Zimbabwe’s resistance ended in brisk fashion on day five, as they suffered a 254-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test.
Going into day five on 58-3, it was always going to be a tough ask for Zimbabwe, but the last five wickets fell for just two runs as the match ended even faster than expected. It meant a 2-0 series defeat for the hosts, as the New Zealanders now prepare for their two-match Tests series against the Proteas.
Centuries from Tom Latham, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson – who became the youngest to score a century against every Test nation – saw the Black Caps score 582-4 dec. Zimbabwe battled valiantly in their first innings thanks to a brilliant 146 from Craig Ervine, but it still left them 220 runs behind.
New Zealand hurried along to 166-2 dec to hand Zim 386 for victory, but three quick wickets left it all to do on day five.
Some questionable umpiring decisions didn’t help Zimbabwe’s cause, but the spin of Ish Sodhi and part-time off-breaker Martin Guptill (three wickets apiece) saw an almighty collapse, as the lower order survived just over 12 more overs after lunch, for the tourists to wrap up the comfortable victory.
It was a tough first Test series in charge for head coach Makhaya Ntini and batting coach Lance Klusener, who will take their charges across the border to SA in September for the Africa T20 Cup.
Photo: Jekesai Njikizana/AFP/Getty Images
