New Zealand demolish Zimbabwe

New Zealand earned an innings and 301-run win by bowling out Zimbabwe twice in one day, although it was delayed by Regis Chakabva's 63 on Day 3 of the one-off Test in Napier.

Chris Martin finished with match figures of eight for 31 off 14.3 overs but Chakabva's innings was admirable - especially given he came to the crease with the score on 12 for five, reports ESPNstar.

It was New Zealand's biggest Test victory and conversely Zimbabwe's heaviest Test defeat as they continue their reintegration into the Test arena.

After being skittled for 51 in their first innings - their lowest Test total - as they responded to the hosts' declaration of 495 for seven, the visitors were then reduced to 12 for five as they followed on.

Tino Mawoyo was snaffled at slip off Martin, as was Hamilton Masakzada, with Brendan Taylor nicking the seamer behind.

Tatenda Taibu was also picked up at slip off Doug Bracewell, before Malcolm Waller played across the line to the same man.

However, Chakabva came to the crease and set about at least making himself hard to remove.

When Forster Mutizwa departed Zimbabwe were 37 for six, but Chakabva shared a stand of 63 with Graeme Cremer (26) and 34 with Shingi Masakadza (21) to move the score on to 143 when he was out.

Martin produced the delivery to which Chakabva got a bit of a top edge, with Dean Brownlie leaping high to take a one-handed catch.

The Zimbabwean's 63 had come from 119 balls and included six boundaries.

It was all over shortly after when Brian Vitori was caught by BJ Watling off Martin with no further score.

The Black Caps had declared after Watling completed his maiden Test century to finish on 102 not out.

Zimbabwe then suffered the ignominy of recording the lowest Test total by any country against New Zealand when they were dismissed for 51.

Only one of Zimbabwe's batsmen managed to get into double figures with Malcolm Waller the pick of the bunch with 23, Brendan Taylor the next best with nine.

Martin, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell and Tim Southee all claimed two wickets.

Brendon McCullum was also named as New Zealand captain for the three one-day internationals and the two Twenty20 games between the teams after Ross Taylor was ruled out through injury.

Taylor suffered a tear to his right calf on Friday and was forced to retire when unbeaten on 122.

It is hoped he will be ready to return to face South Africa at the end of February.

Bangladesh board to evaluate loss in Zimbabwe

 

Manzur Ahmed, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive, has said the board will evaluate the team's poor performance in Zimbabwe, where they lost a one-off Test and the ODI series 3-2.

"I would like to see it in management terms and in this case it will be called an evaluation," Manzur told the Daily Star. "We'll look into the reports from the various individuals and then do a complete evaluation of the team, both on and off the field."

Bangladesh had not played a Test in over a year before the tour and they suffered a 130-run defeat against Zimbabwe, who were returning to Test cricket after an absence of six years.

They also conceded a 0-3 lead in the ODIs before winning the last two dead-rubbers. The series was Stuart Law's first assignment as national coach after succeeding Jamie Siddons.

Manzur said the BCB was receiving reports from various individuals in the touring party. "We are holding discussions and we will receive reports. We know there's merit to an inquiry committee but it is not decided yet," Manzur said. "It will definitely be an honest appraisal and we'll look at all areas within the national team as well.

"Actually, we are looking at three areas to better our cricket. First it is the wickets, then the High Performance unit, and lastly the first-class cricket structure. These are all in place but there is always room for improvement."