BULAWAYO — Sean Williams scored a maiden Test century in vain as New Zealand clinched a comprehensive innings and 117-run victory over host Zimbabwe on day four of the first Test Sunday.
Williams, who was battling flu, scored the quickest Test ton by a Zimbabwean off 106 balls before becoming the ninth man out for 119 having smashed 21 fours.
Zimbabwe was dismissed shortly before tea in its second innings for 295, with seamer Trent Boult the pick of the visiting bowlers as he picked up 4-52 on a flat batting track.
Zimbabwe faced a mammoth task to make New Zealand bat again having been skittled for 164 in its first innings and allowing the tourists to amass 576 for six declared in reply.
New Zealand would have had thoughts of a quick finish on the fourth morning as Zimbabwe resumed on 121 for five, especially when Craig Ervine (50) was out in the second over soon after bringing up his maiden Test half-century.
But a magnificent 118-run seventh-wicket stand between Williams and Cremer (33) took the home side past lunch before the latter was trapped lbw by Ish Sodhi.
Regis Chakabva (11), who missed the second and third days’ play with a virus, hung around for 41 balls before he was bowled by Tim Southee.
A visibly wilting Williams then holed out to deep mid-wicket off Mitchell Santner after scoring 119 off 148 balls. The win was complete when Neil Wagner, who finished with match figures of 8-103, had Donald Tiripano (14) caught by wicketkeeper BJ Watling.
The second and final Test starts Saturday at the same venue.
