BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe -- Zimbabwe is facing a big defeat in its first test against New Zealand in almost nine years. New Zealand dismantled the home team’s top-order for the second time as Zimbabwe slumped to 114-6 at lunch on Day 3 – still needing 44 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

New Zealand captain Mitch Santner praised his team's strong collective effort after the Black Caps defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the first Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Santner, captaining for the first time in Tests due to Tom Latham's injury,

Led by fast bowler Matt Henry, New Zealand bowled out Zimbabwe for 149 and 165 and needed only eight runs to win after taking a first innings lead of 158. Henry was named player of the match, taking nine wickets for 90 runs across the two innings.