BULAWAYO: Sean Williams scored a maiden test century in vain as New Zealand clinched a comprehensive innings and 117-run victory over hosts Zimbabwe on day four of the first test on Sunday.
Williams, who was battling flu, scored the quickest test ton by a Zimbabwean off 106 balls before becoming the ninth man out for 119 having smashed 21 fours.
Zimbabwe were dismissed shortly before tea in their second innings for 295, with seamer Trent Boult picking up 4-52 on a flat batting track.
“The fight was excellent. After the first innings, I thought we were soft,” Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer said, before highlighting his teams troubles in the test. “We probably have 10 guys sick in the change room.”
Zimbabwe faced a mammoth task to make New Zealand bat again having been skittled for 164 in their first innings and allowing the tourists to amass 576 for six.
A 118-run seventh-wicket stand between Williams and Cremer (33) took the home side past lunch before the latter was trapped lbw by Ish Sodhi.
Regis Chakabva (11)was bowled by Tim Southee and a visibly wilting Williams then holed out to deep mid-wicket off Mitchell Santner after scoring 119 off 148 balls. The win was complete when Neil Wagner, who finished with match figures of 8-103, had Donald Tiripano (14) caught behind. BRIEF SCORES Zimbabwe 164 &295 (Williams 119, Ervine 50, Boult 4-52) vs New Zealand 576 for 6 declared (Latham 105, R Taylor 173 no, Watling 107).
{{/usCountry}}Regis Chakabva (11)was bowled by Tim Southee and a visibly wilting Williams then holed out to deep mid-wicket off Mitchell Santner after scoring 119 off 148 balls. The win was complete when Neil Wagner, who finished with match figures of 8-103, had Donald Tiripano (14) caught behind. BRIEF SCORES Zimbabwe 164 &295 (Williams 119, Ervine 50, Boult 4-52) vs New Zealand 576 for 6 declared (Latham 105, R Taylor 173 no, Watling 107).
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