Zimbabwe v New Zealand, 2016

At Bulawayo, August 6-10, 2016. New Zealand won by 254 runs. Toss: New Zealand. Test debut: P. J. Moor.
"Jeez, he's an old 26-year-old," said Taylor in describing the precocious Williamson. Early on the second morning - the day before he had turned 26 - he became the youngest to complete a set of centuries against every Test nation, the first New Zealander, Latham kept wkt on 3rd day, Watling resumed on 4th s Chari kept wicket from start of second day as Chakabva was ill. No DRS but 3rd umpires and the 13th overall. Only the PA announcer could spoil the mood, telling a sparse crowd: "We'd like to wish a very happy birthday to the Australian captain, Kane Williamson."

His knock was sandwiched by hundreds from Latham and Taylor - who went past Martin Crowe's 5,444 to become New Zealand's third-highest Test run-scorer - and established complete dominance. The partnerships mounted as Zimbabwe toiled: this was the first time in a New Zealand Test innings that three pairs had put on 150. By the time they'd had enough, eight bowlers had been tried, sharing only four wickets. The declaration came like an angel of mercy.

Could it be that this pitch was even flatter than the one prepared for the First Test? Somehow, it could. Mawoyo, who had missed the first match with a bruised right thumb, and Chibhabha guided them to the second-day close without loss, registering Zimbabwe's first opening partnership over 50 in nearly five years. But, next morning, Mawoyo edged Southee on to his stumps, and Zimbabwe were soon back in familiar territory at 147 for five. At least "Slug" was there. Whatever the origins of Ervine's nickname, it was apt for a maiden century whose slowness gave Zimbabwe hope. Steadfast support came from debutant keeper Peter Moor in a stand of 148 that ended five overs before stumps on the third day. After that, Ervine had little help, and was last out, with Zimbabwe 220 runs behind.

Williamson did not enforce the follow-on, giving his bowlers a rest after ten hours in the field. Instead, New Zealand built their lead to 386, thanks to brisk half-centuries by Williamson and Taylor. Zimbabwe welcomed more patience from Mawoyo, who consumed 92 balls for his 35. But, after he and Sikandar Raza were removed in successive overs to end the day's play, their fate was all but sealed. New Zealand still had to work hard and think creatively. Unimpressed with his seamers, Williamson tossed the ball to Guptill to try his off-breaks. Despite a meagre Test record - he had taken only five wickets in 41 games - he ripped the ball square in Bulawayo's dust, dismissing Ervine, Williams and the obdurate Cremer to claim career-best figures of three for 11. After Sodhi had Chinouya popping a catch to short cover, New Zealand could celebrate, their future seemingly safe in the hands of their new captain.
Man of the Match: K. S. Williamson. Man of the Series: N. Wagner