Zimbabwe vs New Zealand: Post match analysis

Brendan Taylor's heroics went in vain as Zimbabwe ran out of steam to stage an upset

The only test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand ended in Bulawayo on 5th November and showed those who look at test cricket as boring that they need to think again. If one could call this match the best among the tests played in 2011 it won’t be an overstatement. Yes, Zimbabwe still lack the quality to trouble most top test nations, but they surely gave the number 8th team New Zealand a pretty bad scare. The end result says it all, the Kiwis were able to win but only by a small margin of 34 runs. The home team required 366 in last innings to pull off a memorable win, however they fell short by 34 runs. Brendon Taylor continued his good run and showed his class yet again. When most of the home batsmen were subdued and a little too defensive, the captain played an aggressive innings of 117 marked by some beautiful, innovative and at times risky shots as he led from the front.

The Last Day Drama:

At tea on the last day Zimbabwe were 265 for 3, and required 101 runs from the 29 overs that were to be bowled. The target looked quite achievable when Taylor was batting, but as soon as the captain lost his wicket all hell broke loose. The home team were dismissed for 331 with 6 overs still remaining in the day. Had they pulled off a victory here, it would surely have been the most memorable to Zimbabwe’s test victories till date. Taylor was well supported by Taibu at the other hand who made a useful half-century but fell again to a needless sweep against Vettori.

Such was the level of New Zealand’s frustration that their best bowler Vettori started bowling a negative line way outside leg stump tempting the batsman to go for sweep. His ploy, though unsuccessful for most part of the match, resulted in the crucial wicket of Taibu. With Taibu gone, New Zealand seized their opportunity and the debutant Doug Brucewell soon cleaned up the tail along with Vettori who bagged the Man of the Match award for his efforts. Doug Bracewell picked a five wicket haul on his debut and Vettori ended the test with 8 wickets. But the highlight of the match would surely remain Taylor’s innings.

Interesting Statistics:

1. Brendon Taylor became only the second Zimbabwe batsman to score a century in the fourth innings after Kevin Arnott who did so in 1992 against the same opponents.

2. Doug Bracewell became the 7th New Zealand bowler to take 5 wickets in an innings on debut.

3. The victory margin of 34 runs is the 3rd smallest for New Zealand in their test history.

Verdicts – How they performed:

New Zealand:

One expected a dominant performance from the Kiwis going into this match, but they were often too wayward. Had Brendon Taylor not thrown his wicket away they would have been on the wrong side of history. Daniel Vettori, though got the Man of the Match plaudits, was at times played with ridiculous ease by Zimbabwe’s batsman. Guptill made a century in the first innings only to be dismissed for a duck in the next, and it is high time he improves his performance and shows consistency. Brendon McCullum failed yet again in both innings, scoring 14 and 11 respectively. Ross Taylor and Williamson were the only consistent batsmen notching up half centuries in both innings. Their bowling lacked inspiration on a dull and sluggish wicket. Chris Martin was ineffective, while Bracewell can become a menace if he continues his form in future.

Another winning performance by Daniel Vettori

Zimbabwe:

Sibanda and Taylor were the stand-out performers in the batting department for Zimbabwe, the captain leading by example. Taylor has been in phenomenal form this year and he continued his good run in this match as well. However, Zimbabwe’s fielding and bowling still need to improve. Mpofu and Jarvis were impressive but lacked consistency. Jarvis, if guided, correctly can prove quite a handful swing bowler. The biggest disappointment was however Ray Price who was expensive, ineffective and dealt rather easily by the opponent. Hopefully Zimbabve will step up their game in near future.