Matt Henry’s brilliant bowling display led the way as Zimbabwe were bundled out for under 150, setting the tone for a dominant New Zealand start in the first Test.
On a grassy pitch in Bulawayo that offered plenty of assistance to fast bowlers, Henry made full use of the conditions. Mixing up his lengths and keeping a tight line, he dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting line-up with pace and precision. His fiery spell saw New Zealand bowl the hosts out for just 149 in their first innings.
By stumps on Day 1, New Zealand were cruising at 92 for no loss, trailing by only 57 runs. Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 51 off 83 balls, including eight boundaries, while fellow opener Will Young was on 41 with four fours.
Despite missing senior players like Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, and Glenn Phillips, New Zealand made a strong start to their first Test of the year. The credit goes largely to Matt Henry, who took 6 for 39 — his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Nathan Smith also chipped in with 3 for 20, playing a vital supporting role.
Zimbabwe, who won the toss and opted to bat, kept losing wickets at regular intervals. No batter could reach fifty, with captain Craig Ervine top-scoring with 39 off six boundaries. Only three others reached double digits.
Henry struck early in the third over, removing Brian Bennett with a full-length delivery that was caught at third slip. Soon after, Ben Curran followed in similar fashion, falling to Henry at the same spot.
Zimbabwe’s troubles deepened as Sean Williams was bowled by Nathan Smith. Ervine and Nick Welch tried to build some momentum, putting together a 36-run stand before Henry dismissed Welch for 27 and then removed Sikandar Raza two balls later.
Ervine then shared a 54-run partnership with Tafadzwa Tsiga — the only fifty-plus stand of the innings. But just when things started to look settled, Smith struck twice in two overs to dismiss both set batters, ending Zimbabwe’s hopes of a recovery.
The hosts then collapsed, losing their last three wickets for just six runs. Henry returned to finish things off, picking up two more wickets, including the dismissal of Newman Nyamhuri to complete his six-for.
In response, New Zealand’s openers looked untroubled. Young and Conway batted responsibly, denying Zimbabwe any breakthroughs. Conway reached his half-century off 83 balls, while Young is closing in on one of his own.
Brief Score
- Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 149 all out in 60.3 overs
(Ervine 39, Tsiga 30, Welch 27; Henry 6-39, Smith 3-20) - New Zealand 1st Innings: 92/0 in 26 overs
(Conway 51*, Young 41*; Zimbabwe bowlers yet to take a wicket)
A dominant first day for the visitors, with Matt Henry the star of the show.
