Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2016, 2nd Test at Bulawayo: Kane Williamson vs Graeme Cremer and other key battles

The second Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo will be New Zealand captain Kane Williamson's 50th Test.

After a two-year gap from the longest format, Zimbabwe could finally enjoy some quality cricket. Though the result didn’t go their way, some of their players displayed stellar performances, proving the fact that they are still eager to play Test cricket. New Zealand, on the other hand, strolled to victory by an innings and 117 runs, thanks to Ross Taylor’s swaggering 173 and the other centurions contributing as well. The second Test match will be played at the same venue, Bulawayo. The track is expected to be slow and flat, something that will make the bowling units toil hard to succeed. Thus, let’s walk through the key battles of this contest that will decide the outcome of the game: FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2016, 2nd Test at Bulawayo

Chamu Chibhabha vs Neil Wagner: With the veteran Hamilton Masakadza ruled out due to back injury, the onus will be on the 29-year-old Chibhabha. In his debut Test, he could manage to score 15 and 7. But, given his remarkable performances in shorter formats of late, he will have to play a key role in helping Zimbabwe set up a big score.

Wagner was at his lethal best in the first Test, picking a six-for in the first innings. He ran through Zimbabwe’s middle-order, bundling them out for a paltry 164. If he continues his dominance, Zimbabwe will be reduced to nothingness in this match as well.

Kane Williamson vs Graeme Cremer: It’s the battles of the leaders. Williamson looked in ominous touch, as he churned out 91 runs off 179 balls. Like he always does, he stuck to his basics and played his strokes according to the merit of the delivery. In addition, he will be playing his 50th Test. Also read – Sean Williams’ 119: A true inspiration to drowning Zimbabwe

Cremer, however, didn’t have a good time with the ball. Although he produced an outside edge off Williamson’s blade, he conceded 187 runs at an economy of 3.52.

Ross Taylor vs Donald Tiripano: Taylor was adjudged Man of the Match for his stunning hundred, inclusive of 19 spectacular boundaries. Like the other Black Caps batsmen, Taylor took his time to get his eye in.

There was very little on offer for the bowlers. Nonetheless, given the ball wasn’t coming onto the bat well, Taylor had to play with carefulness and grit to help New Zealand register 576 on the scoreboard.

Tiripano bowled disciplined line and length, not willing to give away easy runs. Given Taylor looked comfortable against the spinner, Tiripano is likely to be pit against him. Also read: ZIM need to learn the dynamics of Test cricket

Sean Williams vs Mitchell Santner: Williams’ maiden Test hundred was the fastest by a Zimbabwe cricketer. He came five-down when the hosts were staring at an inevitable defeat. He knew he had no alternative but to take the bull by its horns and score runs at a brisk rate. Though his special knock came in a losing cause, it would have done world of good to his confidence.

Santner, on the hand, was the most economical bowler of the match: 1.14 in the first innings and 1.88 in the second. It was Santner who ended Williams’ brilliance with a wily delivery. Thus, it would be interesting to see who gets the better of whom.

(Kaustubh S. Mayekar, a reporter at CricketCountry, played cricket at U-16 level. Like his idol Rahul Dravid, he often shadow-practises cricket shots. His Twitter handle is @kaumedy_)

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