What did Santner say about New Zealand's Test series win?
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Synopsis
New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner reflects on his team's dominant performance in the 2-0 Test series win against Zimbabwe. He praises the bowlers and discusses the significance of the victory, highlighting their impressive tactics and adaptability to different conditions during the tour.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand's bowling was exceptional, leading to Zimbabwe's low scores.
- Zakary Foulkes made a remarkable debut with 9-75.
- The team achieved their largest Test victory ever.
- Adaptability to different conditions was key to their success.
- Captain Mitchell Santner praised the team's performance and depth.
Bulawayo, Aug 9 (NationPress) New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner praised his team's comprehensive performance in the 2-0 Test series victory over Zimbabwe, expressing satisfaction with the bowlers who effectively dismissed the home side for low scores in both innings at Queens Sports Club.
On Saturday, New Zealand achieved their largest-ever Test win, defeating Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs to secure a 2-0 series triumph. After declaring their second innings at 601 for 3 in 130 overs on day three, New Zealand's debut fast bowler Zakary Foulkes took a five-wicket haul, while Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Matt Fisher contributed to bundling Zimbabwe out for just 117 runs in their second innings.
“It was a fantastic game in every regard. We faced challenges during the match, but we managed to overcome those periods effectively. I believe our bowling, particularly in the first innings, was slightly off, yet we dismissed Zimbabwe for just 120 runs, allowing us to capitalize with the bat. I truly can't complain about anything from this game,” Santner remarked during the post-match conference.
Foulkes concluded with impressive match figures of 9-75, marking the best debut bowling performance for New Zealand in Tests. “We've seen Zak in action in some white-ball formats, and here he showcased his ability to swing the ball into right-handers, which is a rare skill,” Santner commented.
Looking back on the tour, where New Zealand also clinched the T20I tri-series alongside South Africa, Santner noted, “It’s certainly rewarding to end the tour with a win. In the tri-series, we encountered challenges against two strong teams in Harare, and making it to the final and winning a close match against South Africa was exciting.”
“Coming here presented a different challenge with unique conditions, yet the boys adapted well and performed admirably. We’ll reflect on the series, considering both the positives and areas for improvement, as we prepare to return home and play in more favorable conditions than those we faced here.”
“The performance of our new seam group this game places us in a solid position for our return. With Jamieson likely back in the lineup and Kane returning with the bat, our team may look different. However, having players who step up immediately is a fantastic situation to be in,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize New Zealand's remarkable achievement in the Test series against Zimbabwe. The team displayed resilience and skill, with standout performances that not only secured victories but also showcased the depth of their squad. This win underlines their potential in international cricket.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Test match?
New Zealand defeated Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs.
Who was the standout bowler for New Zealand?
Zakary Foulkes had an impressive debut, taking 9 wickets with figures of 9-75.
How did the series end?
New Zealand completed a 2-0 series sweep against Zimbabwe.
What did Santner say about the team's performance?
He expressed overall satisfaction, stating there was nothing to complain about from the game.
What challenges did the team face during the tour?
New Zealand faced various challenges, particularly in the T20I tri-series against strong teams like South Africa.
