Published: Aug 01, 2016, 12:33 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 01, 2016, 12:33 PM (IST)
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has praised his side’s bowlers for their impressive display during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo. The visitors won the first of two-Test series by an innings and 117 runs. Zimbabwe had won the toss and chose to bat, but were bowled out for a lowly 164. Neil Wagner was the star of the show, ending with career-best figures of 6 for 41. And in the hosts second innings, Trent Boult came to the fore, scalping four wickets. He was duly supported by Wagner and Tim Southee, who grabbed two wickets each. Their display meant Zimbabwe were bowled out for 295, and suffered a huge defeat. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 1st Test match
Speaking after the game about his bowler’s displays, Williamson was quoted by cricbuzz as saying, “The way we bowled in the first innings was a huge part of how we got ahead. When you are tying to bowl that again, it’s going to be extremely challenging. Sometimes, on surfaces like this one, you need to try and be a little bit creative. You want to try and make things hostile and difficult but you also need to be patent and build pressure.”
“It was a very good effort to get 20 wickets. We knew it was going to be tough. We had to fight very hard to pick up the wickets that we did. It’s about thinking on your feet and staying ahead of the game. The bowlers did a fantastic job which certainly makes any captain’s job easier. The spinners bowled well and the seamers certainly led the way which was great.”
The visitors batsmen were also at their best during the match, posting 576 for 6 on the board before declaration. Opener Tom Latham and middle-order batsmen Ross Taylor and BJ Watling scored centuries, with Taylor remaining unbeaten on 173. Williamson also scored a handy 91.
