Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
BRENDAN Taylor’s return to international cricket from retirement and a three and a half year suspension was overshadowed by New Zealand’s dominance with both bat and ball on day one of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Thursday.
Despite making a solid 44 runs on his first match since 2021, the first day of the Test belonged to the Blackcaps who bundled Zimbabwe out for a paltry 125 runs inside two sessions.
Taylor top scored for the Chevrons while Tafadzwa Tsiga also offered some resistance with an unbeaten 33 runs.
Once again, it was Matt Henry who was the standout bowler for the visitors. The Kiwi seamer, getting swing early on, picked up yet another five wicket haul, finishing with 5/40 in 15 overs while debutant Zakary Foulkes returned 4/38 in 16 overs. The other wicket was taken by Matt Fisher, also on debut.
New Zealand’s openers, Devon Conway and Will Young went on to enjoy a 162-run first wicket partnership which was broken by Trevor Gwandu moments before stumps.
Gwandu bowled Young for 74 runs off 101 deliveries.
Conway resumes day two on 79 runs batting with night watchman Jacob Duffy (eight)
