The match is a first test for Zimbabwe in nearly two years having last played away in Bangladesh in November 2014.
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They will do well to run the tourists so close again.
New Zealand go into the two-Test series after a 259-run win over Zimbabwe A in a three-day warm-up fixture in Harare.
A 31-run stand between Chamu Chibhabha (15) and Hamilton Masakadza (15) lasted for 16.2 overs before New Zealand struck twice in two overs.
It could have been worse for the hosts but for a ninth-wicket stand of 85 from debutant Prince Masvaure and unbeaten tail-ender Donald Tiripano.
The Black Caps have dominated the opening day of the first cricket test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
“You don’t tend to get the pace and bounce that you do in other parts of the world which can help bowlers take wickets, so you have to try and skin it another way”.
Sean Williams (one) lobbed a catch to the same area, though he was convinced the ball had come off his helmet.
“It’s a tactic of mine that’s been one of our strengths, but it’s more an option of trying to get players off the front foot, creating opportunities to see if we can get a wicket, and get some doubt in their footwork” Wagner said.
The decision then will be what the mix of the rest of the attack will be with the possibility that Mitchell Santner could also play and who will get the third seamers spot.
Tim Southee eventually made the breakthrough when he trapped Masvaure lbw for 42, before Wagner wrapped up the innings to leave Tiripano unbeaten on 49.
Despite the loss of these two New Zealand icons, the Black Caps still have a wealth of talent and experience to draw from against a team who sadly have very little to offer in return.
After the interval Santner picked up Craig Ervine (13) stumped, and then Wagner took three wickets in an over – the left-armer’s fiery fast bowling decimating the Zimbabwe lower order.
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Zimbabwe will be without strike bowlers Tinashe Panyangara and Tendai Chatara, while legspinner Graeme Cremer will captain for the first time in a Test.
