ZIM v NZ, 2nd Test Review: New Zealand complete whitewash

Published - 10 Aug 2016, 17:27 IST | Updated - 10 Aug 2016, 17:27 IST

3 Min Read

New Zealand clinched an important win over Zimbabwe after clinching a massive 254-run win on the final day of the second Test match at the Queens Club in Bulawayo. Kane Williamson was adjudged as the man of the match for his performance having smashed a century in the first and a half-century in the second innings. Therefore, in what is his first Test series as captain of the New Zealand side has completed a whitewash.

Playing on dead rubber, the Kiwi batsmen looked completely at ease in their first innings. The wicket was so comfortable for one to bat on as the Kiwis managed to bat for Lion’s share of time in the opening two days of the Test match. The first innings was a shambolic one as far as the home side was concerned because Henry Nicholls was the only batsman who did not cross the 50-run mark.

Tom Latham top scored with 136 in what seemed to be a trio of centuries in the innings. Ross Taylor (124) and skipper Kane Williamson (113) were the others who joined Latham in completing tons while Martin Guptill (87) and BJ Watling (83) smashed half-centuries. The Kiwis retired to the haven of the dressing room at the end of their innings having amassed 582 runs.

The Zimbabwe innings was all about Craig Ervine as the southpaw smashed a wonderful century, a knock that came in the face of adversity. The Zimbabweans however, were given a solid start from Chamu Chibhabha as he smashed a solid 60 runs before Ervine was able to have a crack at the New Zealand bowlers before the close of Day 3. While Ervine coasted to his century, Peter Moor, playing in his debut Test match smashed a wonderful 71, something that allowed the home side to avoid the follow-on. However, with Ervine denied of a 150-run milestone, the Zimbabwe innings came to an end.

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The second New Zealand innings was all about the Kiwis setting a total, something that would give them enough time to bowl the Zimbabweans out. In spite of losing Tom Latham and Martin Guptill early on, Kane Williamson and ross Taylor smashed yet another 100-run partnership as they smashed 67 and 68 respectively. Having set a target of 389 for Zimbabwe, the Kiwis picked three wickets at the end of Day four.

While Day four of the match saw three wickets fall for the Zimbabwe side, day five was just a completion of the formalities. The final day quite effectively belonged to the spinners. While all bowlers picked a wicket apiece, it was the brilliance of Ish Sodhi and the unlikely spin of Martin Guptill who picked three wickets each, something that allowed them to pick the wickets of the final Zimbabwe batsmen. Needless to say, the home side were bowled out for 132, thus handing the Kiwis a well-deserved 254-run victory.