch looks to defend this off his front foot but gets beaten and wears it on his pads. A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved. Height might have saved Nick here.
10.5
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, BEAUTY! Back of a length, angling in and shaping away after pitching. Nick Welch goes deep inside his crease, looking to block this out but gets beaten on the outside.
10.4
2
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Pitched a touch too full, on the pads, Nick Welch flicks this through mid-wicket and runs two.
10.3
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Back of a length around off, Nick Welch hops up on his toes and defends this out.
10.2
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Good length, wide of off, Nick Welch pokes at it and gets beaten.
10.1
1
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, A single as Sean Williams flicks this length delivery off his back foot for a strike rotation.
10
over
10 | 1 Runs | HH: 28/2
9.6
0
Nathan Smith to Nick Welch, Another one banged short and into the batter. Nick Welch blocks this out.
9.5
0
Nathan Smith to Nick Welch, Excellent from Nathan Smith. Hits that nagging length around 8m. Gets the ball to nip back into the batter. Nick Welch was late in bringing his bat down and saw the ball go past his off stump. This was not far from the top of the off stump.
9.4
1
Nathan Smith to Sean Williams, Touch too full, on off. Sean Williams gets right on top of it and drops this gently in front of cover and takes a sharp single.
9.3
0
Nathan Smith to Sean Williams, Back of a length, angling into the batter. Sean Williams defends this towards square leg this time.
9.2
0
Nathan Smith to Sean Williams, Good length around off, Sean Williams solidly punches this to point for no run.
9.1
0
Nathan Smith to Sean Williams, Short-pitched, into the batter. Sean Williams takes the bottom hand off the handle and drops this down.
9
over
9 | 2 Runs | HH: 27/2
8.6
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Good length on off, Nick Welch throws his bat at it but gets beaten.
8.5
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Another fuller delivery, on the pads. Nick Welch goes for the flick but misses out. The ball hits him on his pads and rolls towards the leg side for no run.
8.4
2
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Pitched-up around off, Nick Welch leans on nicely and drives this through cover for two.
8.3
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Touch fuller, around middle and leg. Nick Welch hops up on his toes and jams this to mid-wicket for no run.
8.2
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Good length, wide of off, Nick Welch leaves it all alone. This shaped away from the batter.
8.1
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Good length on the pads. Nick Welch tucks this towards short leg for no run.
8
over
8 | 1 Runs | HH: 25/2
7.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Sean Williams, On a length, angling into the batter and shaping away after pitching. Sean Williams rocks onto his back foot and keeps it out.
7.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Sean Williams, On a length, wide of off, shaping away. Sean Williams shoulder arms to it.
7.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Sean Williams, Good length, wide of off. Sean Williams leaves it.
7.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Sean Williams, Short-pitched, arond middle and leg. Cramping Sean deep into his crease. Sean Williams sits under and lets it go back to the keeper.
7.2
1
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, LEG BYE! On a length, drifting down the leg. Nick Welch goes for the flick but misses. Gets it clipped off the pads towards short fine leg for one.
7.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Back of a length around off, Nick Welch leaves this. It is a good leave from Nick considering this wasn't far from the stumps.
7
over
7 | 4 Runs | HH: 24/2
6.6
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Henry has got the top order of Zimbabwe in some trouble. Hits the hard length, around off, the ball shoots up on the batter. Sean Williams looks to block this but gets an outside edge that lands short of point.
6.5
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, On a length around the pads, Sean Williams blocks this out.
Sean Williams walks out next to bat.
6.4
W
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! It is the same combination of Matt Henry and Will Young that troubles Zimbabwe. Pitched-up, on off. Ben Curran goes for the straight drive but the ball shapes a hint away and that was enough to find the outside edge of Ben Curran's bat. Will Young made no mistake and took another good low catch this time to his right for Ben's dismissal. Zimbabwe lose both the openers!
6.3
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Good length, on off, Ben Curran defends this off his front foot.
6.2
4
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, FOUR! Short-pitched, around middle and off, Ben Curran gets into a good position to pull this one and nails the pull for a boundary through the mid-wicket region. Ben might not be very confident on the short-pitched deliveries but he played that well this time.
6.1
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Good length around off, angling away from the batter. Ben leaves it.
6
over
6 | 6 Runs | HH: 20/1
5.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Short and wide of off. Nick Welch leaves it all alone.
5.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Good length on off, Nick Welch leaves it. The ball moves in after leaving the batter.
5.5
5
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, FIVE WIDES! Bumper, way too high for the umpire's liking. Nick Welch leaves it all alone as he drops his guard. The ball bounced even over the keeper and it races away to the fence for four behind the stumps.
5.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Full and wide outside off, Nick Welch leaves it all alone.
5.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Hits that nagging length wide outside off, nips back in sharply onto the batter. Nick Welch leaves it all alone. The ball shapes in and hits him high on the thigh pad of his back leg.
5.2
1
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Slightly back of a length around middle and leg, Ben Curran tucks this to fine leg and rotates strike.
5.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Good length, wide of off, Ben Curran leaves it all alone.
5
over
5 | 3 Runs | HH: 14/1
4.6
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Short-pitched, on off, Nick Welch defends this around the square.
4.5
1
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Back of a length, cramping Ben for any sort of room. Curran gets into an awkward position to get it away and he ends up deflecting this high off his bat towards short fine leg region for one.
4.4
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Good length, on the pads. Ben Curran goes for the flick but misses out and gets hit on his thigh pads.
4.3
2
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Goes too full, on the pads, Ben Curran punches this firmly down the ground and takes two as the silly mid on fielder gives it a chase and keeps it down to two.
4.2
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Good length, on off, Ben Curran throws his bat at it but misses out.
4.1
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, On a length wide outside off, Ben Curran leaves it all alone.
4
over
4 | 1 Runs | HH: 11/1
3.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Full and wide outside off, Nick Welch lets this sail back to the keeper as well. A successful over for the Kiwis.
3.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Good length around off, Nick Welch shoulders arms this as well.
3.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Full and wide of off, Nick Welch leaves another one.
3.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Short and wide outside off. Nick Welch leaves it all alone.
3.2
1
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Short-pitched, on middle and leg. Ben Curran gets into an awkward position but manages to get this away towards fine leg for one.
3.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Short-pitched, on middle and off. Ben Curran goes for the pull, gets it edged off this inside onto his body for no run.
3
over
3 | 4 Runs | HH: 10/1
2.6
W
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Matt Henry was consistent with his line and length and he gets rewarded for it. Good length, around off, shaping a fraction away from the stumps. Brian Bennett tentatively pokes at it, gets an outside edge and the ball barely carries to Will Young at third slip. Will Young dives low to his left and takes a beauty to send Brian back into the dressing room.
2.5
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, First one that goes away from Brian Bennett. Good length, around off. Brian Bennett hops back and looks to block this but the ball shapes away and BB is beaten on his outside edge.
2.4
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Full and on middle and off, Brian Bennett defends this off his front foot. First confident defensive stroke of the contest.
2.3
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Way too full, on off. Brian Bennett plays at it and gets beaten on the outside.
2.2
4
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, FOUR! EDGED AND AWAY FOR FOUR! Hits the hard length, around off, angling into the batter. Brian Bennett firmly through his hands at it. Gets it edged off the outside and the ball races through the gap between second slip and gully for four runs.
2.1
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, On a length around middle and leg, Brian Bennett tucks this to mid-wicket for no run. Henry has been bringing everything into Brian. Maybe setting him up for that away swinger.
2
over
2 | 1 Runs | HH: 6/0
1.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Back of a length, around middle and off. Ben Curran looks to nudge this through mid-wicket but gets an outside edge towards gully again for no run this time.
1.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Short-pitched, wide of off. Ben Curran blocks this to the gully for no run. Signs of Ben not being confident against short-pitched deliveries as he played this tentatively and away from his body.
1.4
1
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, Good length, on top of off. Brian Bennett prods in front and drops this through point for a single.
1.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, Good length wide outside off. Brian Bennett leaves it all alone.
1.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, That jagged back from a good length, into the batter. Brian Bennett was surprised by the way it nipped back into him. Ends up taking the bottom hand off the handle and dropping it short of forward square leg.
1.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, Good length, down the leg. Brian Bennett looks to tuck this through backward square leg but gets it off his gloves and rolling back to the keeper.
Will O'Rourke will bowl from the other end.
1
over
1 | 5 Runs | HH: 5/0
0.6
2
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Back of a length around off, Ben Curran throws his bat at it looking to block this out. Gets it edged off the outside, dropping in front of third slip and the fielder deflects it beyong backward point for two more.
0.5
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, BEAUTY FROM HENRY! Fuller, a little bit of swing away from the batter. Ben Curran gets tempted into the drive and ends up getting beaten on his outside edge.
0.4
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Hits the hard length, around middle and leg. Ben Curran nudges this straight to mid-wicket for a dot this time.
0.3
2
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Goes a shade too full, on the pads. Ben Curran flicks this through mid-wicket and runs a couple.
0.2
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Around that nagging length, moving away from the batter. Ben Curran is happy to leave it all alone.
0.1
1
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, We are underway with a single. Good length delivery right on the off-pole. Brian Bennett bends low to block it out. Gets an inside edge through square leg and opens his account.
The stage is set for an exciting Test match between Zimbabwe and New Zealand! The umpires are in place, and the players are ready to take to the field. Brian Bennett and Ben Curran are walking out to bat for Zimbabwe, while Matt Henry is preparing to bowl the first over of the match for New Zealand. Let's get ready to witness some thrilling cricket!
We are not far away from the action, but before that, the match officials and players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be New Zealand's first followed by the national anthem of Zimbabwe.
Ben Curran of Zimbabwe also shared a few words. He expressed his excitement about returning to action for Zimbabwe after recovering from a broken knuckle. He revealed that the injury required 3-4 weeks of rest, but the downtime allowed him to focus on his game. Curran spent quality time in the nets, which he believes has been beneficial. He watched the Test series against South Africa and learned from it, acknowledging it was tough to watch. Curran is looking forward to the new pitch and believes the team's preparations have been good. He emphasized the importance of giving their best in the upcoming Test series, seeing it as an opportunity to showcase their skills with both bat and ball. Curran expressed the team's desire to bounce back strong after a tough period.
Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand is up for a quick chat. He says that it was a great tri-series, but now it is time to adopt to the longer format. Adds that in this format, that win in India was special and they can take inspiration from that. Mentions that it is very tough to replace someone like Kane Williamson, but each and everyone wants to contribute as they can. Says that they have an exciting bowling group with Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke being excellent, Nathan Smith doing well and Matthew Fisher coming into the squad brings depth and variety.
Mitchell Santner, the skipper of New Zealand, says that they would have batted first as well. Adds that it is unfortunate for Latham to miss out, but it also gives opportunity to the team to step up. Mentions that the first hour will be crucial to make inroads. Ends by saying that it is always an honour to lead the side.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine has decided to bat first, citing the wicket's dry conditions as a factor. He emphasized the importance of scoring runs early on to set up a strong foundation and potentially utilize their spinners later in the game. Ervine stressed that the batting group needs to be alert from the start and perform better, highlighting the need for caution in the first 20 balls and a positive body language, which was lacking in their previous series against South Africa. The team has benefited from a break and intense training, and several key players have returned to the side, including Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, and Sikandar Raza. The bowling unit has also seen the inclusion of Vincent Masekesa and Newman Nyamhuri.
PITCH RPORT - Ed Rainsford and Scott Styris shared their insights on the pitch for Day 1 of the Test match in Bulawayo. Rainsford noted that the surface looks similar to the one they experienced against South Africa, with the average score in the first innings batting first being around 400. Styris added that the pitch has a lot of grass cover, which might make it slower, and variable bounce can be expected. He also pointed out a few rough patches that spinners can exploit, making it an interesting contest between batters and bowlers.
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke.
Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (C), Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga.
TOSS - Zimbabwe have won the toss and elected to BAT first.
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner in the absence of injured captain Tom Latham, will start the series as clear favorites with a balanced and experienced squad. Despite suffering an injury setback with Glenn Phillips ruled out, they've added Michael Bracewell to the team, although he'll leave after the first Test to play in The Hundred. Matthew Fisher is close to making his Test debut, and the pace attack will consist of Will O'Rourke, Matt Henry, and Jacob Duffy. With a strong team, the visitors will aim to continue their winning streak against Zimbabwe, using this series as an opportunity to get back into the rhythm of red-ball cricket. Stay tuned for toss and team updates.
Zimbabwe are looking to end their losing streak against New Zealand in the Test format. With a refreshed squad that includes Sikandar Raza, Roy Kaia, and Tanunurwa Makoni, the hosts will be eager to put up a strong fight. Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack, and Trevor Gwandu will look to trouble the Kiwi batters. There's also speculation about a potential return for Brendan Taylor after serving his ban for spot-fixing, although he's not part of the squad yet. Surprisingly, Richard Ngarava has been overlooked for this Test series.
The stage is set for an exciting two-match Test series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand, with the first match starting today at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This series promises to be a thrilling encounter.
... MATCHDAY ...
We're back in action! Zimbabwe's openers, Brian Bennett and Ben Curran, are out in the middle to start the second innings. Meanwhile, the Kiwis are dealing with a setback as Nathan Smith's abdominal tear rules him out of bowling, leaving them a bowler short. Matt Henry will lead the charge, opening the attack for New Zealand.
... THIRD INNINGS ...
Zimbabwe put in a much-improved bowling performance on Day 2, which has kept them alive in this contest. Blessing Muzarabani rose to the occasion with three crucial wickets, while Tanaka Chivanga provided solid support with a couple of strikes. The spin trio maintained pressure throughout, chipping in with a wicket each, before Newman Nyamhuri finished things off. Now it’s over to the batters to deliver a strong response and make a game of it, while New Zealand will be aiming to restrict them to the lowest total possible.
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, A strong batting effort from New Zealand has given them a first-innings lead of 158 runs. While they might have hoped for an even bigger advantage after their solid start, credit goes to the hosts for bowling with discipline. The opening stand of 92 was the highest partnership for the Kiwis, and contributions kept coming throughout the order. Devon Conway led the way with a classy 88, while Daryl Mitchell’s composed 80, along with a key contribution from Nathan Smith, ensured they reached this commanding position.
96.1
W
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! TIMBER! Comes round the stumps and attacks the timber. Daryl Mitchell steps across, looking to get all fancy with a scoop stroke but the ball tails back late into him and sneaks past his bat onto the middle of the middle stumps. Daryl Mitchell departs after scoring 80(170). New Zealand close their first innings with a lead of 158 runs.
96
over
96 | 0 Runs | HH: 307/8
95.6
0
Sean Williams to Will O'Rourke, Under cutter on the pads. Will blocks this off his front foot.
95.5
0
Sean Williams to Will O'Rourke, Tossed up on off, Will O'Rourke keeps this out as well.
95.4
0
Sean Williams to Will O'Rourke, Fuller around off, Will O'Rourke blocks this out.
95.3
0
Sean Williams to Will O'Rourke, Unplayable. Drifting in and straightening after pitching around off. Will O'Rourke hops onto his back foot to block this but gets an outside edge, which is dropped by the keeper, Tafadzwa Tsiga.
Will O'Rourke walks out next. Also, the word from the New Zealand camp is that Nathan Smith won't come out to bat again. So, this is the last wicket.
95.2
W
Sean Williams to Matt Henry, OUT! TIMBER! Excellent delivery from Sean. Floats this around off, drifting it into the batter. Matt Henry plays for the spin but the ball goes through his defense and disturbs the timber. Matt Henry departs for 5(10). The Kiwis are 307/8, leading by 158 runs!
95.1
0
Sean Williams to Matt Henry, Floated on off, Matt Henry punches this back to the bowler.
95
over
95 | 8 Runs | HH: 307/7
94.6
6
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! DISPATCHED! Another crisp bumper around middle and off. Daryl Mitchell stays leg side and pulls this right out of the middle of his bat to clear the fence towards the deep square leg region for a biggie.
94.5
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Matt Henry, Back of a length on the pads. Matt Henry turns it around the corner towards deep square's right for a single. Vincent Masekesa puts in a valiant dive to his right and fields this, keeping it down to just one.
94.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Matt Henry, On a leng, down the leg. Matt Henry missed out on a clip down the leg.
94.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Matt Henry, A spicy bumper, wide of off. Matt Henry doesn't back off and goes for the pull, matching fire with fire. Gets beaten though.
94.2
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, LEG BYE! Back of a length around the pads. Daryl Mitchell misses the flick and gets it deflected off the pads to square leg for one. New Zealand breach 300 and they now lead by 151 runs.
94.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Good length around off, Daryl Mitchell looks to cut this behind square on off but gets a bit more bat on it and finds point.
94
over
94 | 5 Runs | HH: 299/7
93.6
0
Sean Williams to Matt Henry, Fuller on off, Matt Henry punches this well towards cover for no run.
93.5
0
Sean Williams to Matt Henry, Tossed up on off, Matt Henry defends this out.
93.4
0
Sean Williams to Matt Henry, Flatter around off, Matt Henry backward away and looks to punch this around cover but gets beaten.
93.3
0
Sean Williams to Matt Henry, Quicker and flatter around off, Matt Henry punts this to extra cover for no run.
93.2
4
Sean Williams to Matt Henry, FOUR! Matt Henry opens his account with a boundary. Tossed up on middle and leg, Matt Henry jumps down the track and flicks this towards the right of Muzarabani at mid on. Blessing Muzarabani gets late in bringing his tall figure down to the field and sees it roll behind him for a boundary. THE LEAD IS 150 NOW!
93.1
1
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Short of a length on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes this away for one.
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Well, unfortunately, Nathan Smith is not able to continue and walks back to the hut. He is retired hurt on 22 off 79. Also, Matt Henry replaces him.
93
over
93 | 3 Runs | HH: 294/7
92.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Blessing Muzarabani goes short again and Nathan Smith hops up on his toes and jams this away from the reach of short leg to his left for no run. Smith throws his bat after he hits the ball, as he feels uncomfortable once again. Smith walks off the ground as the umpires cannot allow any more time to see after the same injury.
92.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, BM bends his back again. Goes short and on off. Nathan Smith sits down and leaves it.
92.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Short-pitched again, around off. Nathan Smith leaves it.
It looks like Nathan Smith is struggling a bit and has called in for the physio. The umpires have taken this opportunity and called for 'DRINKS'. New Zealand have extended their lead to 145 runs, and they can now think about going towards the target of 200, as both Daryl Mitchell and Smith are set and looking threatening for the hosts. Zimbabwe took the second new ball, but they have not been consistent with their line and lengths, and that has been the problem throughout this game. Blessing Muzarabani has taken a lot of workload, but he too is not getting any reward. Maybe they need to tweak a few things to wrap this innings up. Meanwhile, Smith still looks in pain, and to be fair, he has taken a few nasty blows to his body till now. We can see the physio putting some magic spray on his lower abdomen area and putting on tape as well. He is fine to continue now.
92.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Short of a length and on off, Nathan Smith dabs it down towars gully.
92.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Full again and on off, shaping in, Nathan Smith fends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.
92.1
3
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and around off, Daryl Mitchell strides out and drives it firmly through covers. The fielder from deep point runs a long way to his right and stops it. Three runs taken.
92
over
92 | 3 Runs | HH: 291/7
91.6
0
Sean Williams to Nathan Smith, Quicker, short and on middle, Nathan Smith pats it back to the bowler.
91.5
0
Sean Williams to Nathan Smith, Tossed up, full and on middle, Nathan Smith defends it on the front foot.
91.4
1
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell goes down and drags his sweep to deep square leg for another run.
91.3
1
Sean Williams to Nathan Smith, Shorter in length and well outside off, Nathan Smith punches it to extra covers for a run.
91.2
1
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Slower through the air, full and around off, turns away, Daryl Mitchell adjusts well and steers it towards point for a single.
91.1
0
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Floated, full and on middle, turns away, Daryl Mitchell stays deep inside his crease and blocks it out.
91
over
91 | 1 Runs | HH: 288/7
90.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Another short delivery, outside off, Nathan Smith plays no shot at it.
90.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Bangs this into the pitch, on off, jags back in, Nathan Smith lets it go to the keeper.
90.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Back of a length and on off, angles away again, Nathan Smith offers no shot at it.
90.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Hits the length and on off, Nathan Smith steps across to play at it but gets hit high on the pads.
Now, there is both a short leg and a silly point for Nathan Smith. He has looked a bit uncomfortable with the short stuff at his body.
90.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Goes around the wicket and lands this short of a length and around off, angling away, Nathan Smith leaves it alone.
90.1
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.
90
over
90 | 3 Runs | HH: 287/7
89.6
2
Sean Williams to Nathan Smith, Short again and outside off, Nathan Smith cuts it towards cover-point where the fielder makes a meal of it and allows the second run.
89.5
1
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Goes short and on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it towards covers for a single.
89.4
0
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell steers it towards point.
89.3
0
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell goes down across to paddle it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. Smith has a chat with his partner.
89.2
0
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Floated, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to short leg.
89.1
0
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Spin straightaway! Tossed up, full and on off, turns away sharply, Daryl Mitchell prods forward to play but then leaves it alone.
89
over
89 | 5 Runs | HH: 284/7
88.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Ends with a bouncer, on middle, Nathan Smith ducks under it.
88.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Hard-length delivery, on middle, straightens a bit, Nathan Smith gets squared up as he looks to play at it. It goes off the thigh pads and lobs up towards point.
Still no short leg, but a silly point is in place.
88.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Nathan Smith lets it go.
88.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Short of a length but angling down the leg side, Nathan Smith fails to glance it away.
88.2
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell pats it towards covers for a single.
88.1
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Just wow! Overpitched delivery, on middle, Daryl Mitchell shows the full face of the ball and just gently pushes at it. He times it beautifully down the ground towards the long on fence for a boundary. Shot of the day so far! That also brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two batters.
88
over
88 | 5 Runs | HH: 279/7
87.6
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Pitched up and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to mid-wikcet for one.
87.5
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Nathan Smith, Nathan Smith takes another blow here! Hits the length hard and on middle, nips back in with extra bounce. Smith takes his eyes off the ball and gets hit on the waist as the ball rolls towards square leg. A leg bye taken, but Smith is looking uncomfortable here. Not sure why short leg is not in place with the ball shooting up from the deck.
87.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Nathan Smith, Good-length delivery around off, shaping away, Nathan Smith offers no shot at it.
87.3
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
87.2
2
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Back of length and on middle, angling into the armpit of the batter, Daryl Mitchell adjusts well and works it towards fine leg for a brace.
87.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller delivery and outside off, Daryl Mitchell takes a good stride out but leaves it alone.
87
over
87 | 2 Runs | HH: 274/7
86.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Pitched up and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards covers for a quick run. Every run here will hurt Zimbabwe. Also, Mitchell gets a warning for running into the danger area.
86.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Hard length and around leg, Nathan Smith flicks it towards square leg for a single.
86.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Hits the length hard, on off, takes off a bit, Nathan Smith tries to ride the bounce but ends up lobbing it into the vacant silly point region.
86.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Nathan Smith ducks under it.
86.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Swing and a miss! Fuller in length and around off, tempting the batter, Nathan Smith obliges and throws his bat at it but only gets beaten on the outside edge.
86.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Back of a length and on middle, jags back sharply into the batter, Nathan Smith gets a bit cramped up, hops up and somehow keeps it down in front of short leg.
86
over
86 | 4 Runs | HH: 272/7
85.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller in length but well outside off, Daryl Mitchell makes an easy leave.
85.5
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Nathan Smith, Touch fuller and on middle, Nathan Smith knocks it down the pitch, the fielder from mid off runs to his left and makes a good diving stop. They cross.
85.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Nathan Smith, Back of a length and on off, nips back in a long way, Nathan Smith watches it through and leaves it alone.
85.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Nathan Smith, Good length and around off, does not bounce that much, Nathan Smith leaves it alone.
85.2
2
Tanaka Chivanga to Nathan Smith, Short of a length and on middle, angling into the body of the batter, Nathan Smith rides the bounce well and clips it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.
85.1
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single. The Kiwis lead by 120 runs now!
Things are getting heated up here! The physio is in to check on the left shoulder of Nathan Smith. It looks like the magic spray has done its work, and we are good to continue.
85
over
85 | 2 Runs | HH: 268/7
84.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, NASTY! Blessing Muzarabani bangs in a quick and sharp short ball, Nathan Smith tries to duck under it, but this is not that short. He takes a painful blow on his left shoulder.
84.5
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, A bit fuller and on middle, Nathan Smith clips it away wide of deep-mid-wicket for a brace.
84.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Much better! That is a ripper! Hits the good length and on middle and off, straightens after hitting the deck. Nathan Smith gets squared up trying to defend as the ball zips past the outside edge.
84.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, On a length and on off, Nathan Smith lets it come to him and steers it towards gully.
84.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Back of a length and around off, Nathan Smith leaves it alone.
84.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Blessing Muzarabani still has not found his rhythm! Fuller but down the leg side, Nathan Smith misses his flick.
84
over
84 | 0 Runs | HH: 266/7
83.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, MAIDEN OVER! Pitched up and on off, shaping in, Daryl Mitchell taps it out towards covers.
83.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Touch fuller and around off, keeps low, Daryl Mitchell offers no shot at it.
83.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Good-length delivery, on the sixth stump line, Daryl Mitchell watches it through and leaves it alone.
83.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Short of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell keeps it out to the off side.
83.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell dabs it down towards point.
83.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller in length and on off, Daryl Mitchell stays back and looks to play it away from his body but gets a bottom edge onto the pitch as the ball hits his pads as well.
83
over
83 | 5 Runs | HH: 266/7
82.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Hard length but well outside off, Nathan Smith lets it go.
82.5
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, FOUR! Excellent shot! Much fuller this time, on middle, angling in, Nathan Smith presents the full face of the bat and drives it sweetly past the bowler and to the long on fence for a boundary. He did not try to hit it too hard, just stroked it away.
82.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Short of a length and on middle, Nathan Smith rides the bounce well and keeps it out on the pitch.
82.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Errs in line and serves this full but down the leg side, Nathan Smith fails to flick it away.
82.2
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on the pads, Daryl Mitchell clips it through square leg for a single.
82.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell pats it down towards short covers.
82
over
82 | 5 Runs | HH: 261/7
81.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Nathan Smith, Hard length and on off, Nathan Smith steers it towards point.
81.5
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Pitched up and on middle, Daryl Mitchell works it wide of mid on for a single.
81.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, A shout for LBW, but turned down! Good length on off, nips back in sharply, Daryl Mitchell stays back to play at it but misses and gets hit on his kneeroll. Height saves him!
81.3
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! FIFTY FOR MITCHELL! His 15th in Test match cricket and this has come at a crucial time for the Kiwis. Short of a length and outside off, Daryl Mitchell cuts it but fails to keep it down. Sean Williams at point fails to pick it up as the ball flies from his left and to the fence for a boundary. Mitchell raises his bat towards the dugout and soaks in the applause.
81.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and around off, Daryl Mitchell guides it to point.
81.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, BEATEN! Fuller in length and on the sixth stump line, shaping away, Daryl Mitchell steps across to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Tanaka Chivanga replaces Vincent Masekesa.
81
over
81 | 0 Runs | HH: 256/7
80.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Maiden over! Hard-length delivery, outside off, Nathan Smith is not interested in playing that. Blessing Muzarabani needs to go a bit fuller and closer to the stumps.
80.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, You do not want to waste this new ball! He continues to bowl short and around off, Nathan Smith makes another easy leave.
80.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Blessing Muzarabani needs to make the batter play! He bangs this into the pitch, outside off again, Nathan Smith lets it go to the keeper.
80.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Hits the length hard and around off, Nathan Smith does not get tempted and offers no shot at it.
80.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Short of a length but well outside off, Nathan Smith leaves it alone.
80.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Nathan Smith, Movement straightaway! Good-length delivery, on off, jags back in sharply, Nathan Smith leaves it on length as the ball just goes over the off pole. Good judgement!
Second new ball is available now. Will Zimbabwe take it straightaway? Yes, they will, and Blessing Muzarabani will bowl with it from the other end.
80
over
80 | 2 Runs | HH: 256/7
79.6
0
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Slows it up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell steers it to point.
79.5
1
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Drags his length back and on off, Nathan Smith moves back and swats it to long off for a run.
79.4
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Loops it up, full and on off, Nathan Smith defends it on the front foot.
79.3
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Flighted, full and around off, turns away, Nathan Smith gets drawn forward and pushes it to short covers.
79.2
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Tossed up, full and on middle, Nathan Smith prods forward and blocks it out.
79.1
1
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Floated, full and on leg, Daryl Mitchell knocks it towards mid on for a single.
We are back for the last session! The two umpires are making their way out to the middle now, followed by the two Kiwi batters, Daryl Mitchell and Nathan Smith. Zimbabwe players are in a huddle where Craig Ervine is giving a pep talk before they spread out and take the field. Vincent Masekesa to bowl after the Tea break.
... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...
Despite the setbacks, Daryl Mitchell has held firm at one end, steadily adding to the lead and remaining unbeaten on 48. He received solid support first from Mitchell Santner and now from Nathan Smith. New Zealand will be hoping he can continue to anchor the innings and, with help from the lower order, push the lead beyond 150 and possibly close in on 200. If they manage that, they’ll be well on their way to sealing control of this Test. Zimbabwe, however, will look to prevent that with the second new ball due shortly. They’ll be eager to wrap up the innings quickly and get back to batting. Join us at 1 pm GMT for all the action in the final session!
New Zealand would have aimed to tighten their grip on the game and push towards a commanding lead, but Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling and smart plans ensured that didn’t happen. Tanaka Chivanga led the charge, striking early with the big scalp of Devon Conway, who fell just 12 short of a century. He added another soon after, while Blessing Muzarabani and Vincent Masekesa chipped in with one apiece, helping the hosts claim their first session of the Test.
SESSION SUMMARY - 80 runs and 4 wickets in 27 overs! Zimbabwe have shown plenty of grit in this session, proving they won’t back down easily. The hosts toiled hard with the ball and earned their rewards, snaring four vital wickets. They still trail in the contest by 105 runs, but their spirited effort has given them a faint glimmer of hope to challenge the Kiwis.
79
over
79 | 1 Runs | HH: 254/7
78.6
0
Sean Williams to Nathan Smith, Fuller, on middle and leg, Smith leans on and blocks it back to the bowler. That will be TEA for Day 2!
78.5
0
Sean Williams to Nathan Smith, Short of a length on off, Nathan Smith rocks back and blocks this out.
78.4
0
Sean Williams to Nathan Smith, Tossed up on the pads, Nathan Smith milks this to square leg for no run.
78.3
0
Sean Williams to Nathan Smith, Fuller around off, Nathan Smith defends this off his front foot.
78.2
0
Sean Williams to Nathan Smith, Under cutter, going down the leg. Nathan Smith looks to tuck this off the back foot but misses out and wears it on his back pad.
78.1
1
Sean Williams to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up on middle and off. Daryl Mitchell tucks this to deep mid on for a single.
78
over
78 | 0 Runs | HH: 253/7
77.6
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Keeps it short again, on off, Smith hangs back and blocks it to the bowler.
77.5
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Short of a length around off, Nathan Smith punches this towards cover for no run.
77.4
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Fuller this time, on off, Smith leans on and blocks it solidly.
77.3
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Quicker and fuller on the pads, Nathan Smith tucks this to silly mid on for no run.
77.2
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Fuller around off. Nathan Smith solidly blocks this out. Nathan Smith looks confident out in the middle.
77.1
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Short of a length around off, Nathan Smith defends this out.
77
over
77 | 2 Runs | HH: 253/7
76.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Pitched-up around off, Daryl Mitchell leans onto it and drives this to mid off for no run.
76.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, On a length around leg. Daryl Mitchell tucks this to mid-wicket for a dot.
76.4
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Nathan Smith, On a length around middle and leg, Nathan Smith flicks this through square leg for a single.
76.3
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Short and wide of off, Daryl Mitchell cuts this through point for one.
76.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, On a length around off, Daryl Mitchell dead bats it.
76.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Good length on off. Daryl Mitchell solidly blocks this out.
Second new ball will be available after 4 overs
76
over
76 | 6 Runs | HH: 251/7
75.6
1
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Quicker and fuller, on leg. Daryl Mitchell drills this to long on for one.
75.5
0
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller on the pads, Daryl Mitchell jams this out.
75.4
2
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Pushed through on off, Daryl Mitchell prods in front looking to block this out. Gets an outside edge rolling through short third for two. NZ's lead goes past 100.
75.3
1
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Short of a length around leg, Nathan Smith rocks back and nudges this through mid-wicket for one.
75.2
1
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Juicy full toss, wide outside off. Daryl Mitchell smashes this through cover for a single.
75.1
1
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Tossed up on middle and leg. Nathan Smith flicks this through mid on for one.
75
over
75 | 4 Runs | HH: 245/7
74.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, On a length, wide down the leg. Daryl Mitchell does not offer any stroke at it.
74.5
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Nathan Smith, On a length arond the pads, Nathan Smith flicks this away for a single.
74.4
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Short-pitched again, wide of off. Daryl Mitchell drops this through point for a single.
74.3
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Nathan Smith, Short-pitched, on leg. Nathan Smith hooks this to fine leg and takes one.
74.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Nathan Smith, Back of a length, wide outside off. Nathan Smith hops up on his toes and looks to punch this off the back foot but misses out.
74.1
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Good length around off, Daryl Mitchell hits this in the gap and rotates strike.
74
over
74 | 6 Runs | HH: 241/7
73.6
1
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up on leg, Daryl Mitchell drills this down the ground for one.
73.5
0
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller around off, Daryl Mitchell defends this out.
73.4
4
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Tossed up, around leg. Daryl Mitchell steps across and looks to paddle this but gets a top edge, lobbing the keeper towards his left for a boundary behind the stumps. Craig Ervine tried well to catch Daryl off guard by moving to his left from first slip to catch this but the ball goes past him quickly for four.
73.3
1
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Tossed up on off, Nathan Smith drills this to long off for a single.
73.2
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Fuller around off, Nathan Smith edges this to short third for no run.
73.1
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Fuller on the pads, Nathan Smith tucks this to short leg for no run.
73
over
73 | 1 Runs | HH: 235/7
72.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, That kept low. Had this been in the line of stumps, this might have had Daryl's number. Newman Nyamhuri bends his back, darts a short-pitched delivery outside off. Daryl Mitchell steps across and sits under but the ball goes barely above his head as it keeps low.
72.5
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Nathan Smith, On a length around off, Nathan Smith punches this through cover for a single.
72.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Nathan Smith, Short-pitched, around off. Nathan Smith looks to block this off the back foot but gets beaten on the outside as the ball shapes away a bit.
72.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Nathan Smith, Good length wide outside off. Nathan Smith throws his bat at it but gets beaten. Test of Smith's patience.
72.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Nathan Smith, Repeat of the previous delivery as Nathan Smith leaves this as well.
72.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Nathan Smith, Good length, wide of off. Nathan Smith shoulder arms to it.
72
over
72 | 1 Runs | HH: 234/7
71.6
1
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Tossed up on middle and off, Nathan Smith tucks this through mid-wicket and takes a single.
71.5
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Fuller around off, Nathan Smith blocks this off his front foot.
71.4
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Tossed up on off, Nathan Smith defends this one.
71.3
0
Vincent Masekesa to Nathan Smith, Wrong'un around off. Nathan Smith almost gets beaten as he looks to block this. Gets it away off the inside of his bat.
Nathan Smith walks out next.
71.2
W
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Flighted around off. Mitchell Santner shimmies down the track and aims to flick this through mid on. Santner gets too close to the pitch of the delivery and ends up hitting this straight back to the bowler on his follow-through. Vincent Masekesa accepts the dolly and sends the Kiwi skipper back to the dressing room. Mitchell Santner departs on 19(30).
71.1
0
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up on off, Mitchell Santner defends this off his front foot.
71
over
71 | 2 Runs | HH: 233/6
70.6
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Mitchell Santner, On a length around off, Mitchell Santner punches this towards extra cover for one.
70.5
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Hits the hard length on off, Daryl Mitchell presses forward and pushes this through point for one.
70.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Good length on off, Daryl Mitchell defends this off his front foot.
70.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Even fuller, on off. Daryl Mitchell punches this back to the bowler.
70.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, On a length around middle and leg. Daryl Mitchell tucks this to silly mid on for no run.
70.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Daryl Mitchell, Good length, wide outside off, Daryl Mitchell leaves it as well.
70
over
70 | 4 Runs | HH: 231/6
69.6
0
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up outside off. Mitchell Santner leaves it all alone.
69.5
0
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Full toss, on the pads. Mitchell Santner jumps down the track and flicks this to the left of mid-wicket and sets off for a single. Mitchell Santner was off but Daryl Mitchell sent him back from mid-way down the track. Mitchell Santner turns back and dives full stretch, trying to get inside his crease at the striker's end. This is sent upstairs for a run-out check. The replay shows that Mitchell Santner has safely made it inside his crease and he survives. A better throw might have had him.
IS THAT OUT? A mix-up between the batters and Mitchell Santner is not happy, gesturing he feels there was a single and he might be gone. Hang on, the replay shows that Mitchell Santner was able to make it inside his ground before the keeper disturbed the timber.
69.4
1
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up around off, Daryl Mitchell drives this to mid off for a single.
69.3
1
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Flighted on off, Mitchell Santner drives this to deep mid off for one.
69.2
1
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Way too full, wide of off. Daryl Mitchell rolls this to long off for a single.
69.1
1
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Flighted around leg. Mitchell Santner shimmies down the track and flicks this off the inside half of his bat through square leg for one.
69
over
69 | 3 Runs | HH: 227/6
68.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Way too full on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks this out.
68.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Much slower, short and on the pads. Daryl Mitchell looks to pull this off the back foot but misses out. Daryl Mitchell must be livid about missing out on this, as this was there to be smashed.
68.4
1
Sikandar Raza to Mitchell Santner, Floated around off, Mitchell Santner drives this to sweeper cover for one.
68.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Mitchell Santner, Fuller around off, Mitchell Santner pushes this to cover for no run.
68.2
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Short of a length, on middle and off. Daryl Mitchell rocks back and thuds this to the left of mid-wicket for one. The fielder did get a bit of a hand to it but couldn't save a single.
68.1
1
Sikandar Raza to Mitchell Santner, Too full, on the pads. Mitchell Santner clips this through mid-wicket and takes one. Stretches the lead to 76 now.
68
over
68 | 5 Runs | HH: 224/6
67.6
1
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up on middle and leg. Mitchell Santner flicks this through mid-wicket for a single.
67.5
1
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes this through mid off for another single.
67.4
1
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Flighted on middle and off. Mitchell Santner dances down the track and drills this to long on for one.
67.3
0
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up, wide outside off. Mitchell Santner leaves it all alone.
67.2
1
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Full toss, around off. Daryl Mitchell drives this through mid off and rotates again.
67.1
1
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up on the pads, Mitchell Santner flicks this to wide long on for a single.
67
over
67 | 10 Runs | HH: 219/6
66.6
1
Sikandar Raza to Mitchell Santner, Way too full, around off. Mitchell Santner drives this through cover for one.
66.5
4
Sikandar Raza to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! Smashed for four. Short of a length, on off. Mitchell Santner rocks back and punches this off his back foot. Hits this away from silly point to his right and the ball races to the fence for four.
66.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Mitchell Santner, Floated full on off, Mitchell Santner defends this off his front foot.
66.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Short of a length on the pads, Daryl Mitchell rocks back and nudges this through square leg for one.
66.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller on off, Daryl Mitchell tucks this to short mid-wicket.
66.1
4
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Tossed up around middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell steps across, goes down on a knee and paddles this off the underedge past the keeper's left for a boundary towards the fine leg region.
DRINKS! A good hour for Zimbabwe as they have made further inroads into the Kiwi batting line up. The lead is not that big, and the hosts will be looking to break this partnership and then get through the tail quickly to stay in the game. The wicket has enough for both seamers and spinners, and batting is not that easy. New Zealand are still ahead in this game, and they know that if they manage to get a couple of big partnerships, they will have this game in the bag. Daryl Mitchell will be key for them in extending the lead above and beyond 100 runs. A very exciting phase of cricket awaits us. Also, Sikandar Raza to bowl after the break.
66
over
66 | 3 Runs | HH: 209/6
65.6
0
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Mitchell Santner strides out to defend but gets an inside edge past short leg.
65.5
0
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Another short delivery, on leg, Mitchell Santner pats it to short leg.
65.4
0
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Flatter, shortish and on off, turns in again, Mitchell Santner keeps it out towards short leg.
65.3
2
Vincent Masekesa to Mitchell Santner, Goes short again and on off, turns in, Michael Bracewell pushes it off the back foot through extra covers for a brace.
65.2
1
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Goes short and around off, Daryl Mitchell moves back and punches it through covers for a single.
65.1
0
Vincent Masekesa to Daryl Mitchell, Floated, full and on off, turns away, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.
We will see leg-break for the first time on Day 2 as Vincent Masekesa comes into the attack.
65
over
65 | 2 Runs | HH: 206/6
64.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Mitchell Santner, Pitches it up, on middle, Mitchell Santner blocks it out solidly.
64.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Mitchell Santner, A big shout for caught behind, but turned down! Blessing Muzarabani bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle. Mitchell Santner is a bit late to duck under, and the ball brushes against the shoulder as the keeper grabs it. Zimbabwe thinks there is a glove, but nothing doing.
64.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Mitchell Santner, Back of a length and on off, Mitchell Santner bunts it down towards second slip.
64.3
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell shuffles across and glances it to fine leg for a run.
64.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out nicely.
64.1
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Mitchell Santner, Short of a length and on off, Mitchell Santner taps it in front of covers for a quick single.
64
over
64 | 4 Runs | HH: 204/6
63.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Pushed through quicker, full and on off, turns in, Daryl Mitchell decides to stay back and keeps it out to the leg side.
63.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell clips it to short mid-wicket.
63.4
3
Sikandar Raza to Mitchell Santner, Positive intent! Tossed up, full and on middle, Mitchell Santner uses his feet and lofts it over mid on. The fielder chases it down and collects as the batters take three runs. New Zealand leads by 55 runs!
63.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Mitchell Santner, Goes short again and around off, Mitchell Santner punches it to covers.
63.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Mitchell Santner, Floated, full and on middle, Mitchell Santner prods forward and blocks it out.
63.1
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell punches it to long on for a single.
63
over
63 | 1 Runs | HH: 200/6
62.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Mitchell Santner, Pitches it up and around off, Mitchell Santner pushes it to short covers.
62.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Mitchell Santner, On a length and on middle, Mitchell Santner nudges it to short mid-wicket.
Mitchell Santner is the next man in.
62.4
W
Blessing Muzarabani to Michael Bracewell, OUT! TAKEN! Blessing Muzarabani has three now! The short-ball plan works again for Zimbabwe. This is banged into the pitch, on middle, shoots up a bit. Michael Bracewell is not expecting that length but still goes for the pull without transferring the weight on the back foot. Gets a top edge as the ball goes miles in the air. Tafadzwa Tsiga, the keeper, calls for it, runs a long way to his right and takes a fantastic catch, diving forward in the end. New Zealand are six down now!
62.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Michael Bracewell, Pitched up and on off, Michael Bracewell drills it to mid off.
62.2
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller one and on middle, Daryl Mitchell works it away towards mid-wicket for a single. 200 up for the Kiwis!
62.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Right in the blockhole, on middle, angling in, Daryl Mitchell gets his bat down in time and digs it out well.
62
over
62 | 1 Runs | HH: 199/5
61.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, A bit quicker, short and outside off, Michael Bracewell leaves it alone.
61.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Slower through the air, full and on off, Michael Bracewell drives it firmly but finds short covers again.
61.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Loopy delivery, full and around off, Michael Bracewell pushes it to short covers.
61.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Flighted, full and on off, Michael Bracewell strides out and taps it to short covers.
61.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Flatter, full and on leg, Michael Bracewell clips it to short mid-wicket.
61.1
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
61
over
61 | 2 Runs | HH: 198/5
60.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Michael Bracewell, Started with a beauty, ends with a beauty! Short of a length and on off, angles in but then straightens after hitting the deck. Michael Bracewell has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
60.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and around leg, Daryl Mitchell gets inside the line of it and clips it through square leg for a run.
60.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Daryl Mitchell knocks it down the pitch.
60.3
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Michael Bracewell, Goes fuller and around off, Michael Bracewell drives it wide of covers for a single. There is a fumble but no further harm done.
60.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Michael Bracewell, On a length and on off, Michael Bracewell shows much better technique and blocks it out.
60.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Michael Bracewell, Oh..so close! Good-length delivery, on off, nips back in sharply, Michael Bracewell gets beaten all ends up as the ball zips past the inside edge.
Blessing Muzarabani (16-4-50-2) is back on.
60
over
60 | 7 Runs | HH: 196/5
59.6
3
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Quicker, full and angling into the pads, Michael Bracewell clips it away nicely wide of deep square leg for three runs.
59.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Darts in a yorker, on middle, Michael Bracewell jams it out towards the bowler.
59.4
4
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, FOUR! Easy pickings! A loopy low full toss and around off, Michael Bracewell leans on to his drive and creams it through covers for a boundary.
59.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Flatter, full and on leg, Michael Bracewell clips it to short mid-wicket.
59.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Goes short and on off, Michael Bracewell punches it towards silly point. Nick Welch gets his left hand on it and makes a half-stop. He looks in a bit of pain.
59.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Floated, full and on off, Michael Bracewell taps it to silly point.
59
over
59 | 3 Runs | HH: 189/5
58.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell keeps it out to the off side.
58.5
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Michael Bracewell, Pitched up and around off, Michael Bracewell pushes it through covers for a run.
58.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Michael Bracewell, Hard length and well outside off, Michael Bracewell leaves it alone as the ball dies down to the keeper.
58.3
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on leg, Daryl Mitchell clips it through square leg for a single. The lead moves to 39 runs!
58.3
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Bangs in a bouncer, on middle, but a bit too high, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it. Wided.
58.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and angling into the body of the batter, Daryl Mitchell steps across and keeps it out on the pitch.
58.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Good-length delivery, on middle, Daryl Mitchell gets behindthe line of it and blocks it out.
58
over
58 | 5 Runs | HH: 186/5
57.6
3
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Drags his length back and around off, Daryl Mitchell moves back and punches it with nice timing through covers for three runs.
57.5
1
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Fires one full but angling in, Michael Bracewell fails to clip it away as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.
57.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Shortish and on middle, Michael Bracewell pats it towards mid on.
57.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Flighted, full and around off, turns away, Michael Bracewell leaves it alone.
57.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Michael Bracewell, Floated, full and on midlde, Michael Bracewell defends it on the front foot.
57.1
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
Michael Bracewell comes out to the middle now.
57
over
57 | 1 Runs | HH: 181/5
56.6
W
Tanaka Chivanga to Tom Blundell, OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Tanaka Chivanga strikes again! Excellent bowling and set up from Zimbabwe. This is banged into the pitch and around middle, with protection in the deep. Tom Blundell fails to stop himself and goes for the pull shot, but gets into no position to play that shot. He mistimes it high in the air straight towards deep square leg, where Sean Williams comes forward, settles under it and pouches it safely. The Kiwis lose half their side now!
56.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Tom Blundell, Short of a length and on off, nips back in sharply, Tom Blundell stays back and pats it down on the pitch. The ball rolls towards the stumps but Blundell shows good awareness and boots it away.
56.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Tom Blundell, Tanaka Chivanga is struggling with his lines. Length again but on leg, Tom Blundell fails to lay a bat on that one.
56.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Tom Blundell, Hard length but once again down the leg side, Tom Blundell misses his flick.
56.2
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell nudges it to short mid-wicket.
56.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length but angling down the leg side, Daryl Mitchell fails to glance it away.
56
over
56 | 1 Runs | HH: 180/4
55.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Tom Blundell, Darts this one full and on leg, Tom Blundell clips it to short fine.
55.5
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Quicker, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell eases it to long on for a single.
55.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Run out chance....missed! Fires one full but angling down the leg side, Daryl Mitchell fails to glance it away, and the keeper also fails to stop it cleanly. Blundell wants the run and takes off but he is sent back when he is already halfway through. The fielder from short leg runs to the ball and throws it to the bowler's end but is a bit late and Blunndell is safe.
55.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Shortish and on leg, Daryl Mitchell clips it to the leg side.
55.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to short mid-wicket.
55.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Floated, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it down the pitch.
55
over
55 | 2 Runs | HH: 179/4
54.6
2
Tanaka Chivanga to Tom Blundell, Pitched up and on middle, Tom Blundell whips it away towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Tom Blundell walks out to bat now.
54.5
W
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, OUT! TAKEN! Tanaka Chivanga gets the big fish here! This is the repeat of Henry Nicholls' dismissal. Bangs this one into the pitch and just outside off. Devon Conway sees this as a run-scoring opportunity and looks to cut it away. However, he fails to get on top of the bounce and does not keep it down. It flies straight to backward point, where Brian Bennett takes another sharp catch. Heartbreak for Conway as he misses out on a well-deserved century and walks back for 88. New Zealand are 177/4, leading by 28 runs.
54.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Effort ball! Hits the length hard and on off, gets some extra bounce, Devon Conway offers no shot at it.
54.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Back of a length and just on off, holds its line, Devon Conway this time watches it through and lets it go to the keeper.
54.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, BEATEN! Goes full again and just around off, shaping away, Devon Conway gets tempted to go for the big drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.
54.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Fuller in length but well outside off, Devon Conway makes an easy leave.
54
over
54 | 2 Runs | HH: 177/3
53.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Quicker, shortish and on middle, Daryl Mitchell keeps it out to the leg side.
53.5
1
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tosses it up, full and around off, Devon Conway drives it nicley through covers for a run.
53.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Flighted, full and on off, Devon Conway strides out and taps it to short covers.
53.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Dragged back and angling down the leg, Daryl Mitchell pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
53.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, A bit short and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell moves back and blocks it out.
53.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Floated, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell goes down but miscues the reverse sweep towards cover-point.
Spin from the other end as Sikandar Raza will share the attack.
53
over
53 | 1 Runs | HH: 175/3
52.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Bangs this one into the pitch and around off, Devon Conway sways away from it.
52.5
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and on middle, shaping in, Daryl Mitchell clips it through square leg. First runs after Lunch.
52.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Hits the length hard and on off, Daryl Mitchell dabs it down towards point.
52.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Good-length delivery, on the fifth stump line, holds its line, Daryl Mitchell watches it through and leaves it alone.
52.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Touch fuller and on off, angling in a bit, Daryl Mitchell gets half forward and knocks it down the pitch.
52.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell steps across to cover the line of the ball and blocks it out.
We are back for the second session! The players are making their way out to the middle with the sun shining brightly. Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway will resume batting for New Zealand. Tanaka Chivanga will start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
Zimbabwe's bowlers, particularly Blessing Muzarabani and Sikandar Raza, have bowled well, with Muzarabani taking two wickets and Raza claiming one. The Kiwis will look to extend their lead further in the post-Lunch session. We will be back at 10.40 am GMT.
Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls batted well, adding 66 runs for the second wicket. However, after Henry's dismissal, Rachin Ravindra walked out and didn't last long, failing to make a significant impact and giving an opening to the Zimbabwean bowling unit. Conway looks set for a century, and at the end of the session, he is on 87, while Daryl Mitchell is on 9.
The first session of Day 2 has wrapped up, with both teams having a fair share of success. Zimbabwe's early breakthrough, dismissing Will Young on the first ball, set the tone for a competitive session. New Zealand scored 82 runs while losing 3 wickets in 26 overs, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in the post-Lunch session.
52
over
52 | 2 Runs | HH: 174/3
51.6
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Goes short again and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell nudges it to square leg for a run. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2!
51.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to short mid-wicket.
51.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, That will not trouble the batters at all! Short and way down the leg ide, Daryl Mitchell makes an easy leave.
51.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Flighted, full and on off, Devon Conway drives it to mid off for a single.
51.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up, full and on middle, Devon Conway strides out and dead-bats it.
51.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Floated, short and on middle, Devon Conway stabs it back to the bowler.
51
over
51 | 2 Runs | HH: 172/3
50.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Oh..trouble! Very risky run! Back of a length and on off, Devon Conway pats it in front of short covers and sets off for the run. The fielder collects the ball and fires in an underarm throw at the batter's end, but misses. Mitchell would have been in trouble there.
50.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Ooo..that is nasty! Blessing Muzarabani bangs this into the pitch, on middle, angling in. Devon Conway gets stuck in two minds and fails to get out of the way. Takes a blow on his left waist. He is on the ground and looks in a bit of pain.
50.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, On a length and around off, Devon Conway dabs it to point.
50.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Hits the length hard and on middle again, takes off a bit, Devon Conway stays in his crease and keeps it out off the sticker of the bat.
50.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, keeps a bit low, Devon Conway adjusts well to get his bat down in time and blocks it out.
50.1
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller in length and on middle, angling in a bit, Daryl Mitchell flicks it through square leg for a single.
50
over
50 | 5 Runs | HH: 170/3
49.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Oh..wow! That takes off! Dragged back and around off, shoots up off the surface, Devon Conway moves back to keep it out but gets surprised by the extra bounce. It hits him high on the bat and lobs up but falls just wide of short leg. There is still enough on this wicket for the bowlers.
49.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Loopy delivery, full and on middle and off, no turn on offer, Daryl Mitchell is solid in his defense.
49.4
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away a shy bit, Daryl Mitchell tries to play it with a straight bat but gets a leading edge along the ground towards point for one.
49.3
4
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! This time plays the shot perfectly! Sikandar Raza flights this one up, full and around middle. Daryl Mitchell goes down, changes his stance and nails the reverse sweep through backward point for a boundary.
49.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell takes a big stride and blocks it out.
49.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Floated, short and on off, Daryl Mitchell stays back and punches it to short covers.
49
over
49 | 1 Runs | HH: 165/3
48.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Ends with a bouncer, on middle, Devon Conway ducks underneath it.
48.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Goes fuller again and on middle, angling in, Devon Conway taps it out to short covers.
48.4
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Pitched up and on middle, Daryl Mitchell clips it to deep square leg for a single.
48.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Hard length and on middle, angling in, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to short leg.
48.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, A bouncer now, on middle, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it.
48.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Daryl Mitchell, Good length and on off, Daryl Mitchell pats it down to short covers.
48
over
48 | 2 Runs | HH: 164/3
47.6
1
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Quicker, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell drills it to mid on for one and gets off the mark.
47.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell goes down for the reverse sweep but misses and gets hit on the body.
Daryl Mitchell is the next man in.
47.4
W
Sikandar Raza to Rachin Ravindra, OUT! TAKEN! A fantastic catch at slip! Sikandar Raza flights this one up, full and on off, gets it to turn away a bit. Rachin Ravindra strides out to defend but gets an outside edge. Craig Ervine at first slip fumbles a bit, but then shows sharp reflexes to dive to his left and grabs it with his outstretched left hand on the second attempt. Ravindra falls cheaply, and New Zealand are 164/3, leading by 15 runs.
47.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Rachin Ravindra, Slows it up, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra defends it on the front foot.
47.2
1
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up, full and around off, Devon Conway drives it through covers for a single.
47.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Floated, full and on middle, Devon Conway gets forward and blocks it out.
47
over
47 | 3 Runs | HH: 162/2
46.6
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Rachin Ravindra, Uppish but in the gap! Blessing Muzarabani pitches it up and around off, Rachin Ravindra goes for the drive, but slices it a bit. However, it goes through the gap at cover-point for a brace.
46.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rachin Ravindra, Another bumper, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra watches it through and ducks under it.
46.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rachin Ravindra, Touch fuller and on off, Rachin Ravindra strides out a bit and pushes it to short covers.
46.3
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Back of a length and around off, Devon Conway punches it towards covers for a single.
46.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Devon Conway ducks under it.
46.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Short of a length and nips back in sharply, Devon Conway fails to work it away but gets hit on the body.
46
over
46 | 1 Runs | HH: 159/2
45.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Rachin Ravindra, Shorter in length and around off, Rachin Ravindra punches it straight to covers.
45.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Rachin Ravindra, Slows it up, full and on off, turns away, Rachin Ravindra steers it away to point.
45.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Rachin Ravindra, Flighted, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra defends it on the front foot.
45.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Goes short and around leg, Devon Conway flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a single.
45.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up, full and on middle, Devon Conway fends it away.
45.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Floated, full and on leg, Devon Conway clips it to mid-wicket.
45
over
45 | 4 Runs | HH: 158/2
44.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length and on off, Rachin Ravindra keeps it out to the off side.
44.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rachin Ravindra, Fuller one but down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra fails to glance it away.
Rachin Ravindra comes out to the middle now.
44.4
W
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, OUT! TAKEN! Blessing Muzarabani gets the breakthrough again! He follows the batter this time and bangs this into the pitch, on middle, angling in a bit. Henry Nicholls backs away and tries to cut again but this time gets a bit cramped up and fails to get the elevation. He ends up hitting it much flatter and straight into the hands of Brian Bennett at backward point, who makes no mistake. Nicholls fails to convert his start, and the Kiwis are two down now.
44.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, Another bumper, on middle, Henry Nicholls ducks under it again.
44.2
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Up and over! Short of a length and outside off, Henry Nicholls backs away, gets the chance to free his arms, and crunches it over backward point for a boundary.
44.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, Bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Henry Nicholls ducks under it.
44
over
44 | 0 Runs | HH: 154/1
43.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, MAIDEN OVER! Slows it up, full and on off, Devon Conway knocks it down the pitch.
43.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Loops it up, full and on middle, Devon Conway drills it straight back to the bowler.
43.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Flatter, full and angling into leg, Devon Conway clips it to short mid-wicket.
43.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Floated, full and on middle, Devon Conway defends it on the front foot.
43.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Fires in a yorker, on leg, Devon Conway jams it out towards mid on.
43.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up, full and on middle, Devon Conway prods forward and blocks it out.
43
over
43 | 7 Runs | HH: 154/1
42.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Good length and on middle and off, Henry Nicholls stays back in his crease and keeps it out to the off side.
42.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Nails the yorker, on middle, angling in, Henry Nicholls digs it out to the leg side.
42.4
2
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Short of a length and on off, Henry Nicholls opens the face of his bat and guides it through point for a brace.
42.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Pitched up but angling into the pads, Henry Nicholls tucks it to short mid-wicket.
42.2
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, On a length and around leg, Devon Conway flicks it through square leg for a single.
42.1
4
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, FOUR! Good shot! Overpitched delivery, on middle, Devon Conway presents the full face of the bat and drives with a still head. Times it gloriously past the bowler and to the long on fence for a boundary.
42
over
42 | 1 Runs | HH: 147/1
41.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Henry Nicholls, Short again and on middle, Henry Nicholls pats it back to the bowler.
41.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Henry Nicholls, Goes short and on middle and leg, Henry Nicholls punches it back to the bowler.
41.4
1
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Quicker one, full and on leg, Devon Conway works it through square leg for a single.
41.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Flighted, full and on off, Devon Conway looks to drive it away but gets a bottom edge down the pitch.
41.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Floated, full and on off, Devon Conway pushes it to short covers.
41.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up, full and on middle, Devon Conway defends it on the front foot.
41
over
41 | 13 Runs | HH: 146/1
40.6
4
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Put away! 13 runs off the over! Tries the short ball but this one sits up nicely for the batter. Henry Nicholls gets on top of the bounce and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence for a boundary. That also brings up 3000 Test runs for Nicholls!
40.5
2
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Back of a length and on leg, Henry Nicholls pulls it away wide of deep square leg for a brace. That brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.
40.4
4
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Deft touch! Newman Nyamhuri bangs this one into the pitch, on off. Henry Nicholls lets it come to him, rides the bounce well and just ramps it over the slip cordon to the third man fence for a boundary.
40.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Pitched up and on middle, Henry Nicholls drills it away to mid off.
40.2
2
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Short of a length and around off, Henry Nicholls steers it away towards point and comes back for the second run. Good running!
40.1
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, On a length and on leg, Devon Conway clips it through square leg for a single.
40
over
40 | 7 Runs | HH: 133/1
39.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Henry Nicholls, Drags his length back, on middle, Henry Nicholls punches it to short covers.
39.5
4
Sikandar Raza to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Nicely done! Flatter delivery, full but angling down the leg side, Henry Nicholls goes down on one knee and paddles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary. New Zealand trails by just 16 runs.
39.4
1
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up, full and on middle, Devon Conway drives it towards mid off for a single.
39.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Flighted, full and on leg, Devon Conway flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.
39.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Floated, full and on middle, Devon Conway prods forward and blocks it out.
39.1
2
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Flatter, full and on leg, Devon Conway clips it through square leg for a brace.
39
over
39 | 1 Runs | HH: 126/1
38.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Much fuller but angling down the leg side, Henry Nicholls misses his flick. The keeper dives to his left to make a half-stop. Conway wants the run but is sent back.
38.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Just short! Newman Nyamhuri bowls this on a nagging length and just on the fifth stump line, shapes away a bit. Henry Nicholls looks to defend it from the crease but gets an outside edge. It lands just in front of the second slip.
38.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Goes fuller and on off, Henry Nicholls gets forward and taps it to short covers.
38.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Henry Nicholls ducks under it.
38.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Good length and on middle, Henry Nicholls gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.
38.1
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Uppish but safe! Newman Nyamhuri comes from around the wicket and hits the length hard, on middle, angles in and then straightens with extra bounce. Devon Conway gets squared up as he looks to play but gets an outside edge. The ball loops up and falls over the slip cordon. A single taken. Conway gets lucky!
DRINKS! Blessing Muzarabani gave Zimbabwe a dream start on Day 2, dismissing Will Young on the very first ball, but the Zimbabwean bowlers have since struggled to contain the Kiwi batters, conceding several boundaries and allowing pressure to slip away. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls will look to capitalize on this momentum and extend New Zealand's lead, while Zimbabwe's bowlers need to regroup and stem the flow of runs to stage a comeback.
38
over
38 | 1 Runs | HH: 125/1
37.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, On a length around off, Henry Nicholls punches this well but straight at the fielder.
37.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, On a length, wide of off. Henry Nicholls doesn't offer any stroke at it.
37.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Good length in the line of stumps. Henry Nicholls defends this off the front foot.
37.3
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Back of a length around off, Devon Conway punts this in front of cover and takes one.
37.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Full and on off, Devon Conway plays the off-drive but the bowler fields this.
37.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, WOAH! Beauty from Tanaka Chivanga. Goes full, and on off. Devon Conway looks to block this out. The ball was angling in but it tailed away from the batter after pitching and it beats the outside edge of Conway.
37
over
37 | 1 Runs | HH: 124/1
36.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Back of a length around off, Henry Nicholls leaves it all alone.
36.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Short-pitched, around off. Henry Nicholls slashes hard at it but gets beaten as the ball keeps climbing onto the batter.
36.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Good length around off, Henry Nicholls blocks this.
36.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Zimbabwean players look disappointed as the umpire turns down an appeal for a caught behind. Back of a length, down the leg. Henry Nicholls looks to hit this away but ends up missing out on connection with the ball. Newman Nyamhuri led the appeal along with Tafadzwa Tsiga from behind the stumps as they felt that Henry Nicholls had gotten it clipped off the gloves but the umpire turned it down.
36.2
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Another one around off. Devon Conway drops this in front of cover and takes a sharp single.
36.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Back of a length around off, Devon Conway keeps it out with a block.
36
over
36 | 1 Runs | HH: 123/1
35.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Back of a length on the pads, Henry Nicholls tucks this to silly mid on for no run.
35.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Length dragged back a bit but the line remains outside off. Henry Nicholls leaves it as well.
35.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, On a length, around the sixth stump. Henry Nicholls steps to the pitch of the delivery and leaves it.
35.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Good length, on top of off. Henry Nicholls defends this solidly off his front foot.
35.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Full and wide outside off, Henry Nicholls leaves it all alone.
35.1
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Full and on off, Devon Conway opens the face of his bat and slices this towards point. The fielder fumbles and the batters cross for one.
35
over
35 | 8 Runs | HH: 122/1
34.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, That might have tailed back in late onto the batter. Fuller around off, Henry Nicholls goes for an off-drive but the ball shapes into the batter and Henry ends up with an inside edge onto his pads.
34.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, On a length around off, Henry Nicholls gets right on top of it and blocks this out.
34.4
4
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! A square cut and the same result as this race to the fence as well. Short and wide outside off. Henry Nicholls nails the square cut and the ball has raced to the fence towards deep point.
34.3
4
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Back of a length around middle and leg. Henry Nicholls gets up with the bounce and flicks this through the square leg region for a boundary. Henry Nicholls is getting confident with each stroke.
34.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Much fuller, outside off. Henry Nicholls looks to gor for the drive but gets it away from the outside off his bat and towards point for no run.
34.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, Good length, on off. Henry Nicholls defends this off his front foot.
Newman Nyamhuri (6-2-18-0) comes in as the first change on Day 2.
34
over
34 | 1 Runs | HH: 114/1
33.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Hard length, wide outside off. Devon Conway leaves it all alone and watches it sail back to the keeper.
33.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, On a length wide of off, Devon Conway leaves it all alone.
33.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, On a length, just outside off. Devon Conway jams this to silly point for no run.
33.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, On a length around off, Devon Conway pushes this towards off for a dot.
33.2
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Continues to cramp the batter for any sort of room and goes back of a length into the body of Henry Nicholls. The batter moves in a shade and flicks this to deep backward square for one.
33.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Back of a length, around leg. Henry Nicholls hops up on his toes and drops it around square on leg.
33
over
33 | 6 Runs | HH: 113/1
32.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Good length angling away from the batter. Devon Conway shoulder arms to it.
32.5
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, On a length around middle and leg, Devon Conway flicks this through mid on and runs a couple.
32.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Blessing Muzarabani comes over the wicket for Devon Conway. Hits the length hard and the ball bounces over middle and leg.
32.3
3
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, First runs for Henry Nicholls and he will feel a lot better now. Pitched-up on the pads. Henry Nicholls punches this down the ground towards long on fence for three. Ben Curran gives it a chase from mid-wicket and fields it.
32.2
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Goes short, into the batter. Devon Conway helps this towards fine leg and rotates strike.
32.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Good length around off, Devon Conway defends this off his front foot.
32
over
32 | 0 Runs | HH: 107/1
31.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Edged and it almost carried to third slip. Good length, around off. Shoots up a bit on the batter. Henry Nicholls brings his bat down with soft hands and gets it edged off the outside. The ball drops in front of the fielder at third slip.
31.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, On a length, tailing down the leg. Henry Nicholls misses out on the flick and gets it clipped off the front pad towards backward short leg.
31.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Bumper, around off. Henry Nicholls moves to his off and looks to hit this around square leg but decides to duck under it.
31.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Some encouraging signs for the hosts as Henry Nicholls throws his bat at a full and wide delivery outside off. Gets beaten on the outside edge.
31.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, On a length around off, Henry Nicholls gives it a good look and leaves it all alone.
31.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Tanaka Chivanga hits the hard length, wide of off. Henry Nicholls shoulder arms to it. The ball moved after going past the stumps.
31
over
31 | 4 Runs | HH: 107/1
30.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, BM goes full, on off. Devon Conway negates this with a front foot defensive stroke.
30.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Slightly back of a length, on middle and off. Devon Conway crouches low and jams this out.
30.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, On a length, in the line of stumps. Devon Conway defends this well.
30.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Good length wide of off, left alone.
30.2
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Devon Conway is gearing up for a big one and such strokes are adding to his confidence. Pitched-up, outside off. Devon Conway leans onto it and drives this right out of the middle of his bat through cover for four more.
30.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, A good leave by Devon Conway. Good length, around off, not too far from the top of off. Devon Conway reads it well and leaves it all alone.
30
over
30 | 5 Runs | HH: 103/1
29.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Henry is resisting throwing his bat at anything outside off. Another one, full and wide of off and Henry Nicholls leaves it.
29.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Henry Nicholls, Back of a length, on off. Henry Nicholls blocks this firmly through silly point.
29.4
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Back of a length, around the pads. Devon Conway fends this away towards square leg for a strike rotation.
29.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Chivanga goes full and wide outside off. Devon Conway watches it through to the keeper's gloves.
29.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, On a good length, outside off. Devon Conway shoulder arms to it.
29.1
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, FOUR! 100 comes up for the Kiwis. Way too full wide of off, Devon Conway shifts his body weight on the front foot and drives this through the extra cover region for yet another boundary.
29
over
29 | 5 Runs | HH: 98/1
28.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Slightly short, on middle and leg. Devon Conway pushes this off the inside half of his bat and takes one.
28.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Good length, around off. Devon Conway lets it sail back to the keeper.
28.4
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, FOUR! SUBLIME! Half-volley, on off. Devon Conway strides right on top of the pitch of this delivery and drives this all along the carpet through the cover region for four runs. First boundary on Day 2 and Devon Conway will be feeling a lot more comfortable with this drive.
28.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Back of a length around middle and off. Devon Conway blocks this around silly point.
28.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, On a length wide of off. Devon Conway leaves it all alone.
28.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Way too full on off, Devon Conway jams this to the bowler's right.
28
over
28 | 1 Runs | HH: 93/1
27.6
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, LEG BYE! First runs on Day 2. Good-length delivery, angling into the batter. Devon Conway crouches low to block this but gets beaten and wears it high on his pads. The ball deflects to cover-point and the batters take one. A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down.
27.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Hits the hard length, on top of off. Devon Conway gets right behind the line of it and blocks this out.
27.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Length dragged back, around off. Devon Conway shoulder arms to it.
27.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Zimbabwean bowlers have found the perfect spot early on. Dishes this full and just outside off, in that corridor of uncertainty. Devon Conway gets lured into a push but he brings his bat down late and gets beaten on the outside.
27.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Good length, wide of off. Devon Conway doesn't offer any stroke at it and lets it go.
27.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Tanaka Chivanga shares the attack with Blessing Muzarabani and goes full around off. Devon Conway leaves it all alone.
27
over
27 | 0 Runs | HH: 92/1
26.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, Goes full this time, Henry Nicholls strides to the pitch of the delivery and shoulder arms to it.
26.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, Another length delivery and Henry Nicholls leaves that as well.
26.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, Hits the hard length again, around middle and leg. Bouncing over the stumps. Henry Nicholls leaves it trusting the bounce on the surface.
26.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, Good length, down the leg. Henry Nicholls leaves it all alone.
26.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Henry Nicholls, Good length around off, Henry Nicholls leaves it all alone.
Who walks out next? Henry Nicholls walks out at 3.
26.1
W
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, OUT! SHARP CATCH! A perfect start for the hosts! Drama straightaway. The TV umpire has been called into action on the first delivery on Day 2. Blessing Muzarabani starts with a short-pitched delivery first up, around the ribcage of Young and the batter looks to negate this with a nudge around square leg. The ball hits him high on the bat and drops in front of Nick Welch at close range at short leg. Welch dives forward and takes this but looks a bit puzzled and suggests sending this upstairs. After a few replays, the TV umpire confirms that the ball was caught cleanly. Young departs for 41 off 70, and New Zealand are 92/1, still trailing by 57 runs.
We're all set for Day 2 of the Test match between Zimbabwe and New Zealand. The Kiwi openers, Will Young and Devon Conway, are ready to face the Zimbabwean bowlers. Blessing Muzarabani will kick-start the proceedings for the hosts. Let's play...
PITCH REPORT - Scott Styris is pitchside. He says that the pitch has a lot of grass, but there are a lot of indentations, and there is enough for the bowlers to trouble the batters. Adds that there will be variable bounce from the 6-8m area, and the batter needs to be patient. Ed Rainsford joins and says that there is some grouping on the wicket. Says Zimbabwe bowlers need to find consistency, and they will get the reward.
Matt Henry of New Zealand is up for a chat. Henry highlights the importance of patience and creating pressure over extended periods in Test cricket. He notes that the morning session showed movement, which helped the bowlers, but emphasizes the need to trust their lengths and believe that wickets will follow. Henry stresses the fine balance between finding the ideal length and avoiding leaking runs, praising his teammates for adapting well to the longer format after white-ball cricket. He believes in evolving one's game while maintaining continuity and consistency, which has been key to their success. Henry expects a crucial first session, with the new ball likely to swing and seam, and aims to get through the initial period without losing wickets, setting up New Zealand for the rest of the day. His focus on sustained pressure and challenging the batsmen suggests an intense battle ahead.
For Zimbabwe, taking wickets is crucial. The pitch has shown promise for both seamers and spinners. Blessing Muzarabani led pace attack and Sikandar Raza's spin department will need to lead from the front to make inroads into the Kiwi batting lineup. It's shaping up to be an exciting day of Test cricket, with the Kiwis chasing a hefty lead and the hosts trying to stage a comeback. Will the Kiwis dominate, or can Zimbabwe make a fight of it? We shall find out soon.
The visitors, New Zealand, have a brilliant opportunity to bat at length and impose a substantial lead on the hosts, Zimbabwe. Under Mitchell Santner's leadership, the Kiwis will aim to bat just once and then have a go at the Chevrons again. Devon Conway and Will Young will focus on seeing off the first hour without losing a wicket, and then look to accelerate towards big scores, with centuries within their reach.
Hello and welcome to everyone as we head into Day 2 of this Test match between Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Day 1 of the Test match saw New Zealand dominate Zimbabwe. The hosts were bowled out for 149, with Matt Henry taking 6/39 and Nathan Smith claiming 3/20. Zimbabwe's top order collapsed to 31/3, but Nick Welch and Craig Ervine showed resistance, adding 36 runs together. However, Henry's spell broke the partnership, and Zimbabwe's innings was eventually wrapped up. In response, New Zealand reached 92/0 at Stumps, with Devon Conway not out on 51 and Will Young not out on 41, batting comfortably, leaving them 57 runs behind with all 10 wickets in hand.
... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, that is it from a slow Day 1 of this 1st Test, where New Zealand are in the driver's seat and will be eyeing a massive lead, while Zimbabwe will want to make early inroads on Day 2. The action resumes on 31st July, Thursday, at 8 am GMT, but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!
Matt Henry stole the spotlight with a sensational six-wicket haul, while Nathan Smith provided solid support with three scalps. The rest of the attack, especially the spinners, maintained relentless pressure, leaving Zimbabwe choked for runs and completely on the back foot. In response, Will Young and Devon Conway ensured New Zealand’s dominance carried into the final session, batting positively and scoring freely. Conway brought up a classy half-century as the visitors slashed the deficit to less than half. Zimbabwe shuffled their bowling options with pace and spin, but nothing broke through as they ended the day without a wicket.
After opting to bat first, Zimbabwe failed to justify their decision as they crumbled against a relentless Kiwi attack. Wickets fell at regular intervals with no substantial partnerships to steady the innings. While Nick Welch offered some resistance, it was the stand between Craig Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsiga that briefly raised hopes. However, the skipper’s unfortunate dismissal swung the momentum back to New Zealand, and the lower order offered little fight as Zimbabwe were bundled out for just 149.
It was a one-sided affair on the opening day as New Zealand dominated from start to finish, leaving Zimbabwe playing catch-up. A disciplined bowling display dismantled the hosts, and the Kiwi openers have capitalized brilliantly, reducing the deficit to just 57 runs and setting the platform for a massive first-innings lead.
26
over
26 | 2 Runs | HH: 92/0
25.6
0
Vincent Masekesa to Devon Conway, Tossed up on leg. Devon Conway safely keeps it out with a block. The umpires have called Stumps on Day 1.
25.5
1
Vincent Masekesa to Will Young, Full toss on off. Will Young gently tucks this through mid on for a single.
25.4
0
Vincent Masekesa to Will Young, Flighted around off, Will Young punches this to cover.
25.3
1
Vincent Masekesa to Devon Conway, Pushed through on middle and off. Devon Conway goes for the drive, gets it away off the inside half of his bat and through mid on for one.
25.2
0
Vincent Masekesa to Devon Conway, Fuller on leg, Devon Conway flicks this to silly mid on.
25.1
0
Vincent Masekesa to Devon Conway, Tossed up around leg. Devon Conway goes for the flick but misses out. The ball deflects off the pads and falls at short leg.
25
over
25 | 2 Runs | HH: 90/0
24.6
1
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, FIFTY FOR CONWAY! Fired into the pads. Devon Conway tucks this through mid-wicket and takes a single. Devon Conway started off a bit slowly but has beaten his partner on the other end to a half-century.
24.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Defended solidly off his front foot once again.
24.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Too full, on off. Devon Conway blocks this out.
24.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Fuller around leg, Will Young nudges this through square leg for one.
24.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Arm-delivery, going down the leg. Will Young goes for the flick and misses. Gets it clipped off the pads and Tafadzwa Tsiga fails to collect this behind the stumps. The reaction from Craig Ervine reflects that Will Young might have gotten an inside edge on this.
24.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Quicker and flatter on off. Will Young rocks back and punches this to mid on.
24
over
24 | 5 Runs | HH: 88/0
23.6
0
Sean Williams to Devon Conway, Quicker and flatter on off. Devon Conway flicks this to the leg side for no run.
23.5
0
Sean Williams to Devon Conway, Tossed up on off, Devon Conway blocks this out off his front foot.
23.4
1
Sean Williams to Will Young, Quicker one, onto the pads. Will O'Rourke pushes this away for one.
23.3
1
Sean Williams to Devon Conway, Short of a length, onto the pads. Devon Conway nudges this through square leg for one.
23.2
1
Sean Williams to Will Young, Short and wide outside off, Will Young rocks back and cuts this to deep point for a single.
23.1
2
Sean Williams to Will Young, Tossed up around middle and off. Will Young gets down on a knee and paddles this through backward square leg for two runs.
23
over
23 | 6 Runs | HH: 83/0
22.6
4
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, FOUR! A boundary to end the over. Way too full around off, Devon Conway backs away a bit and drives this through the cover region for a gloriously struck boundary.
22.5
1
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Tossed up, down the leg. Will Young flicks this through square leg for a single.
22.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Fuller around middle and off. Will Young defends this off his front foot.
22.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up, wide of off. Devon Conway drives this through cover for one.
22.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Darted on leg. Devon Conway flicks this as well to mid on.
22.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Full toss on the pads. Devon Conway flicks this to mid on for no run.
22
over
22 | 6 Runs | HH: 77/0
21.6
3
Sean Williams to Devon Conway, Short of a length around the pads, Devon Conway milks this through square leg for one.
21.5
1
Sean Williams to Will Young, Fuller around off, Will Young punches this firmly down the ground to long off for a single.
21.4
0
Sean Williams to Will Young, Flighted outside off, Will Young thumps this to extra cover for another dot.
21.3
0
Sean Williams to Will Young, Fuller on off, Will Young presses in front and keeps it out.
21.2
2
Sean Williams to Will Young, Fired down the leg. Will Young goes deep inside his crease and tucks this through square leg for two.
21.1
0
Sean Williams to Will Young, Tossed up on off, Will Young pushes this back to the bowler.
Sean Williams is introduced into the attack.
21
over
21 | 0 Runs | HH: 71/0
20.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Short of a length on off. Devon Conway rocks back and pushes this to silly mid off for no run.
20.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Short and wide around off, turning further away from the batter. Devon Conway leaves it.
20.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, BEATEN! Gives it a lot more air, drifting in and turning a wee bit away from the left-hander. Devon Conway throws his bat at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
20.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Pushed through on off. Devon Conway gets on top of the bounce and blocks this out.
20.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up, on off. Devon Conway punches this to cover for no run.
20.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Fuller length on off, Devon Conway blocks this out.
20
over
20 | 2 Runs | HH: 71/0
19.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Back of a length around middle and leg. Will Young pulls this flat and towards mid-wicket for no run.
19.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, On a length, around off. Will Young punches this firmly back to the bowler.
19.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Good length wide outside off, Will leaves it all alone.
19.3
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Short-pitched to Devon Conway as well. DC pulls this flat towards the mid-wicket region and rotates again.
19.2
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, This time Young pulls this away from mid-wicket and takes a single.
19.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Short-pitched, around off, Will pulls this to short mid-wicket for no run.
19
over
19 | 2 Runs | HH: 69/0
18.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, UNPLAYABLE! Drifting in and turning away from the batter. Devon Conway looks to block this out, expecting it to straighten after pitching. The ball beats the outside edge of the batter and hits him on the thigh pad of the back leg for no run.
18.5
1
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Fuller around off, Will Young flicks this to fine leg for one.
Nick Welch took a blow to his right palm, causing him discomfort. Fortunately, the physio stepped in to provide treatment, and after a dose of magic spray, Welch was able to recover and it seems the injury isn't serious enough to keep him out of action for now.
18.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Fuller around off, Will Young gets down on a knee and sweeps this. Hits it uppishly and at a catchable height to Nick Welch at short leg. Nick Welch attempts to pouch this from close range but misses out on holding onto the ball. A difficult chance, but a chance.
18.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up on off, Devon Conway drives this to long off and takes a single.
18.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Tossed up, onto the pads. Devon Conway pushes this back to the bowler's right.
18.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Fuller around off, Devon Conway blocks this out.
18
over
18 | 0 Runs | HH: 67/0
17.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Back of a length around off, Will Young punches this off his back foot towards cover for another dot. A maiden for Newman Nyamhuri, his second of the game so far.
17.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Goes full, around off. Will Young drives this well but straight to short extra cover.
17.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Short and wide outside off, Will Young pushes this towards the fielder for another dot.
17.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Good length, wide outside off. Will leaves it all alone.
17.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, That nipped back in sharply onto the batter. Pitched on a good length, around off, nipping back into the batter. Will Young looks to block and ends up edging this onto the pads for no run. This might have just chopped back onto the stumps but WY survives the scare.
17.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Short and wide outside off, Will Young shoulder arms to it.
17
over
17 | 3 Runs | HH: 67/0
16.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Quicker and flatter around off, Devon Conway defends this out.
16.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Fuller around off, Devon Conway pushes this to silly mid off for no run.
16.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Devon Conway, Goes full, around off. Devon Conway initially looked to go for a drive but the ball turned away from him. DC adjusted well and pushed this to point for no run.
16.3
1
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Short and on off, Will Young goes deep inside his crease and tucks this away for a strike rotation.
16.2
2
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Length dragged back a fraction, WY flicks this to the left of deep backward square leg for two.
16.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Will Young, Tossed up, on the pads. Will Young flicks this to short leg on the bounce for no run.
Devon Conway feels the aftereffect of the hit on his front pad and is down in some pain. The physio rushes in the middle, brings out the magic spray and it works for DC. Conway is ready to go again.
16
over
16 | 5 Runs | HH: 64/0
15.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Devon Conway survives an LBW scare. Newman Nyamhuri lands it around off and tails it back into DC sharply. The batter looks to block this but gets beaten to the inwards movement on this. Gets hit on the front pad in front of his leg stump. A loud and confident appeal from the hosts for LBW but the umpire turns it down.
15.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Good length, way wide outside off. Devon Conway leaves it all alone.
15.4
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Back of a length onto the pads, Will O'Rourke hops up on his toes and nudges this through backward square leg for a single.
15.3
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Onto the pads, full. Devon Conway glances this to long leg for one.
15.2
3
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Way too full, around off. Will O'Rourke leans onto it and punches this firmly down to long off region for three runs.
15.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Good length wide outside off, Will Young leaves it all alone.
15
over
15 | 8 Runs | HH: 59/0
14.6
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, FOUR! A mistimed pull but effective for Devon Conway. Short-pitched, around off. Devon Conway goes for the pull, swipes under it and gets a top edge lobbing the keeper behind the stumps and the ball races to the fence for four.
14.5
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Juicy half-volley around off, Devon Conway prods forward, gets onto the pitch of the delivery and drives this all along the ground through the cover region for four runs.
14.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Good length around off, Devon Conway punches this to cover for no run.
14.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Good length on off. Devon Conway defends this off his back foot.
14.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, On a length, down the leg. Devon Conway flicks this to square leg for no run.
14.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Good length, angling into the batter and shaping away after pitching. Devon Conway edges this off the outside half towards the off side for a dot.
14
over
14 | 6 Runs | HH: 51/0
13.6
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Just a single this time as Zimbabwe have protection in the deep. Short and wide outside off, Devon Conway cuts this to deep point and takes a single.
13.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Fires this fuller, on top of off. Devon Conway gets onto his back foot and blocks this out.
13.4
4
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, FOUR! Short and wide, asking for punishment and Devon Conway doesn't let it go. This was bowled short and wide outside off, Devon Conway moves a shade to his leg and nails the square cut through point for a boundary after a while. 50 up for the Kiwis!
13.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Dishes this a lot fuller, on off. Devon Conway drops this around point for no run.
13.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Good length, wide outside off. Devon Conway leaves it all alone.
13.1
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Short-pitched, around off. Will Young smashes this flat and towards deep mid-wicket for one.
13
over
13 | 0 Runs | HH: 45/0
12.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Hits that nagging length again, around off. Draws Devon Conway into a defensive stroke. Devon jams this off the gloves and rolls it towards the slips cordon. Playing with soft hands worked for DC here.
12.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Good length, on top of off. Devon Conway pushes this to covers for no run.
12.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Pitches this full and gets it to bounce a bit more on the batter. Devon Conway goes for the flick but gets beaten and is hit on his thigh pad.
12.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Short-pitched, on off. Devon Conway mistimes the pull off the inside half of his bat and rolls this to mid-wicket.
12.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Back of a length around off, shaping away from the stumps. Devon Conway looks to bail out of the block but gets a touch late and ends up toe-poking it towards silly point.
12.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Back of a length, angling into the batter. Devon Conway hops up on his toes and jams this out towards short leg.
DRINKS! The Kiwis are off to a solid start, with openers Devon Conway and Will Young playing sensibly and capitalizing on any loose deliveries they receive. They're laying the foundation for a big score, which would allow them an opportunity to bat just once in this Test match. With Zimbabwe's innings wrapped up for 149, New Zealand is in a comfortable position, and their openers are setting the tone for a potentially dominant performance. The bowlers for the hosts have troubled the batters on a few occasions, but they have not been consistent, which is the key to getting the breakthroughs here.
12
over
12 | 5 Runs | HH: 45/0
11.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Toe crusher. What an eventful over this has been from NN. Yorker, bang on the toe of the front foot of Young. The ball moves back a shade and ends up getting the slightest of edges, onto the shoe and towards the slips cordon for no run. A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire signals bat.
11.5
4
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, FOUR! Poor from the bowler as he follows a beauty with a poor delivery and lets the batter off the hook. Full and down the leg. Will Young leans onto it and glances this through the fine leg region for a boundary.
11.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, BEAUTY FROM NEWMAN! Goes really full, across the batter around his off-stump. Will Young's head falls over as he looks to flick this one and ends up getting squared up as the ball shapes away and beats the outside edge. Will Young gets beaten. It wasn't far from the stumps as well.
11.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Good length angling away from the right-hander. Will Young steps to the pitch of the ball and leaves it all alone.
11.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Will Young, Goes full and into the stumps. Will Young defends this off his front foot.
11.1
1
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Back of a length around middle and leg. Devon Conway tucks this gently through mid-wicket and runs one.
11
over
11 | 0 Runs | HH: 40/0
10.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, That nipped back in sharply. Will Young gets down a bit and blocks it out. Second maiden on a trot.
10.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Length pulled back a bit, around off, Will Young, once again, shoulder arms to it.
10.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Good length, wide outside off. Will Young doesn't offer any stroke at it. Sees it sail back to the keeper.
10.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Fuller one, angling in and shaping away after pitching. Will Young defends this well.
10.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Short and wide around off. It was there to be smashed. Will cuts this to point for no run.
10.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Goes full and on off. Will Young defends this off his front foot.
10
over
10 | 0 Runs | HH: 40/0
9.6
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Bangs this into the pitch and outside off again, Devon Conway offers no shot at it. Maiden Over!
9.5
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Short but way outside off, Devon Conway makes an easy leave.
9.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Hard length and on off, Devon Conway punches it to cover-point.
9.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, That will hurt a bit! Short of a length and on middle, comes a bit quicker than the batter expects. Devon Conway looks to hook but is late and gets his around his neck. He looks fine, though.
9.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Back of a length and around off, Devon Conway reaches out and steers it to point.
9.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Good length and on middle, angling in, Devon Conway stays back and blocks it out.
9
over
9 | 4 Runs | HH: 40/0
8.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Touch fuller and on off, angling in, Will Young gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.
8.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Hard length and around off, nips away, Devon Conway guides it towards point for one.
8.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Bowls a good yorker, on middle, angling in, Devon Conway digs it out to the leg side.
8.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Back of a length and well outside off, Devon Conway leaves it alone. The bowlers are struggling with consistency here.
8.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, BEATEN! Pitched up and in that channel outside off, shaping away, Devon Conway has a feel for it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
8.1
3
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Fuller in length and on off, Will Young shows the full face of the bat and drives it through mid off. The fielder runs after it to collect it as the batters take three runs.
8
over
8 | 12 Runs | HH: 36/0
7.6
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, FOUR! 12 runs off the over! Tanaka Chivanga lands this short of a length and on off, sits up nicely for the batter. Devon Conway swivels, does not want to keep it on the ground and hammers it over mid-wicket for four more runs.
7.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, On a length and on off, Devon Conway guides it to point.
7.4
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, FOUR! Lovely shot! Overpitched and around off, Devon Conway leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers. The ball races through the fast outfield to the fence for a boundary.
7.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Pitched up but angling down the leg side, Devon Conway leaves it alone.
7.2
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, FOUR! Gets it away! Fuller and outside off, Devon Conway once again goes chasing after it and flays it over point for a boundary.
7.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down! Fuller and on middle, angling in, Devon Conway looks to play at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. That saves him.
7
over
7 | 5 Runs | HH: 24/0
6.6
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, FOUR! Finally connects one! Blessing Muzarabani goes back to his shorter length, on off, Will Young has to drag a bit but plays the pull shot nicely through mid-wicket for a boundary.
6.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, BEAUTY! Goes a bit fuller and around off, shaping away, Will Young has a tentative push at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
6.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Hits the length hard and on off, angling in sharply, Will Young leaves it alone.
6.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Bangs this one into the pitch, on off, takes off a bit, Will Young goes for the pull but misses. He has tried that shot a couple of times but failed to execute it properly. There is also a light appeal for LBW, but turned down.
6.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Short of a length and on off, jags back in shaply, Will Young looks to steer it away but this is too close to his body. He ends up mistiming it towards point.
6.1
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Tip and run! Back of a length and on off, Devon Conway taps it in front of short covers for a quick single.
6
over
6 | 6 Runs | HH: 19/0
5.6
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Short of a length and on off, Devon Conway dabs it towards cover-point for one.
5.5
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, FOUR! Streaky! Much fuller and outside off, Devon Conway uses the width on offer and throws his hands at it. He slices it in the air, but through backward point for a boundary.
5.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Pitched up and on off, angling in, Devon Conway stays back, loses his bottom hand and fends it off the inside half of the bat to the leg side.
5.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Full but way outside off, Devon Conway makes an easy leave.
5.2
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, Fuller and on off, shapes away, Will Young guides it off the outer half of the bat towards point for a single.
5.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, Back of a length and on middle, Will Young stays back and pats it down towards short mid-wicket.
5
over
5 | 2 Runs | HH: 13/0
4.6
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Uppish but safe! Pitched up and on middle, angles in, Devon Conway flicks it aerially but between square leg and mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
4.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Hard length and on middle and off, Devon Conway covers his stumps and blocks it out.
4.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Pulls his length back a bit but well outside off, Devon Conway leaves it alone.
4.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Touch fuller and on middle, angling in, Devon Conway tucks it to short mid-wicket.
4.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Fiery! Bangs in a quick short ball, on middle, skids through the surface, Devon Conway just about gets out of the way of it.
4.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Good length and on off, Devon Conway hops up and guides it towards gully where the fielder makes a good diving stop to his left.
4
over
4 | 4 Runs | HH: 11/0
3.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, Back of a length and on middle, puts in the extra effort, Will Young swivels and looks to pull but misses and gets hit on the body.
3.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, On a length and on middle, Will Young gets the behind the line of it and blocks it out.
3.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, Bangs this into the pitch and outside off, shapes away, Will Young offers no shot at it. Zimbabwe's pacers need to make the batters play to create opportunities.
3.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, Hits the length hard and on middle and off, Will Young watches it through and lets it go on length.
3.2
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, FOUR! False shot! Short of a length and on off, Will Young looks to pull it away but gets a top edge that flies over the slip cordon and to the third man fence for a boundary.
3.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, Good-length delivery and just around off, holds its line, Will Young leaves it alone.
3
over
3 | 0 Runs | HH: 7/0
2.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, A bit fuller and on the sixth stump line, leaving the left-hander, Devon Conway is not interested in playing that. A testing maiden over from BM!
2.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Hits the length hard and around off, moves away again, tempting the batter, but Devon Conway offers no shot at it.
2.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Back of a length and on off, angling away, Devon Conway leaves it alone.
2.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, BEAUTY! Pitches it up and around middle, shaping away sharply, Devon Conway gets stuck in his crease and tries to play but gets beaten on the outside edge.
2.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Full again but attacks the stumps this time, Devon Conway knocks it down the pitch.
2.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Fuller and around off, angling away, Devon Conway steers it away towards gully.
2
over
2 | 1 Runs | HH: 7/0
1.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, On a length and on middle, angling in, Will Young keeps it out on the pitch.
1.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, Hard length and around off, Will Young pats it to the off side.
1.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Will Young, Superb bowling! Tanaka Chivanga hits the length hard and just on off, takes off viciously this time, no chance for the batter to ride the bounce. Young gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge with the keeper taking it above his head.
1.3
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Short of a length and on off, takes off again, Devon Conway ries to ride the bounce and drops it to the off side for a quick single.
1.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Back of a length and on off, Devon Conway dabs it down towards point.
1.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Devon Conway, Tanaka Chivanga begins with a hard-length delivery, on middle, angles in sharply, Devon Conway looks to defend from the creas but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
Tanaka Chivanga to share the attack.
1
over
1 | 6 Runs | HH: 6/0
0.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Devon Conway, Touch fuller, on middle, Devon Conway works it off the inner half of the bat past short leg for a run. 6 runs off the first over!
0.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Good length and on middle, jags back in sharply with bounce, Will Young fails to counter that and gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball flies towards the vacant square leg region. They cross.
0.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Hits the length hard and on the sixth stump line, holds its line, Will Young offers no shot at it.
0.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Back of a length and on off, shapes away again, Will Young leaves it alone this time.
0.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, Excellent comeback! Goes a bit fuller and on off, shaping away, Will Young goes for the big booming drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.
0.1
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Will Young, FOUR! Runs straightaway for New Zealand! Blessing Muzarabani starts with a loosener as he lands this short and outside off. Will Young frees his arms and cuts it away through point. The fielder gives a good chase and slides to push the ball back inside. However, the replay shows that his foot was touching the ropes while the ball was still in his hand. A boundary!
We are back, and probably for the final time in this Test. With just 8 runs to win, the Kiwis will be in a hurry to wrap things up. Will Young and Devon Conway are out in the middle for the Kiwis, whereas Newman Nyamhuri will bowl the first over for Zimbabwe in the second innings with three slips in place, along with one gully. Here we go...
... FOURTH INNINGS ...
Meanwhile, in The Oval, England's reply has been swift and dominant. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett came out with aggressive intent, putting on a rapid 92-run partnership. Duckett was the more explosive of the two, scoring a quickfire 43 before being caught behind off Akash Deep's bowling. However, the wicket did little to slow England's momentum, as Crawley has continued to score freely, reaching an unbeaten 52. Supported by captain Ollie Pope, England currently stands at 109 for 1 after just 16 overs, showcasing a commanding response to India's total.
The Kiwis' bowling attack was clinical and ruthless! Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke took 3 wickets each, with their skipper Mitchell Santner taking 4, showcasing their skill and precision. Despite dealing with injuries, including Nathan Smith's abdominal tear and Will O'Rourke's back issue, the Kiwis didn't let that affect their performance. They bowled Zimbabwe out for a modest score, setting up an easy 8-run chase for themselves.
Zimbabwe's top order struggled, getting bundled out cheaply in the second innings. Despite some resistance from Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, and a gritty 9th-wicket partnership between Tafadzwa Tsiga and Blessing Muzarabani, the hosts couldn't put up a solid score on the board. The top order's lack of grit and determination cost them dearly, as Tafadzwa Tsiga, Sean Williams, and Ervine showed flashes of fight that might have changed the game if shown by the top order.
The Kiwis have a cakewalk ahead of them! Zimbabwe's second innings has been wrapped up for 165, setting a target of just 8 runs for New Zealand to chase.
67.1
W
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, OUT! CAUGHT! DONE! Zimbabwe have been bowled out for 165 and New Zealand need just eight runs to win the game. Santner tosses it up and keeps it around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga gets down on his knee and looks to go for a big lofted shot downtown, but the ball is slow and too close to his body. Generates a top edge that goes in the air towards cover point, where Devon Conway moves to his left and goes to catch it low around his knee height, but fails to grab it in the first attempt. The ball lobs up, and Conway manages to snatch it and grab it on the second attempt. Santner smiles there, having his hands on his head, as he would have believed that it would also go down, but Devon manages to take it, and Zimbabwe have managed a lead of just 7 runs.
67
over
67 | 1 Runs | HH: 165/9
66.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Tanaka Chivanga, Fuller on off, Tanaka Chivanga rolls this to deep mid on and wants a single but is sent back by Tafadzwa Tsiga.
66.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Tanaka Chivanga, Fuller around off, Tanaka Chivanga defends this out.
66.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Tanaka Chivanga, Floated up and outside off, Tanaka keeps it out into the off side.
66.3
0
Michael Bracewell to Tanaka Chivanga, Full and around off, Tanaka Chivanga defends it towards cover.
66.2
1
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed it up and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga uses his feet and knocks it down to long on for one.
66.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nagging length and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga tucks it to short leg.
66
over
66 | 0 Runs | HH: 164/9
65.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Drifting on the pads, tucked it to square leg off the back foot.
65.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Full and around off, Tanaka comes forward and flicks it but onto his pads only.
65.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Full and outside off, left alone.
65.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, NOT-OUT! Full and around off, Tanaka Chivanga comes forward and drives it towards mid off. Tafadzwa Tsiga wants a quick single but is sent back quickly. The fielder there quickly moves to his left and collects the ball before making a direct hit at the bowling end, where Tsiga has dragged his bat in the crease to get back. The replays suggest that Tsiga has made it but this is too much risk to take a single only. Also, the frustration of New Zealand is rising with each ball and appeal.
Is that a run-out? There has been a direct hit at the non-striker's end and the players of New Zealand seem pretty convinced that it is an OUT. But it is referred upstairs. The replays come in and the batter Tafadzwa Tsiga has dragged his bat successfully back in his crease at the bowling end.
65.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Full and around off, Tanaka Chivanga comes forward and defends it.
65.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Nagging length and outside off, left alone.
65
over
65 | 2 Runs | HH: 164/9
64.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Full and around off, Tsiga comes forward and clips it to mid-wicket.
64.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On the pads, Tafadzwa Tsiga uses his feet and defends it.
64.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Full and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga comes forward and blocks it.
64.3
2
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nagging length and outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga presses back and slices it in the gap towards deep point. Two runs taken.
64.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed it up and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga comes forward and flicks it to wide mid on again. Doesn't take the single.
64.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nagging length and around middle, punched down to mid on.
64
over
64 | 0 Runs | HH: 162/9
63.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Wicket-Maiden for Santner! Full and around off, Tanaka Chivanga comes forward to defend it but the ball bounces a bit more and gets deflected towards the second slip region off the handle of the bat.
The physio is out there as Tanaka Chivanga got hit on the neck on the last ball, and he comes in to have a precautionary test. All is well now to continue further.
63.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Full and a bit outside off, Tanaka Chivanga goes across on his knees and looks to fetch it out with a sweep shot but misses and gets hit on his neck.
63.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Tanaka Chivanga, Floated up and around off, Tanaka Chivanga defends it.
Tanaka Chivanga is the last batter in.
63.3
W
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, OUT! CAUGHT! Zimbabwe are nine down and Mitchell Santner gets his third! Santner tosses it up and keeps it much slower than the previous ones and pitches it just outside off, in the arc to tempt the batter. Blessing Muzarabani stays leg side of the ball, clears out his front leg and swings for the hill. He is nowhere close to the pitch of the ball and thus gets a top edge that goes high up in the air towards cover, where Ajaz Patel calls for it instantly this time, settles underneath it and takes it. A good catch to end this growing partnership.
63.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Full and outside off, left alone.
63.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, In the stumps, Blessing Muzarabani pushes it towards cover point.
63
over
63 | 5 Runs | HH: 162/8
62.6
4
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR! SMOKED! Full and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga again uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and hits it straight over bowler's head and gets a boundary.
62.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nagging length and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends it off the back foot.
62.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Floated up and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga uses his feet for a big lofted shot downtown but has to adjust his shot and defends it back to the bowler.
62.3
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Touch full and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga comes forward and defends it.
62.2
1
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, Sliding on the pads, Blessing Muzarabani comes forward and pushes it towards mid on for a quick single. Good running between the wickets. Scores are on the level now and there was some cheering from the crowd.
62.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, On the shorter side and on middle, Blessing Muzarabani presses back and looks to turn it into the leg side but ends up gloving out towards short leg.
62
over
62 | 2 Runs | HH: 157/8
61.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Dragged back length and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga chops it out to point.
61.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nagging length and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga comes forward and defends it.
61.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Around off, defended back to the bowler.
61.3
1
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, In the air but falls down safely again! Santner tosses it up and a bit outside off, Blessing Muzarabani clears out his front leg away and looks to go over mid off but gets a top edge as his bat face gets turned in his hands. The ball goes in the air but wide of the cover point fielder who was trying to backtrack it. A single taken.
61.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Around off, defended back to the bowler.
61.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FUll and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga comes forward and pushes it towards mid off for a quick single.
61
over
61 | 9 Runs | HH: 155/8
60.6
4
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, FOUR! AND ANOTHER! A quality shot! Full and around off, Blessing Muzarabani again uses his feet and launches it downtown for another boundary.
60.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, Sliding on the pads, tucked it to short leg again off the back foot.
60.4
4
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, FOUR! WOW! Quite a hit! Full and around off, Blessing Muzarabani uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball, and smokes it downtown for a boundary.
60.3
0
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, On the pads, nudged it to short leg off the back foot.
60.2
1
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Around off, Tsiga comes forward and flicks it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single on the second ball only.
60.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Sliding down leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it and the ball gets deflected towards square leg off the front foot. No appeal this time, whatsoever.
60
over
60 | 0 Runs | HH: 146/8
59.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Floated up, around off, Blessing Muzarabani strides forward and blocks it.
59.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Tossed it up and around off, driven to covers off the front foot.
59.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, On the shorter side and around off, Blessing Muzarabani presses back and defends it.
59.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Full and outside off, Blessing Muzarabani leaves it.
59.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Around off, defended back to the bowler.
59.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Nagging length and around off, Blessing Muzarabani goes for a drive on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge.
59
over
59 | 2 Runs | HH: 146/8
58.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, There is another miscommunication between the batters but no harm is done! On the shorter side and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga goes on the back foot and looks to clip it into the leg side. But gets an inside edge onto his front pad. The keeper, Tom Blundell puts in a dive forward for the catch but the ball lands short of him.
58.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Sliding in, around middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga presses back and looks to defend it but misses and wears it on the pads. Could be sliding down leg.
58.4
1
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, Tossed it up and around off, Blessing Muzarabani looks to swing it across as he clears out his front leg but miscues it off the bottom part of the bat. The ball goes in the air for a while but wide of mid-wicket. A single taken.
58.3
1
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Pitches it up and outside off, Tsiga comes forward and nudges it wide of mid on for one more.
58.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On the pads, Tafadzwa Tsiga uses his feet and gets to the pitch of the ball before flicking it to mid on.
58.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nagging length, down leg, Tsiga looks to tickle it but misses. The keeper does well to collect it to his left behind the wickets.
58
over
58 | 1 Runs | HH: 144/8
57.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, In the stumps, defended back to the bowler.
57.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, BEATEN! A bit of dragged down length and outside off, gets it to turn away, Blessing Muzarabani is dranw forward as he goes to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
57.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Full and around off, defended back to the bowler.
57.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Around off, pushed away to point off the outer half of the bat.
57.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, If there was a direct hit at the non-striker's end, Tafadzwa Tsiga would be a goner! Nagging length and outside off, Blessing Muzarabani pushes it towards cover and is caught ball-watching but his partner, Tsiga, wants a quick single and wants to be on the strike against Santner. He takes a few steps forward but then Blessing sees him and sends back. The fielder is quick there who gets across to his left and collects the ball before making a throw towards the bowling end but he misses. Tsiga was well short there and he has also given up. Another chance goes in favour of Zimbabwe.
57.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A bit shorter and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga presses back and punches it to long on for one.
DRINKS! It has been another hour won by the visitors, and this has brought the Kiwis on the verge of a victory by an innings. Zimbabwe still trails by 15 runs with just 2 wickets in their hands. Tafadzwa Tsiga has shown some fight and grit, which was much needed by the top order to show as well, but Blessing Muzarabani hasn't backed off from throwing his bat at a few. The Kiwis will be looking to wrap things up quickly and inflict a defeat by an innings, whereas the batters of the home side will look to delay the inevitable.
57
over
57 | 1 Runs | HH: 143/8
56.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, Flighted on off, Blessing Muzarabani punches this to cover for no run.
56.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, Tossed up on middle and off, Blessing Muzarabani defends this off his front foot.
56.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Blessing Muzarabani, Fuller on off, Blessing Muzarabani defends this out.
56.3
1
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Fuller on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga flicks this to long on for a single.
56.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Full on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga drills this to mid off for no run.
56.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed up on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga tucks this to short leg.
56
over
56 | 2 Runs | HH: 142/8
55.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Full and wide of off, Blessing Muzarabani defends this well.
55.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Appeal for LBW but BM has edged this full ball onto the front pad and the umpire turns it down.
55.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Fuller on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga drives this through cover for one.
55.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Blocked off the front foot once again.
55.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Fuller on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this off the front foot.
55.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, DROPPED! Ajaz Patel drops a sitter, but he can excuse that Matt Henry got into his peripheral vision, who was running all the way from mid-wicket to deep square leg. Santner tosses it up, wide of off, Blessing Muzarabani goes for the slog sweep, gets a lot of height but no distance behind it. The ball goes towards the left of Ajaz Patel at deep square leg, where he runs to his left, but the ball goes straight through his hands on the ground as he could have been distracted by Henry, who was about to collide with him, and that could have been going in Patel's mind. It should have been taken, and there should have been a clear call for the catch, but both fielders didn't do that, and another chance has been put down.
55
over
55 | 1 Runs | HH: 140/8
54.6
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Back of a length around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga hops up on his toes and blocks this out.
54.5
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Back of a length around leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it as well.
54.4
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Inswinging yorker, on middle and off. Tafadzwa Tsiga flicks this to square leg for no run.
54.3
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short-pitched yet again, angling down the leg. Tafadzwa Tsiga sits under it.
54.2
1
Matt Henry to Blessing Muzarabani, Short-pitched again, on leg. Blessing Muzarabani gets it away awkwardly towards fine leg for a single.
54.1
0
Matt Henry to Blessing Muzarabani, Short-pitched, around off. Blessing Muzarabani moves to his leg side and swings at it but misses.
54
over
54 | 0 Runs | HH: 139/8
53.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga guides this to short third for no run.
53.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Another appeal turned down by the umpire! Santner goes full and wide of off. Tafadzwa Tsiga steps across and looks to ramp it, but gets it away off the arm of his bottom hand, and Daryl Mitchell collects it at first slip, appealing for a catch out. The umpire remains unmoved, and Tsiga survives.
53.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Bowls it slower and on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it all alone.
53.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Fuller on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this one as well.
53.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A cracking delivery from Mitchell Santner. Another one, angling in, pitching on off and turning away from the batter. Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to block this out off the back foot but gets beaten to the turn.
53.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Full and wide outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it all alone.
53
over
53 | 2 Runs | HH: 139/8
52.6
1
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a length around middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga punches this down to the long on region for just a single to remain on strike. Mitchell Santner, from mid off, gave a chase and kept it inside the playing area.
52.5
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Full and wide outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga drives this to point for no run.
52.4
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a length around middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga tucks this to mid-wicket for no run.
52.3
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, BEATEN! Good length, wide of off. Tafadzwa Tsiga tentatively pokes at it but gets beaten on the outside edge again.
52.2
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Bumper, on off. Tafadzwa Tsiga sits underneath it.
52.1
1
Matt Henry to Blessing Muzarabani, Banged into the deck, around leg. Blessing Muzarabani looks to bail out of the line of the delivery, gets it deflected off the gloves towards fine leg for one.
52
over
52 | 2 Runs | HH: 137/8
51.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good work from the short leg fielder to save the single and expose Blessing Muzarabani to the pacer from the other end. Short and on the pads, Tafadzwa Tsiga tucks this towards the left of short leg and was off for a single. The fielder at short leg dives to his left and fields it, denying the opportunity for the single.
51.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Drifting it into the batter and turning it away after pitching outside off. Tafadzwa Tsiga plays inside the line of it and gets beaten.
51.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Much quicker around off, Blessing Muzarabani drills this to long off for another single.
51.3
1
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed up on off, TT drives this down to long off for one.
51.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Flighted around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga drills this back to the bowler.
51.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Quicker and flatter on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this well.
51
over
51 | 3 Runs | HH: 135/8
50.6
0
Matt Henry to Blessing Muzarabani, Wide yorker, on off. Blessing Muzarabani blocks this out.
50.5
0
Matt Henry to Blessing Muzarabani, Goes for the yorker, misses barely. Blessing Muzarabani pushes this towards the right of mid off for no run.
50.4
1
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a length around middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga flicks this through square leg for one.
50.3
2
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Goes a lot full, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga punches this down to the long on fence and runs two.
50.2
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Bumper, around off. Tafadzwa Tsiga pulls this flat and towards mid-wicket for no run.
50.1
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Matt Henry is bowling with the discipline of a bowling machine. Hits the hard length, wide of off, shaping it away from the batter. Tafadzwa Tsiga pokes at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
50
over
50 | 7 Runs | HH: 132/8
49.6
2
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, TWO BYES! Slides one, down leg. Blessing Muzarabani swings and misses. The ball goes past the batter's inside edge and misses the stumps as well. Tom Blundell couldn't collect this to his left, and the batters take two for byes.
49.5
4
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, FOUR! Blessing Muzarabani is out in the middle to swing the long handle. FLighted on middle and off, Blessing Muzarabani swings and hits this straight past his partner on the other end for a boundary towards the long on region.
49.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Blessing Muzarabani, Quicker one, on off. Blessing Muzarabani defends this well.
49.3
W
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, OUT! TIMBER! Too good delivery for a number 9. Bowled much slower, around off, angling in but straightening after pitching on off. Newman Nyamhuri plays for the one coming in with the angle, but the ball goes straight past the outside edge and uproots the off-pole of Newman Nyamhuri. Zimbabwe are eight down and they are still trailing by 32 runs, on the brink of an innings defeat here. Also, Blessing Muzarabani comes out to bat next.
49.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Too full, on the pads, Tafadzwa Tsiga flicks this to the left of mid on and runs a quick single.
49.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Floated full on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this well off his front foot.
49
over
49 | 0 Runs | HH: 125/7
48.6
0
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, Full and wide of off, Newman Nyamhuri drives this to cover for no run.
48.5
0
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, Bumper on off, Newman Nyamhuri ducks underneath it.
48.4
0
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, A loud appeal for caught behind this time, as there was some sound when the ball passed the bat, but the umpire shakes his head. Henry takes one away from the batter this time. Goes full, wide of off, shaping away from the batter. Newman Nyamhuri looks for a front foot block but gets beaten on the outside edge.
48.3
0
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, On a length wide of off, NN gets beaten on the outside edge as he looks to drive it on the up with no foot movement.
48.2
0
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, Good length on off, Newman Nyamhuri defends this one.
48.1
0
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, Back of a length, around off, nipping back into the batter sharply after pitching. Newman Nyamhuri defends this out. The ball was in the air for a while, but short of the bowler, who tries to move across to his left to grab it, but the ball falls down ahead of him.
48
over
48 | 6 Runs | HH: 125/7
47.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed up, on middle and off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this off his front foot.
47.5
1
Mitchell Santner to Newman Nyamhuri, Fuller on off, Newman Nyamhuri drives this through cover, where the fielder makes a fumble, which allows the batters to run a single.
47.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed up on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga flicks this well towards the right of Matt Henry at mid on and runs one. Henry puts in a brilliant diving effort to his right and saves three runs for the side as this was headed to the fence.
47.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Fuller on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this out.
47.2
4
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR! Edged and away for four. Floated around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga presses in front and brings the bat down softly. Gets an outside edge onto it, and it flies through the vacant second slip region for a boundary.
47.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Fuller on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this out.
47
over
47 | 1 Runs | HH: 119/7
46.6
0
Matt Henry to Newman Nyamhuri, Good length, wide of off, Newman Nyamhuri pokes at it but gets beaten.
Newman Nyamhuri is the next batter out.
46.5
W
Matt Henry to Sikandar Raza, OUT! CAUGHT! HENRY GETS ANOTHER! Short-pitched, on middle and off, Sikandar Raza doesn't get the space to free his arms, but still goes through with the pull as he tries to be a bit aggressive here to counter-attack rather than blocking. Gets a leading top edge that hangs high over the fielder at square leg. Rachin Ravindra settles well underneath it and takes it with ease. Sikandar Raza departs for 5(22). Zimbabwe still trail by 39 runs.
46.4
0
Matt Henry to Sikandar Raza, Hits the hard length, on off. Sikandar Raza defends this around short mid-wicket. Tafadzwa Tsiga is off for a single, but a loud call of 'NO TSIGA NO' from Raza helps Tafadzwa Tsiga to turn back in time.
46.3
1
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, LEG BYE! On a length, drifting down leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga falls over as he goes for the flick at it. Gets it deflected off the front pad towards square leg for one. There was a mild appeal again for LBW, but was turned down by the umpire as it would again be sliding down leg. Henry has been relentless after Lunch as he has struck the pad a couple of times already and also generated an edge, but to no success for him.
46.2
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Back of a length wide of off, Tsiga pushes this to cover for no run.
46.1
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this off his front foot.
46
over
46 | 1 Runs | HH: 118/6
45.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up, around middle and off. Sikandar Raza keeps it out solidly off the front foot.
45.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Fuller on off, Sikandar Raza defends this one.
45.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Another one, floated quick and on off. Sikandar Raza takes a step back inside his crease and blocks this out.
45.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Full marks for the appeal but the umpire remains unmoved. Mitchell Santner hangs his head back in disappointment. Gets it to drift in from around the stumps, into the line of the stumps. Sikandar Raza prods in front to block, but gets beaten on the inside edge and is hit on the front pad. A loud appeal from the Kiwis, but the umpire turns it down. It could have been the angle from that wide of the crease which had tempted the umpire not to give it, as it could slide down leg from there.
45.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed up, on off. Tafadzwa Tsiga drives this to deep mid off for one.
45.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Quicker and fuller, wide of off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it all alone.
45
over
45 | 1 Runs | HH: 117/6
44.6
1
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Pitched-up, around off. Tafadzwa Tsiga punches this with a full face of his bat to the left of mid on and takes one. Raza, on the other end, was ball-watching for a moment but made it safely to the striker's end.
44.5
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Full and around off, flicked away to mid on.
44.4
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nagging length and around off, Tsiga defends it off the front foot.
44.3
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nagging length and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga comes forward and looks to defend it but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the front pad. There was an appeal for LBW but a mild one only and the umpire turned it down. Could be the impact is outside off as Tsiga has planted his front leg across.
44.2
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, DROPPED! Michael Bracewell is the culprit here! A full ball and outside off, gets to find some away movement from there. Tafadzwa Tsiga comes forward and looks to drive it on the up but generates an outside edge that travels towards second slip, where Bracewell dives to his left but spills out in the end. He seems to be indicating that the ball came a bit faster than he would have expected it to be. Nevertheless, a chance goes begging there which should have been taken and Tsiga gets a life here.
44.1
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a length around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks this out.
44
over
44 | 2 Runs | HH: 116/6
43.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Floated around off, Sikandar Raza plays for the spin but gets lucky to get it blocked off the inside off his bat for no run.
43.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Fuller around off, turning sharply away from the batter. Sikandar Raza looks to block this but gets beaten to the turn away from him on the outside.
43.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Short of a length, around the pads, Sikandar Raza looks to have bailed out of a flick at the last moment and deflect this off his gloves for no run towards short fine leg. He runs across to the other end but the umpire has signalled it a dead ball and urges him to get back to the strike again.
43.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Slower, on off. Sikandar Raza defends this out.
43.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Another quick single. Some urgency from the Zimbabwean batters. Tossed up, on off. Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes this firmly towards mid off and takes a quick single with the fielders charging in.
43.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Floated full, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza flicks this slightly to the left of mid on and sets off for a quick single. The fielder at mid on does well to move swiftly to his left, pick it up one-handed and hit the stumps at the non-striker's end. The on-field umpire sends this upstairs, and the replay shows that Raza was well inside his crease when the ball struck the stumps.
Mitchell Santner will bowl from the other end in the absence of Will O'Rourke.
43
over
43 | 0 Runs | HH: 114/6
42.6
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length, wide of off, Tafadzwa Tsiga pokes his bat at it but gets beaten.
42.5
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a length, around off. Tafadzwa Tsiga gets squared up as he looks to flick this around the on-side and ends up with an outside edge rolling to point for no run.
42.4
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A touch slower, on top of off. Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this well off the front foot. He appears to be hinting that the ball might have just stuck into the surface a bit.
42.3
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Hits the hard length, shaping the ball away from the batter. Tafadzwa Tsiga covers his stumps and leaves this delivery.
42.2
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length on middle and off, Tafadzwa Tsiga drops this around silly point for no run.
42.1
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Energy straightaway from Henry as he darts in a short-pitched delivery around leg. Tafadzwa Tsiga ducks underneath it.
We are back with the post-Lunch session. Zimbabwe are in a situation of bother, and it will take some knock from Raza, supported by Tafadzwa Tsiga and the tail to bail them out of here. Raza and Tsiga are ready to have a go at the Kiwi bowlers, and it will be Matt Henry to bowl the first over of this session with three slips and one gully in place. Also, Will O'Rourke hasn't taken the field as a part of precaution, and the reason is that he has felt a bit of back stiffness, and Jacob Duffy, the substitute fielder, is on the field for him, as per the on-air commentators. This means New Zealand are two bowlers short now.
... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...
Meanwhile, in The Oval for the fifth and final Test for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India's first innings began with a shaky start on Day 1, losing key wickets early, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul falling cheaply. The Indian middle-order, led by Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, tried to steady the ship, but England's bowlers, particularly Josh Tongue, continued to make inroads with his occasionally peach deliveries. Despite the regular fall of wickets, a good partnership between Karun Nair and Washington Sundar helped India reach 204 for 6 by the end of Day 1. However, the next morning on Day 2, today, the remaining four wickets fell rapidly for just 20 more runs, with Gus Atkinson claiming five wickets. India have been bowled out for 224, leaving England to take control of the Test match.
Heading into the second session, the match is clearly tilting heavily in New Zealand’s favour. Zimbabwe still trail by 44 runs with only four wickets remaining, and unless Raza plays a gritty knock and finds support from Tsiga, this Test might not last till Day 4. The pitch is showing uneven bounce, which will further challenge the batters as the day progresses. New Zealand will be keen to wrap things up quickly and seal a strong win. All eyes will now be on the post-Lunch session, which will start at 10.40 am GMT.
For New Zealand, this session was all about control and execution. Will O'Rourke continued bowling tight lines and generating bounce, taking two wickets in the session. Matt Henry, who had started a bit wide outside off early on, adjusted brilliantly to pick up a key wicket before Lunch. The skipper, Mitchell Santner, has bowled with control as well, extracting some turn and bounce to remove the dangerous Williams. The variation in bounce, movement off the surface, and consistent pressure from all bowlers have kept Zimbabwe on the back foot throughout the session. Tom Blundell also deserves credit for sharp work behind the stumps, taking three catches so far in this first session.
One of the major concerns for Zimbabwe has been the lack of application from their batters. Apart from brief partnerships and individual moments of resistance, most of the top and middle order have failed to dig in and show the kind of temperament required in Test cricket. There has been a recurring pattern, either chasing deliveries they could have left or falling into soft dismissals under pressure. The skipper, Craig Ervine, too, was trying to anchor the innings, showing patience and experience under pressure. But right after Williams’ dismissal, he too fell, this time to Matt Henry, who bowled a probing spell in his second burst before Lunch. With both senior players gone in quick succession, Zimbabwe’s hopes of resisting have taken a serious hit.
Zimbabwe began the day with overnight batters Nick Welch and Vincent Masekesa looking to survive and build. They were cautious in their approach, trying not to chase wide deliveries and playing close to the body. However, it didn’t take long for Will O'Rourke to break through, as he got Welch caught behind with a delivery that just held its line, and later cramped Masekesa for room, forcing a glove to short leg. The real fight came from Williams and Ervine, who added a crucial 57-run stand. Williams, in particular, looked in fine touch, finding the gaps and rotating strike well. Unfortunately, just when he looked set for a well-deserved half-century, he feathered one down the leg side to the keeper, falling for 49.
New Zealand have dominated the morning session on Day 3, tightening their grip firmly on the 1st Test match in Bulawayo. Coming into the day with Zimbabwe trailing by 127 runs, the Kiwis struck early and often, picking up four wickets in this session alone. The Zimbabwean top-middle order has tried to show some resistance, especially through the experienced duo of Sean Williams and Craig Ervine, but New Zealand’s bowlers have been relentless. Two quick wickets just before the Lunch break, including that of the well-set Williams for 49 and Ervine soon after, have pushed Zimbabwe further into trouble. At Lunch, Zimbabwe find themselves six down, still trailing by 44 runs, and the match could well finish today if this collapse continues.
42
over
42 | 4 Runs | HH: 114/6
41.6
4
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! A boundary to end the first session on Day 3. Short, down leg. Sikandar Raza moves inside the line of it, gets down on a knee and sweeps this through the vacant backward square leg region for a boundary. Zimbabwe ends this session trailing by 44 runs now. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 3!
41.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Fuller on off, Sikandar Raza keeps it out as well.
41.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Much slower, on off, Sikandar Raza jams this out around silly point.
41.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Slides one into the batter, around off. Sikandar Raza rocks back and pushes this back to the bowler.
41.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Flighted around off, Raza defends this as well.
41.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up, wide of off, Sikandar Raza leans onto it and punches this firmly towards short extra cover.
41
over
41 | 0 Runs | HH: 110/6
40.6
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Hits the hard length, around off, Tsiga keeps it out with a front foot defensive stroke.
40.5
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Matt Henry has found his radar all of a sudden. Good length, around off, shaping away from the new batter. Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to block this but gets beaten on the outside.
40.4
0
Matt Henry to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Good length, around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends this well off his front foot.
Tafadzwa Tsiga walks out next.
40.3
W
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Too good for Craig Ervine. On a length, angling into the batter and moving away after pitching in that corridor of uncertainty. Craig Ervine though covers the line and looks to block this, but the away movement on this generates an outside edge and Tom Blundell, the keeper, behind the stumps, does the rest. Both set batters are back in the hut, and two wickets in two overs for New Zealand and Zimbabwe fear a collapse again as they are six down, still trailing by 48 runs.
40.2
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Another one full and wide outside off, Craig Ervine strides to the pitch of the delivery and leaves it all alone.
40.1
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Good length, wide outside off, Craig Ervine shoulder arms to it.
40
over
40 | 0 Runs | HH: 110/5
39.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Another one blocked solidly off his front foot. End of a successful over for the Kiwis as Mitchell Santner removes Sean Williams from the middle.
39.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Length dragged back a bit, on off. Sikandar Raza defends this as well.
39.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Quicker and fuller on middle and off, Sikandar Raza gets on top of it and blocks this out.
39.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up around middle and off, Sikandar Raza keeps it out with a block.
39.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Sikandar Raza, Fuller on off, Sikandar Raza blocks this out.
Sikandar Raza walks out next.
39.1
W
Mitchell Santner to Sean Williams, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The skipper delivers for the Kiwis. Floated down the leg, Sean Williams, on 49, sees this as an opportunity to flick this around fine leg and bring up his half-century. But Sean only manages to get the inside half off the bat, and the ball is caught by the keeper, Tom Blundell, to his right behind the stumps. This is a stunning take from the Kiwi keeper as he was blinded till the last second, and it took a big deviation off the inside edge. Zimbabwe are five down now.
39
over
39 | 5 Runs | HH: 110/4
38.6
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Goes full again, does Henry, around off. Craig Ervine drives this crisply but straight to the fielder at mid off.
38.5
1
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Full and around the pads, Sean Williams flicks this to fine leg for one.
38.4
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, This almost went through the defence of Sean Williams. Back of a length, around middle and off, Sean Williams looks to punch this off the back foot, but the ball catches an inside edge onto his pads. And, the ball just rolls away past the leg stump.
38.3
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Bumper, on middle and leg, Sean Williams punts this towards backward short leg for no run.
38.2
4
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, FOUR! Tickled fine and wide of short fine leg for four. On a length, drifting down the leg, Sean Williams leans over it and flicks this fine and wide to the left of the short fine leg fielder, who dives but can't stop it. The ball races away to the boundary. Moves to 48.
38.1
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, On a length around middle and leg, Sean Williams flicks this straight to the fielder around square leg for no run.
38
over
38 | 1 Runs | HH: 105/4
37.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Fuller on off, Craig Ervine keeps it out as well towards mid-wicket, the fielder dives to his right and cuts it off.
37.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Quicker one, on middle and leg, Craig Ervine flicks this well but closer to the short mid-wicket fielder for no run.
37.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Fuller around off, Craig Ervine tucks it with soft hands to short leg on the bounce.
37.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Craig Ervine, Tossed up, around leg. Craig Ervine looks to tickle it down to the fine leg region but gets it away off the thigh pad near the square on the leg side.
37.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Sean Williams, Floated wide outside off, Sean Williams cuts this to deep point for a single.
37.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Sean Williams, Under cutter on leg, Sean Williams hits it on the bounce to short leg.
37
over
37 | 1 Runs | HH: 104/4
36.6
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Another one bowled short and into the batter, looking to cramp him for room and get a false stroke out of Craig, but the skipper of Zimbabwe ducks underneath it one more time.
36.5
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, On a good length, around off. Craig Ervine defends this towards point.
36.4
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Effort delivery from the Kiwi pacer. A bumper which doesn't bounce much and comes in with the angle from around the wicket. Craig Ervine ducks under it.
36.3
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Henry hits the hard length, angling this into the batter from middle and off. Craig Ervine jams this in front of backward short leg.
36.2
1
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Runs at will for these batters right now. Good length onto the pads, Sean Williams tucks this through the square leg region and rotates the strike.
36.1
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Good length, on off. Sean Williams defends this well.
36
over
36 | 9 Runs | HH: 103/4
35.6
4
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, FOUR! Expensive over from Michael Bracewell as it ends with another boundary. Fuller around the pads, Craig Ervine paddles this in the gap and through the short fine leg region for four runs. 100 is up for Zimbabwe, where they are still trailing by 55 runs.
35.5
1
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Sean Williams is getting a bit itchy, as it appears. Fuller one, on middle and leg. Sean Williams goes for the slog sweep but gets it away off the inside of his bat through square leg for a single. This was in the air for a while, but in the gap as well.
35.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Floated around leg. Sean Williams looks to play this off his back foot but gets hurried on and misses. Ends up wearing it on his pads. There was a slight appeal for LBW but was turned down as it could have been sliding down leg.
35.3
4
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, FOUR! Enough of blocking, says Sean. Tossed up, around off, Sean Williams reads it early and goes for the reverse sweep. Connects well and finds the gap as well through the backward point region for a boundary.
35.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Gives it some flight this time, on off. Sean Williams jams this out, but his bottom hand goes off the handle.
35.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Quicker one on off, Sean Williams pushes this to cover for no run.
35
over
35 | 4 Runs | HH: 94/4
34.6
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Another one bowled short and on off. Craig Ervine decides to sit under it.
34.5
1
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Short-pitched, around middle and off. Sean Williams pulls this flat and towards the fielder at deep square leg for one.
34.4
1
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Hint of this tailing back into the batter late. On a length, around off, tailing back into the batter. Craig Ervine flicks this all along the ground towards deep square for a single.
34.3
1
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Henry hits the hard length, on off. Sean Williams plays this softly towards the cover-point region and takes a single.
34.2
1
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, On a length, drifting down the leg. Craig Ervine moves inside the line of the delivery and flicks this to fine leg for one.
34.1
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Good length wide of off, Craig Ervine punches this back to the bowler.
34
over
34 | 1 Runs | HH: 90/4
33.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Quicker and fuller, on off. Sean Williams defends this as well. Sean Williams has looked at ease against Michael Bracewell.
33.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Fuller on off, Sean Williams defends this out.
33.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Tossed up in the line of stumps. Sean Williams keeps it out with a block.
33.3
1
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Much fuller, wide outside off. Craig Ervine looks to push this in the gap through cover but hits it off the bottom of his bat, slightly to the right of the fielder in that direction and takes one.
33.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Tossed up on off, Craig Ervine times this well but straight to the cover fielder.
33.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Quicker one, on top of middle and leg. Craig Ervine backs away and pushes this towards cover for no run.
33
over
33 | 4 Runs | HH: 89/4
32.6
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Another instance where the ball hasn't bounced as much. Daryl goes short and into the batter. Sean Williams sits under expecting it to bounce over him, but the ball keeps really low and goes down his leg side with the angle. Tom Blundell does well to dive to his right and collect this.
32.5
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Daryl goes full this time, onto the pads. Sean Williams flicks this towards short mid-wicket for no run.
32.4
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, A proper pacers' response from the medium pacer. Bumper, going across the right ear of Sean, who ducks right under it.
32.3
4
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, FOUR! Up and over for four. Width on offer from Daryl and Sean Williams accepts it gracefully. Short and wide outside off, Williams cuts this uppish but beyond the reach of point, and the red cherry has raced to the fence for four runs.
32.2
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, On a length around middle and leg. Sean Williams stands still and blocks this out.
32.1
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Daryl Mitchell is troubling the batters with his mixups. Good length, wide of off, gets an extra bit of bounce. Sean Williams tentatively pokes at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
32
over
32 | 2 Runs | HH: 85/4
31.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, As solid as he could make it look. Tossed up on off, Craig Ervine defends this off his front foot.
31.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Fuller around off, Craig Ervine blocks this out.
31.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Unplayable from Michael Bracewell. Drifting it into the batter, and it goes through with the arm. Craig Ervine leans ahead to block this out, expecting it to turn. The ball goes straight through the gate between the bat and pad, but it misses everything onto the keeper. It goes past the off stump, and everyone on the ground is in awe. Both the keeper and bowler even appeal for LBW, but the umpire remains unmoved, implying that it hasn't touched anything.
31.3
1
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, A lot fuller, around the pads. Sean Williams gets closer to the pitch of the delivery and flicks this all along the ground towards backward square leg for one.
31.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Tossed up in the line of stumps. Sean Williams blocks this out.
31.1
1
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Quicker and flatter around off, Craig Ervine hops back and punches this through cover for one.
31
over
31 | 0 Runs | HH: 83/4
30.6
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, A maiden from Mitchell. Full and on middle and leg, Sean Williams punches it firmly this time but to mid on for no run.
30.5
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Back of a length, on top of off. Sean Williams hops up on his toes and pushes this gently towards the bowler's right for no run.
30.4
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, On a length around middle and off. Sean Williams gets solidly behind the line and blocks this out.
30.3
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Daryl Mitchell is mixing it up nicely. A sharp bumper, around off. Sean Williams leaves it all alone.
30.2
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Driven well by Sean Williams on this full ball, but closer to the fielder at short cover, who does well to dive to his right and keep this down to zero.
30.1
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Almost a false shot from Sean Williams. Way too wide outside off and full from Daryl Mitchell. Sean Williams, with no footwork, throws his bat at it but misses it.
30
over
30 | 1 Runs | HH: 83/4
29.6
1
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Short of a length around off, Sean Williams rocks back and away, cuts this through the gap at cover-point and takes one.
29.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Quicker and fuller in the line of stumps. Sean Williams blocks this one as well.
29.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Goes a little bit wide of the crease, from around the wicket and floats one into the batter. Sean Williams dead bats it around short leg.
29.3
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Gives it a lot more air, on middle and off. Sean Williams strides in front and defends this as well.
29.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Fuller, on off. Sean Williams keeps it out with another block.
29.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Tossed up around off. Sean Williams defends this well.
29
over
29 | 3 Runs | HH: 82/4
28.6
0
Daryl Mitchell to Craig Ervine, Test of Craig's patience. DM bowls this full and wide outside off. Craig Ervine leaves it all alone.
28.5
0
Daryl Mitchell to Craig Ervine, A lot fuller, wide outside off. Craig Ervine gets right on top of the bounce here and blocks this right underneath his eyeline.
28.4
0
Daryl Mitchell to Craig Ervine, Here comes the effort delivery from Daryl Mitchell as he bends his back and darts a short-pitched delivery around off. Craig Ervine jams this around gully for no run.
28.3
0
Daryl Mitchell to Craig Ervine, Good length, on middle and off. Craig Ervine blocks this out.
28.2
1
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Shouts of catch it, but this was hit in the gap from Sean Williams. On a length, around the pads, Sean Williams leans over it and flicks this through the vacant square leg region for one.
28.1
2
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Daryl Mitchell dishes this full and wide of off, Sean Williams opens the face of his bat and cuts this through backward point and scampers back for two.
28
over
28 | 3 Runs | HH: 79/4
27.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Quicker and flatter around off, Craig Ervine cuts this straight to Rachin Ravindra at point for a dot to end the over.
27.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Flighted around off, turning away. Craig Ervine throws his bat at it but swipes under it.
27.4
1
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Length dragged back on middle and leg, Sean Williams gets up on the bounce and gets it away in the gap towards mid-wicket for another single.
27.3
1
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Tossed up, on the pads, Craig Ervine rolls his wrists a bit and flicks this towards mid-wicket and rotates the strike.
27.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Goes a lot closer to the stumps, Craig Ervine strides to the pitch of the delivery and blocks this out.
27.1
1
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Fuller, turning away from the batter. Sean Williams rocks back and away and cuts this through point for a single.
DRINKS! New Zealand have started Day 3 on a strong note, picking up two crucial wickets in the opening hour, both courtesy of a sharp spell from Will O'Rourke, who has been impressive with his control and intent. Alongside Matt Henry, the Kiwi pacers initially tested the batters with a probing line outside off, but quickly adjusted their lengths to draw them into playing, and it paid off. Zimbabwe now find themselves in deep trouble at four wickets down, still trailing by 82 runs. The experienced pair of Sean Williams and Craig Ervine are at the crease, but they’ll need to dig deep and weather this testing spell if Zimbabwe are to stay in the fight. With that, Michael Bracewell to continue.
27
over
27 | 3 Runs | HH: 76/4
26.6
0
Daryl Mitchell to Craig Ervine, Nagging length and around off, Craig defends it off the back foot.
26.5
1
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Just tap and run! On a length and around off, Sean dabs it down towards cover point and calls for a quick single. Ervine responds well and both batters complete it before the fielder gets to the ball.
26.4
0
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Hard length and around off, Sean rises with the bounce and drops it down to cover.
26.3
1
Daryl Mitchell to Craig Ervine, Short of a length and around middle, Craig Ervine swivels and pulls it down to deep backward square leg for one.
26.2
0
Daryl Mitchell to Craig Ervine, BEATEN! Full and close to the off stump, moves away after pitching, Craig Ervine strides forward to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
26.1
1
Daryl Mitchell to Sean Williams, Bowls it full and outside off, driven away through cover for one by Williams.
Change, as Daryl Mitchell comes into the attack.
26
over
26 | 5 Runs | HH: 73/4
25.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Craig Ervine, Floated up and around off, Craig Ervine comes forward to defend it but gets an otuside edge that rolls away towards cover point.
25.5
1
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Lands it full and around off, Sean comes forward and drives it towards extra cover for one.
25.4
4
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Full and around off, Sean Williams sits down and picks it up with a sweep shot. Plays it towards deep square leg and gets four runs.
25.3
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Around off, defended back to the bowler.
25.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, A bit fuller more and around off, Sean again comes forward and looks to drive it but gets beaten by the flight and turn again.
25.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Sean Williams, Oh, sharp turn! Full and around off, Sean Williams comes forward and looks to push it towards cover but the ball gets some grip and turns away to beat the outside edge of the bat.
Last four overs have been good for New Zealand as they have struck one more. The ball is moving a bit, and they have tried to pitch it up more often this time, extracting the best of the pitch. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean batters have been cautious in their approach, apart from Sean Williams. They need to apply more as they are already four down and this is a tricky morning period.
25
over
25 | 6 Runs | HH: 68/4
24.6
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Nagging length and around off, Craig defends it towards cover.
24.5
1
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, In the air but falls safely! Back of a length and around leg, Sean Williams swivels and looks to play a short-arm jab, but isn't in control there. Gets a top edge that flies in between deep fine leg and deep backward square leg. A single taken.
24.4
1
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Hard length and around middle, Craig Ervine swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for one.
24.3
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Short-pitched, around middle, Craig Ervine rises with the bounce and blocks it.
24.2
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Back of a length and around off, Craig presses back and drops it down beside the pitch on the off side.
24.1
4
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, FOUR! Splendid shot! Full and around off, Craig Ervine comes forward and presents a full face of the bat. He plays it with soft hands and with great balance. Beats the diving bowler to his left and also the mid on is wide. The ball races away to long on fence for a boundary.
24
over
24 | 1 Runs | HH: 62/4
23.6
1
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Brings this one back, on a length and around middle, a bit faster also than the previous one, Craig Ervine gets a bit surprised but plays out with a straight bat. The ball goes off the inner half of the bat to deep fine leg. A single taken.
23.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, On a good length and over off, Craig Ervine presses back and defends it.
23.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Pitches it up this time and around off, Craig Ervine comes forward and looks to defend it but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards short leg.
23.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Short of a length and outside off, moving away, Craig Ervine lets it go again.
23.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Back of a length and just outside off, Craig Ervine presses back and holds his bat close to his body to leave it.
23.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, On a length and just outside off, Craig lets it go.
23
over
23 | 7 Runs | HH: 61/4
22.6
2
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Short of a length and around middle, Sean Williams swivels on his toes, and pulls it down to deep mid-wicket. The deep square leg fielder moves to his right and cuts it off but both batters take two runs.
22.5
1
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, On a good length and on the pads again, Ervine tucks it towards square leg for one.
22.4
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, On the pads, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot.
22.3
4
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, FOUR! This is a brilliant shot! A tad full delivery and around off, Craig Ervine plants his front leg forward, gets to the pitch of the ball, and drives it to the right of mid on for a boundary.
22.2
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, Full and around off, moving away from there, Craig Ervine comes forward again and looks to push it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
22.1
0
Matt Henry to Craig Ervine, FALLS SHORT! A bit fuller and around off, angling away, Craig Ervine comes forward to defend it but gets an outside edge that goes towards the second slip but falls down ahead of the fielder there, who gets his left hand on it and the ball has been grabbed by third slip.
22
over
22 | 12 Runs | HH: 54/4
21.6
1
Will O'Rourke to Craig Ervine, Angling in, full and around off, Craig nudges it towards square leg and gets one run to open his account.
The skipper, Craig Ervine, comes out to bat at number six.
21.5
W
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, OUT! CAUGHT! Will O'Rourke gets his third, and Zimbabwe are four down! O'Rourke bowls it on the shorter side and gets it to angle into the body of the batter, around middle. Vincent Masekesa gets cramped up as the ball follows him. He tries to get away from it by bringing his bat in front of his left shoulder but gets a bit late. The ball hits him on the gloves and lobs up towards short leg. Rachin Ravindra is alert over there as he moves forward, full stretch and plucks it just above the ground. A pretty good catch with good reflexes and the nightwatchman has to walk back.
21.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Full and outside off, dabbed down to backward point off the back foot.
21.3
3
Will O'Rourke to Sean Williams, A good one, short and around off, Sean Williams presses back and pulls it down to mid-wicket. Three runs taken.
21.2
4
Will O'Rourke to Sean Williams, FOUR! Not a great line again! On a length, sliding on the leg stump, Sean Williams gets inside the line and tickles it this time to deep fine leg and gets four runs to his name.
21.1
4
Will O'Rourke to Sean Williams, FOUR BYES! Darts it in full but down the leg side, Sean Williams looks to tickle it fine but misses. Also, the keeper dives to his right full length but misses. The ball races away to the boundary in no time.
Last four overs have been pretty good for New Zealand. As their bowlers have tried to pitch the ball further up, close to the off stump and entice the batter to play for it. They also have found success there and have got one wicket, but will have to continue to do so more. Meanwhile, the batters of Zimbabwe have been tentative in this period, which could be because of the steep bounce where the ball is staying low, and also, there has been some extra bounce on some balls, making it difficult for them to judge the lengths. Let's see how it goes further.
21
over
21 | 3 Runs | HH: 42/3
20.6
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Another full delivery, around off, Vincent Masekesa gets inside the line and defends it.
20.5
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Around off, pushed away to cover off the front foot.
20.4
3
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Good effort in the field! Full and outside off, Sean Williams comes forward and just presents the full face of the bat to drive. He didn't try to overhit it and played it with soft hands. The ball goes in the gap between cover and backward point. The fielder from backward point chases it and manages to flick it inside the field, just when he was going over the ropes. Three runs taken.
20.3
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Back of a length, over off, Williams stays on the back foot and drops it down towards cover point.
20.2
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, This one stays a bit low, on a length and around off, Sean manages to block it as he plays it off the back foot.
20.1
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, From around the wicket angle, on a length and around off, Sean Williams comes forward and defends it.
20
over
20 | 0 Runs | HH: 39/3
19.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Short of a length and outside off, left alone.
19.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Short-pitched, around off, Vincent Masekesa rides the bounce and pushes it into the off side without any foot movement.
19.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, A bit fuller than the previous one and from wide of the crease, angling in, around off, VM defends it off the front foot.
19.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Back of a length, over off, Vincent Masekesa rises with the bounce and drops it down beside the pitch on the off side.
19.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, CLOSE! Hard length and around off, angling in, Vincent Masekesa leaves it, but the ball whizzes past the top of the off stump.
19.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Full and around off, Vincent Masekesa comes forward and blocks it.
19
over
19 | 5 Runs | HH: 39/3
18.6
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, On a length and outside off, threatens to come in but then moves away after pitching, Sean Williams watches it carefully before leaving out.
18.5
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, Goes fuller and around off, Sean comes forward and defends it with a straight bat.
18.4
0
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, A bouncer to follow from Henry and around middle, Sean ducks under it.
18.3
4
Matt Henry to Sean Williams, FOUR! Good stroke and Sean Williams is off the mark! Short of a length and angling in, arouund middle, Williams goes back, swivels, and pulls it down to deep backward square leg for a cracking boundary.
18.2
1
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Another edge is found but falls short again! On a good length and outside off, moving away from there, Vincent Masekesa looks to defend it, holding his bat close to his body, but gets an outside edge that goes in the gap between third slip and gully. A single taken. Lucky for Vincent as it doesn't carry to any fielder there.
18.1
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Full and outside off, left alone.
18
over
18 | 0 Runs | HH: 34/3
17.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Sean Williams, Oooh! Could have been another, but falls short! Back of a length and around off, angling away from over the wicket angle, Sean Williams throws his bat at it, looking to push it off the back foot but generates an otuside edge that goes towards gully but on the bounce, where the fielder grabs it. A wicket-maiden for Will O'Rourke.
Sean Williams walks out to bat next.
17.5
W
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! There it is, Will O'Rourke has lured the batter and New Zealand have found success. O'Rourke pitches it up and bowls it in the fifth stump line, enticing the batter to go for a drive from there. Nick Welch comes forward as he sees a full-length ball and looks to drive it on the up, but plays it a bit away from his body. The ball gets some drift off the deck and catches the thin outside edge of the bat. The keeper, Tom Blundell, does the rest behind the wickets, as he moves a bit to his right and pouches it around his waist height. Zimbabwe are rocked early, and they are three down for 34, still trailing by 124 runs.
17.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Nagging length and outside off, moving away, Nick Welch lets it go again.
17.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Again bowls it fuller and outside off, Nick Welch leaves it. But this one stays a bit low.
17.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, A bit full and around off, Nick Welch comes forward and drives it to mid off.
17.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Back of a length and outside off, Welch leaves it.
Four overs have happened so far, and there has been that indecisive bounce, but New Zealand haven't been able to extract any wickets as they have bowled way too outside of the off stump. They need to come closer to the batter and lure them to play out, as otherwise the batters would just continue to leave the deliveries as they have been doing so far. Correct approach from two overnight batters of Zimbabwe as they have been stoic so far in their batting, playing close to their body and off the back foot more often.
17
over
17 | 0 Runs | HH: 34/2
16.6
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Full and outside off, Vincent Masekesa gets drawn forward as he goes to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
16.5
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Short of a length and around off, Vincent Masekesa hops up with the bounce and manages to defend it with soft hands towards cover point. A good control and a good balance on this shot.
16.4
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, More full than the previous one and in the channel outside off, but Vincent Masekesa watches it carefully and leaves it.
16.3
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Nagging length and outside off, Vincent Masekesa leaves it.
16.2
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Back of a length and outside off, Vincent Masekesa rides the bounce and defends it into the off side.
16.1
0
Matt Henry to Vincent Masekesa, Hard length, nips back in, around middle, Vincent Masekesa again gets cramped as he looks to drop it down into the leg side. The ball follows him and as he goes to flick it, his bottom hand goes off the bat. The ball hits the upper half of the bat and rolls away towards mid-wicket.
16
over
16 | 1 Runs | HH: 34/2
15.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Ends with a back-of-a-length delivery, well outside off, Nick Welch rises with the bounce but leaves it as it is too wide of off.
15.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Pitches it up and outside off, holds it line, Welch lets it go.
15.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Nick Welch, Nagging length and outside off, Nick leaves it.
15.3
1
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, On a good length and around off, angling in from wide of the crease, Vincent comes forward to defend it but plays it too close to his body. The ball takes the outer half of the bat and rolls away towards cover point in the gap. A single taken.
15.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Oh, there is that steep bounce! Short of a length and angling in, around the right shoulder of the batter. The ball continues to come in and Vincent Masekesa gets cramped up as he looks to sway away from it. The ball goes past his right shoulder to the keeper.
15.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Short-pitched, around off, Vincent Masekesa hops up and drops it down into the deck.
15
over
15 | 2 Runs | HH: 33/2
14.6
2
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, First runs on Day 3! Full and around off, gets some inward movement off the pitch here, does Henry. Nick comes forward to drive it but the bat face gets turned in his hands. The ball hits the lower part of the bat and rolls away to the left of short mid on. That fielder chases it down but both batters take two runs.
14.5
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, On a good length and around middle, angling in, Nick blocks it.
14.4
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Another hitting the deck hard delivery, around off, Nick defends it off the back foot.
14.3
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Hard length and around off, Welch stays on the back foot, deep in his crease, shows the full face of the bat and blocks it.
14.2
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Back of a length and around middle, gets some extra bounce off the deck, Nick Welch gets surprised as he presses back and looks to defend it but the ball makes a connection with the upper half of the bat. It rolls away to short leg.
14.1
0
Matt Henry to Nick Welch, Nagging length, brings back into the line of the stumps, around off, Nick Welch rises with the bounce and defends it into the pitch.
Matt Henry will bowl from the other end, as expected. With three slips and a gully in place for him.
14
over
14 | 0 Runs | HH: 31/2
13.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, MAIDEN! Will pitches it full again and outside off, getting some away seam movement but Vincent Masekesa leaves it.
13.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Too full and too wide, outside off, left alone.
13.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, This one gets some away movement, from the full length and outside off. The ball moves away further, even after pitching, going past the stumps. Vincent leaves it again and the keeper has to move to his right to collect it.
13.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Another full ball, outside off, left alone.
13.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, There is a lack of bounce! On a good length and outside off, Vincent Masekesa leaves it again, but the ball doesn't carry to the keeper in one go. It bounces in front of him, and the keeper collects it to his right.
13.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Starts off with a relatively full-length ball, moving away, outside off, Vincent Masekesa leaves it.
All is set for the action to kick off for Day 3 in Bulawayo. The umpires walk out, and so have the players of New Zealand to take their respective positions. But before that, they get in a huddle for a pep talk and then spread out. Also, walk out two the unbeaten overnight batters of Zimbabwe, where Nick Welch will resume the batting along with nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa. Will O'Rourke will start the proceedings with three slips in place. Here we go...
PITCH REPORT - Ed Rainsford and Scott Styris are pitchside. According to Scott Styris, the Airport End produces a tennis-ball bounce that can trouble batters, especially against taller bowlers like Will O'Rourke, while the City End has a lower bounce that encourages front-foot play. The morning session is likely to be challenging due to residual moisture, making it vital for Zimbabwe to navigate this period with minimal losses. The key for both teams will be to adapt to the pitch conditions and capitalize on opportunities.
Also, Dion Ebrahim, the batting coach of Zimbabwe, is up for a quick chat before the start of today's play. He reflects on the team's ongoing efforts to build consistency across all formats. Says that it isn't that simple to answer in one sentence, but the coaching group had been working hard to implement a clear approach, with a focus on structure and discipline, along with consistency. While acknowledging that batting success could be subjective and influenced by many variables, he emphasises the team's intent to bat deeper into innings and convert starts into significant scores. Highlights one of the key positives over the past year, as Zimbabwe have an increased number of centuries. However, he stresses that the focus remained on achieving that consistency through refining technical abilities. According to him, both senior and younger players need to step up, as it ultimately came down to the discipline required to apply themselves for long periods at the crease. Admits that the side had been a bit scrappy in patches but remains hopeful for a more measured and disciplined second-innings display. Reiterates the importance of executing the game plan, particularly in Test cricket, where clarity of role and patience often make the biggest difference.
Devon Conway of New Zealand is up for a chat. Conway feels that the pitch was quite challenging, especially with the new ball, due to the bounce on the surface and the bowlers' ability to extract movement. Highlights the importance of the partnership with Will Young in putting pressure on the bowlers and the team's strategy of batting for long periods and riding out tough phases. Conway emphasises the need to stay positive, communicate effectively, and capitalise on loose deliveries to put pressure back on the bowlers. Conway notes that the team made some adjustments in the second innings, such as standing deep in the crease to better deal with the bounce and reading the length more effectively. He believes the morning session will be crucial for New Zealand to pick up wickets and acknowledges that there's still plenty in it for the bowlers. Regarding the bowling attack, Conway expresses hope that Nathan Smith would be fit enough to bowl later in the innings, but has full confidence in Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke to make early inroads.
As we build toward the action on Day 3, all eyes will be on Zimbabwe’s middle order. Can they channel the grit they showed with the ball into their batting? Or will New Zealand’s attack, even one short, sniff blood early and race toward victory? One thing’s for certain - the thrill of battling. Also, the pitch at Queens Sports Club has remained relatively slow but is beginning to show signs of wear. With that, stay tuned for more, as the action isn’t far away!
For Zimbabwe, there are some positives, but much still to do. Their bowlers fought back admirably after the Conway–Young stand. But batting remains a concern. They struggled to rotate strike in the first innings, and now in the second, both openers are already gone. Nick Welch and nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa have a big job today to blunt the attack. With experienced names like Williams, Ervine, and Raza still to come, there's hope, but only if they bat time and apply themselves better than they did on Day 1. Survival first, then rebuild. They can’t afford another collapse here.
New Zealand will feel they’re in control, and the margin is quite strong, allowing them to even win the first match by an inning. Daryl’s knock was the glue holding things together, and Nathan Smith’s brave 22 before retiring hurt was a huge moment. The abdominal tear that now rules Smith out of bowling leaves the Kiwis a bowler short, meaning their spinners, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, will have more work to do. Also, the pace duo of Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke will need to operate efficiently. With a lead of 127 already and eight wickets to take, they will look to strike early and push for a result in the first two sessions, considering how Zimbabwe batted in their first inning.
The story so far has unfolded in three compelling acts. Zimbabwe were bundled out for 149 in their first innings despite some resistance from Craig Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsiga. New Zealand, in reply, surged to 92/0 by Stumps on Day 1 with Will Young and Devon Conway setting the tone. Day 2, however, turned chaotic for the Kiwis as Blessing Muzarabani struck with the first ball, triggering a collapse of sorts. Conway’s defiant 88 and Daryl Mitchell’s resolute 80 ensured New Zealand posted 307, securing a 158-run lead. Zimbabwe struck back in the final session with the ball, but once again stumbled with the bat, losing both openers quickly to Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke. They now have a mountain to climb if they want to stay in this contest.
Hello and welcome to Day 3 of the first Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand from Bulawayo, commonly known in cricketing folklore as ‘Moving Day’. The match has already witnessed dramatic shifts in momentum, and as the middle day dawns, both sides have much to play for. After a grind on Day 1 and a fascinating ebb and flow on Day 2, New Zealand find themselves ahead on the scorecard. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, having shown grit with the ball, now face a stern test with the bat after ending Day 2 at 31/2 in their second innings, still trailing by 127 runs. More than ten wickets fell on the second day, and with variable bounce creeping in, Day 3 could be pivotal, perhaps even decisive.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, that is it from an entertaining Day 2 of this 1st Test, where New Zealand are still in the driving seat, but Zimbabwe improved a lot from the opening day. The game is nicely poised as we shift towards the 'Moving Day.' If the Kiwis can skittle out the hosts quickly, and there are signs of that, we could possibly see a result on Day 3. It is looking increasingly likely as of now, unless Zimbabwe bats their skins out. The action resumes on 1st August, Friday, at 8 am GMT, but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!
In the final session, even with the second new ball in hand, Zimbabwe couldn’t break through New Zealand’s lower order quickly, allowing the visitors to stretch their lead with Daryl Mitchell and Nathan Smith leading the charge. Mitchell crafted a fine 80, while Smith was forced to retire hurt with an abdominal tear, ruling him out of bowling in this innings - a setback for the Kiwis. However, they responded strongly with the ball as Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke struck early to remove both openers. But Nick Welch, along with nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa, ensured no further damage was done before Stumps.
If Zimbabwe showed fight in the first session, they certainly made New Zealand work hard for every run in the next. The bowlers stuck to disciplined lines and lengths, and Tanaka Chivanga’s dismissal of Devon Conway set things in motion. Skipper Sean Williams rotated his attack smartly, and the hosts were rewarded with four key wickets, making them the dominant side in that session.
Zimbabwe began Day 2 in style as Blessing Muzarabani struck with the very first ball, removing Will Young. However, they had to work hard after that, as the Kiwi batters dug in and kept the scoreboard ticking. Their persistence eventually paid off when Tanaka Chivanga and Sikandar Raza claimed a couple of quick wickets. Through it all, Devon Conway held firm for the visitors and, with support from his partners, guided New Zealand into the lead by Lunch.
An action-packed Day 2 comes to a close! Zimbabwe displayed plenty of grit and determination, particularly with the ball, but their batting struggles remain. They succeeded in limiting New Zealand’s lead to 158 runs, yet lost both openers in the challenging period before Stumps and now trail by 127 runs.
13
over
13 | 0 Runs | HH: 31/2
12.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, A loud appeal for LBW on the last delivery of Day 2 but the umpire turns this down as well. Floated full, outside off. Nick Welch leaves it all alone and gets hit on the pads. A confident appeal from the Kiwis but nothing barring a smile from the umpire as he turns it down. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 2!
12.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Comes round the wicket, bowls this around leg. Nick Welch tucks this to backward square leg for no run. A bit of mix-up between Welch and Vincent Masekesa but the non-striker was just not in the mood to face the last delivery of the day coming up next.
12.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Fuller on middle and leg, Nick Welch tucks this to mid on for no run.
12.3
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Tossed up on off, Nick Welch defends this out.
12.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Tossed up, on middle and leg, Nick Welch flicks this to mid on.
12.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Fuller on the pads, Nick Welch tucks this to short leg.
12
over
12 | 0 Runs | HH: 31/2
11.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Tossed up, blocked again.
11.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Floated on off, Vincent Masekesa defends this well.
11.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Full and outside off, Vincent Masekesa leaves it all alone.
11.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Full marks for the appeal to the Kiwis but the umpire does brilliantly to turn this appeal down. Slider, down the leg. Vincent Masekesa rocks back and looks to flick this but misses out. The ball was nowhere near the pads or the bat but a confident appeal might have got Vincent Masekesa worried but the umpire remained unmoved.
11.2
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Fired down the leg. Vincent Masekesa misses out on the flick and wears it on the pads.
11.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Floated wide of off. Vincent Masekesa cover the stumps and sees the ball turn away to the keeper.
11
over
11 | 0 Runs | HH: 31/2
10.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Flighted on off, Nick Welch thumps this on the bounce towards the bowler for no run.
10.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Quicker, onto the pads. Nick Welch rocks back and jams this in front of short leg.
10.4
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Floated around off, Nick Welch tucks this to short mid-wicket.
10.3
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Quicker one on off. Nick Welch defends this one.
10.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Fuller on off, Nick Welch smashes this powerfully towards the right of the bowler and Michael Bracewell does well to dive to his right and field this.
10.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Tossed up on off, Nick Welch pushes this back to the bowler.
10
over
10 | 1 Runs | HH: 31/2
9.6
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Tossed up on off, Vincent Masekesa blocks this out.
9.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Fuller on off, Vincent Masekesa drives this onto the pads of silly point.
9.4
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, A huge appeal for caught at short leg but the umpire turns this down. Slider, onto the pads. Vincent Masekesa looks to block but misses out. The ball spoons off his pads and Henry Nicholls at short leg takes a good diving catch. The Kiwis go up in unison, appealing for a catch-out, but the umpire turns it down.
9.3
0
Mitchell Santner to Vincent Masekesa, Floated full and on off. Vincent Masekesa defends this off his front foot.
9.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Flighted full and on off. Nick Welch flicks this towards the right of mid on and takes a quick single.
9.1
0
Mitchell Santner to Nick Welch, Fuller, on off. Nick Welch tucks this to short mid-wicket.
9
over
9 | 1 Runs | HH: 30/2
8.6
0
Michael Bracewell to Vincent Masekesa, Fuller on off. Vincent Masekesa rolls his wrists and tucks this to short leg.
8.5
0
Michael Bracewell to Vincent Masekesa, Tossed up on middle and off. Vincent Masekesa rolls this to short leg for a dot.
8.4
1
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Fuller on middle and leg, Nick Welch flicks this to mid on and takes a sharp single.
8.3
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Short of a length, on off. Nick Welch blocks this out as well.
8.2
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Fuller around off. Nick Welch defends this off his front foot.
8.1
0
Michael Bracewell to Nick Welch, Pushed through on off, Nick Welch defends this to silly mid on.
8
over
8 | 4 Runs | HH: 29/2
7.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Vincent Masekesa, Good length on off, Vincent Masekesa defends this out.
Vincent Masekesa comes out as the nightwatchman.
7.5
W
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Will O'Rourke continues to bowl around the off-stump of Brian Bennett and the one shaping a hint away from the batter does the trick for New Zealand. Brian Bennett throws his hands at it, gets an outside edge and Tom Blundell gets low in front to pouch this one. Both the openers of Zimbabwe are back in the hut now.
7.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, Bumper, on off. Brian Bennett sits well under it.
7.3
4
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Fourth boundary of this innings for Brian Bennett. Back of a length around off, Brian Bennett stands tall and goes for a punch off the back foot. The ball shapes away a bit and gets an outside edge and flies past the gully region for a boundary. This might be the way to go for the Kiwis, as Brian Bennett just gets lucky here.
7.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, Good length around off, Brian Bennett looks to punch this off his front foot but gets beaten.
7.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, On a length, down the leg. Brian Bennett goes for the flick but misses.
Nick Welch walks out next to bat.
7
over
7 | 1 Runs | HH: 25/1
6.6
W
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Staying true to the short-pitched delivery ploy has worked well for the Kiwis. Short-pitched, just above the armpit of Ben Curran around his leg. Curran gets cramped for room as he looks to play this flat-batted shot towards the backward square leg region. Gets a thickish top edge, straight to Will O'Rourke at the fine leg fence. Early blow for Zimbabwe!
6.5
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Short-pitched, on middle and leg. Ben Curran goes for the pull but mistimes it towards the fielder at short leg. Ben Curran doesn't look confident against short-pitched deliveries.
6.4
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, On a length around off, Ben Curran punches this to short cover for no run.
6.3
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Good length on middle and leg. Ben Curran blocks this to the bowler's left.
6.2
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Way too full, on off. Ben Curran drives this to extra cover for no run.
6.1
1
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Short-pitched ploy continues to trouble Brian Bennett. The batter initially looks to sit under it but ends up going through with the pull. Ends up doing neither as the ball gets a top edge, falling short of long leg for a single.
6
over
6 | 9 Runs | HH: 24/0
5.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Good length, down the leg. Ben Curran leaves it all alone.
5.5
4
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, FOUR! Edged and away for four. Will O'Rourke goes full this time, on off. Ben Curran aims to play the off-drive. Gets an outside edge and the ball flies through the gully region for another boundary.
5.4
4
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, FOUR! Ben Curran would be feeling a whole lot better with this boundary. Good length wide of off, Ben Curran shifts his body weight onto the front foot and punches this through mid off for a boundary down to the long off fence.
5.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Good length on the pads. Ben Curran blocks this out.
5.2
1
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, Back of a length on off, Brian Bennett presses forward one moment and leans back the other as he punches this off the back foot towards the left of Mitchell Santner for a single at cover.
5.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, Short-pitched delivery around off, Brian Bennett sits under it.
5
over
5 | 2 Runs | HH: 15/0
4.6
2
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Runs, but not convincing runs. Good length on the pads, Ben Curran gets it away off the inside edge and through short fine leg for two.
4.5
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Good length, wide of off. Ben Curran leaves it all alone. Ben has not looked comfortable one bit in this half-hour or so.
4.4
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, A spicy bumper, around off. Ben Curran goes for the hook but gets it toe-poked behind the stumps for no run.
4.3
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, On a length, angling just away from the off-pole. Ben Curran gives it a good look and leaves it.
4.2
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, Good length, angling away from the batter. Ben Curran once again without any footwork throws his bat and it and gets beaten.
4.1
0
Matt Henry to Ben Curran, On a length, wide outside off. Ben Curran leaves it all alone.
4
over
4 | 5 Runs | HH: 13/0
3.6
4
Will O'Rourke to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Brian Bennett looks at ease at the start of the second innings. On a length around off, Brian Bennett leans onto the pitch of the delivery and drives it all along the ground through cover for four runs. Brian's third boundary off this innings so far.
3.5
1
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Short-pitched around leg. Ben Curran pulls this to deep square for one.
3.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Hits the hard length around off. Ben Curran firmly blocks this out.
3.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, On a length wide down the leg. Ben Curran misses the flick.
3.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Good length wide of off. Ben Curran pokes tentatively at it but gets beaten.
3.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Bumper, on leg. Ben Curran drops this short of backward short leg.
3
over
3 | 4 Runs | HH: 8/0
2.6
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Back of a length on off, Brian Bennett gets hurried onto the block as this skids onto him. BB gets beaten on the inside and wears it high on his thigh pad.
2.5
4
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Nothing lucky behind this boundary. Overpitched, around off. Brian Bennett gets to the pitch of the delivery, shifts his bodyweight in a perfect frame, and leans over it as he nails the square drive for a boundary through cover-point.
2.4
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Relentless pressure from Matt Henry and somehow Brian Bennett is escaping the outside edge. Good length wide of off, Brian Bennett throws his bat at it and once again gets beaten.
2.3
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Good length arond off, Brian Bennett looks to block this but ends up hitting this off the outsid eof his bat and towards gully for no run.
2.2
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, On a length around off, Brian gets right on top of it and blocks this out.
2.1
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Good length on middle and leg. Brian Bennett hops up on his toes and drops this in front of short leg.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 4/0
1.6
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Full and wide outside off, Ben Curran leaves it all alone.
1.5
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, On a length around middle and off. Ben Curran defends this solidly off his front foot.
1.4
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Swing and a miss. On a length wide outside off. Ben Curran doesn't offer much footwork and swings wildly at it. Gets beaten on the outside.
1.3
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Good length on off, Ben Curran defends this out.
1.2
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Appeal for a caught behind but the umpire remains unmoved. Back of a length around off, shaping away from the batter. Ben Curran pokes at it but gets beaten.
1.1
0
Will O'Rourke to Ben Curran, Back of a length, around off. Ben Curran shoulder arms to it.
Will O'Rourke shares the attack.
1
over
1 | 4 Runs | HH: 4/0
0.6
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Good length, around off, Brian Bennett almost gets squared up. Managed an outside edge towards point for no run.
0.5
4
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, FOUR! A boundary to kickstart run-scoring in the second innings for Zimbabwe. Pitched-up on the pads, Brian Bennett leans over it and nails the on-drive for a boundary to the long on fence.
0.4
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Beaten again. Good length, around off, much closer to the off-stump. BB throws his bat at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
0.3
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Good length on off, Brian Bennett finally gets a feel with the bat as he blocks it.
0.2
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Good length, wide outside off. Shaping away from the batter. Brian Bennett pokes at it but gets beaten.
0.1
0
Matt Henry to Brian Bennett, Back of a length, on middle and leg. Cramped Brian Bennett for any sort of room. Brian Bennett jams this around short leg off his pads.
Right then, that wraps up the first Test match of this 2-match short series, where New Zealand have taken a 1-0 lead. All eyes now turn to the second Test, which will begin on Thursday, August 7, at 8 am GMT. But you can join us an hour earlier for the pre-match coverage. Until then, stay tuned, and just change the tabs to catch up on the ongoing fifth Test between England and India at The Oval. CIAO!
New Zealand captain, Mitchell Santner, applauds his team's performance first, highlighting a strong collective effort. Mentions that the bowlers did well, exceeding expectations with the ball's movement, and restricting Zimbabwe to under 150 runs in the first inning. Santner notes that the batting could have been more clinical, but building a lead was a positive outcome. Praises the Zimbabwean bowlers, particularly Blessing Muzarabani, for making batting challenging with the ball bouncing sharply. Also acknowledges that his team needs to improve their batting in the next match. He also commends Nathan Smith's exceptional bowling, although an injury limited his contribution. The captain saw the silver lining in Smith's injury, as it gave Michael Bracewell and him extra practice with the ball.
Matt Henry is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his total of 9 wickets in the match. He says that the transition from T20s to Test cricket is a bit tough, as adapting at the international level requires belief in the preparation and a strong skillset to back it up. Feels pleased with how the team was able to exploit the conditions on day one and establish a solid platform. Speaking about the injuries to Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke, Henry mentions that both were being assessed and expresses hope that they would return before the second Test, while also acknowledging the importance of managing their workload with a long summer ahead. Concludes by saying it was great to be back playing Test cricket.
Zimbabwe captain, Craig Ervine, reflects on the team's performance in the Test match, noting that there was a lot more application from the team this time around. Feels that the pitch offered a lot on the first day, but the players tried to grind through it, sticking to their plans and showing intent. Although a few questionable decisions went against them, Ervine believes the team showed promise. Ervine mentions that the team had expected the pitch to play better than it did, with unexpected lateral movement, as he thought 250 would have been a competitive score on the first day, but Zimbabwe ended up about 100 runs short. Despite there being enough on the surface to take early wickets, things didn't go their way in the New Zealand innings. Praises the bowlers' effort on Day 2, saying they responded well and put in a solid performance. Acknowledges the team's fatigue after a long Test season, emphasising the importance of mental and physical freshness. The team will take a few days off to reassess and recharge before aiming to bounce back strong
Time for the Post-Match Presentations...
This win will be a huge morale booster for New Zealand, after winning the Tri-Nation series earlier. They were clinical from start to finish and stayed ahead every day of the match. They adapted better to the pitch, showed discipline with both bat and ball, and made Zimbabwe pay for every mistake.
Zimbabwe’s first innings collapse set the tone for them. The batters lacked focus and got out playing poor shots or failing to read the conditions. Only Craig Ervine looked settled, but the rest of the top order fell too cheaply. Bennett, Curran, and Raza fell within moments, and although Tsiga and Welch tried to rebuild, it never looked enough. They need to sort out their batting, which has been the major issue for them in this defeat. Henry’s 6-fer ripped through the line-up, and Zimbabwe’s inability to stitch partnerships cost them dearly. Even in the second innings, apart from Williams and Ervine, the batters looked out of sorts and failed to apply themselves again on a pitch that wasn’t overly challenging.
For New Zealand, it was a complete performance. The top order did the job with composed fifties from Conway and Daryl, while Young’s early start and Nicholls’ steady knock ensured stability. With the ball, Matt Henry was relentless across both innings, finishing with 9 wickets in the match, while Santner’s control and O’Rourke’s breakthroughs ensured Zimbabwe never got any breathing room. Though they did lose their two bowlers in the third inning, where Nathan Smith was ruled due to an abdominal tear, and Will O'Rourke complained of back stiffness and didn't take the field in the second session of Day 3, but skipper Santner did well to rotate his limited options smartly and won the game.
Day 3 offered Zimbabwe a faint glimmer of hope when Craig Ervine and Sean Williams put together a 57-run stand. But their dismissals just before lunch broke the back of Zimbabwe’s resistance. Tsiga tried his best again, adding 27 valuable runs, and a late 9th-wicket partnership with Blessing Muzarabani gave some cheer to the home fans. However, Mitchell Santner’s four-wicket haul wiped out the tail with ease. The pitch had a variable bounce, but New Zealand's bowlers also remained accurate and patient, making life hard for Zimbabwe's unsettled batters.
From the start, it was a one-sided contest with Zimbabwe constantly on the back foot. On Day 1, their batters collapsed against a sharp new-ball spell by Matt Henry and Nathan Smith, with only Craig Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsiga showing some grit. New Zealand responded assertively as Devon Conway and Will Young cruised to 92/0 by stumps. On Day 2, Zimbabwe clawed back slightly by taking regular wickets, but Daryl Mitchell’s gritty 80 and Smith’s late resistance helped the visitors to a sizeable total. The hosts ended Day 2 already trailing by 127 runs and two wickets down in their second innings.
CLINICAL AND DOMINANT. That would be the first two words to describe this thumping win for New Zealand as they have stamped their authority in Bulawayo with this pumping nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening Test of the two-match series. After electing to bat first, the hosts looked under pressure across the three days. The disciplined bowling attack of New Zealand dismantled Zimbabwe for 149 in the first innings, and a strong response with the bat saw them post 307, building a commanding 158-run lead. Zimbabwe, needing to bat long to force a fightback, couldn’t hold off the Kiwi pace and spin duo on Day 3 and were bowled out for just 165. Chasing a paltry target of 8 runs, New Zealand finished the game within three overs to take a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series.
2.2
over
2.2 | 4 Runs | HH: 8/1
2.2
4
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Here comes the winning runs from the bat of Henry Nicholls. Short-pitched, on middle and off. Henry Nicholls pulls this flat and through the mid-wicket region for a boundary to win the first Test by 9 wickets.
2.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Henry Nicholls, On a length around the pads, Henry Nicholls gets inside and goes for the flick but misses.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 4/1
1.6
0
Sean Williams to Will Young, Fuller on off, Will Young blocks this off his back foot. A maiden over.
1.5
0
Sean Williams to Will Young, Pushed through around off, Will Young edges this to short third for another dot.
1.4
0
Sean Williams to Will Young, Short of a length on off, Will Young cuts this to point for no run.
1.3
0
Sean Williams to Will Young, Fuller, on middle and leg, Will Young goes for the slog sweep, gets it off the inside edge and onto his pads for no run.
1.2
0
Sean Williams to Will Young, Tossed up on off, Will Young defends this well.
1.1
0
Sean Williams to Will Young, Fuller around off, Will Young drives this to cover for no run.
Henry Nicholls walks out at 3.
1
over
1 | 4 Runs | HH: 4/1
0.6
W
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Back of a length around off, Devon Conway jumps down the track and was looking to wrap things up with a punch through covers. But the ball is close to his body and thus, he gets a bottom edge and the ball has gone on to uproot the middle stump out of the ground. New Zealand can't have that 10-wicket emphatic win now, as they lose their first, but just a matter of fact only, as they have played brilliantly so far.
0.5
4
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, FOUR! New Zealand are halfway through the total. Back of a length, around the pads. Devon Conway pulls this flat and towards the right of deep square leg for four runs. Just 4 needed now to win for the Kiwis.
0.4
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Good length, angling into the batter. Devon Conway defends this around short leg.
0.3
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, Good length, wide of off, Devon Conway pushes this towards point for a dot.
0.2
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, On a length, wide of off. Devon Conway jumps down the track and looks to loft this over cover but gets beaten.
0.1
0
Newman Nyamhuri to Devon Conway, On a length, around off, Devon Conway gets right on top of the bounce and blocks this out.
Zimbabwe
Brian Bennett
Bat/Bow
Ben Curran
Bat/Bow
Nick Welch
Bat/Bow
Sean Williams
Bat/Bow
Craig Ervine
CAP/Bat/Bow
Sikandar Raza
Bat/Bow
Tafadzwa Tsiga
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Newman Nyamhuri
Bat/Bow
Vincent Masekesa
Bat/Bow
Blessing Muzarabani
Bat/Bow
Tanaka Chivanga
Bat/Bow
New Zealand
Devon Conway
Bat/Bow
Will Young
Bat/Bow
Henry Nicholls
Bat/Bow
Rachin Ravindra
Bat/Bow
Daryl Mitchell
Bat/Bow
Tom Blundell
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Michael Bracewell
Bat/Bow
Mitchell Santner
CAP/Bat/Bow
Nathan Smith
Bat/Bow
Matt Henry
Bat/Bow
Will O'Rourke
Bat/Bow
Match Details
SeriesNew Zealand in Zimbabwe, 2 Test Series, 2025VenueQueens Sports Club, BulawayoDate 30 Jul 2025 - 01 Aug 2025Toss ZIM, elected to bat firstUmpiresAlex Wharf (ENG), Asif Yaqoob (PAK) and Langton Rusere (ZIM)Match Result New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by 9 wickets Player Of The Match Matt Henry
Match Result Update: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 1st Test - New Zealand in Zimbabwe, 2 Test Series, 2025
The 1st Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo ended with a win for New Zealand, who successfully chased down a target of 8, winning the match by 9 wickets.
Henry Nicholls anchored the innings with a brilliant 4 off 2, while Devon Conway provided key support with 4 runs. Together, they guided New Zealand to 8/1 in 2.2 overs.
Match Summary:
Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 149
New Zealand 1st Innings: 307
Zimbabwe 2nd Innings: 165
New Zealand 2nd Innings: 8
Stay tuned for real-time commentary, ball-by-ball updates, and full scorecard details. Catch all the action from the New Zealand in Zimbabwe, 2 Test Series, 2025, including milestones, fall of wickets, and session-wise summaries - only on Indian Express Live Cricket Score Page.