Kiwis win by seven wickets

New Zealand cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first Test between the two countries on Saturday.

Seamer Chris Cairns did most of the damage in Zimbabwe's second innings, at one point taking four wickets for nine runs.

Zimbabwe had resumed their second innings on 100-5 and needed Alistair Campbell and Heath Streak to stay together. However, Campbell was dismissed before a further run was added and the innings crumbled after that.

Zimbabwe were then all out for just 119 within 11 overs and Cairns finished with figures of 5-31.

New Zealand were set a modest victory target of 132 and made light of their task. Matthew Sinclair anchored the innings with a patient, unbeaten 43 off 119 balls and Craig McMillan ended the game with a flourish by hitting two sixes and two fours in his unbeaten 31.

Paul Strang took two further wickets in New Zealand's second innings to earn match figures of 10-158.

Mail Cricket Editor