Sean Williams' maiden ton in vain as Kiwis crush Zimbabwe in first Test

Zimbabwe debutant Sean Williams' blistering century went in vain as New Zealand wrapped up comprehensive an innings and 117-run victory over the hosts in the opening Test of the two-match series, thus taking an unassailable 1-0 lead at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.

Resuming at the yesterday's score of 121-5, Zimbabwe were bundled out for 295 despite a solid resistance by Williams (119) and Craig Ervin (50).

Williams, who became the fastest Zimbabwean to smash the Test century by reaching the three-figure mark in just 106 deliveries, also shared a 118-run partnership for the seventh wicket with captain Graeme Cremer (33) before succumbing to the left-arm spin of Mitchell Santner.

Neil Wagner was the pick of the bowler for Australia as he finished with eight wickets overall followed by Trent Boult's second innings figures of 4-52.

Earlier, Ross Taylor, who has been declared Man of the Match, led from the front as he scored 173 runs and shared a massive 253-run stand for sixth wicket with BJ Watling (107) to propel his side post a huge first innings target of 576 runs in reply to Zimbabwe's 164.

Skipper Kane Williamson (91) and Tom Latham (105) were other notable figures for visitors.

New Zealand will now aim series whitewash when they take on Zimbabwe in the final Test match at the same venue from August 6.