New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry delivered a sensational performance with the ball, taking six wickets for just 39 runs, as New Zealand dominated Zimbabwe on the opening day of the first Test in Bulawayo on Wednesday, July 30.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to set the tone with a solid first-innings total. But those hopes were dashed quickly as the hosts collapsed for just 149 runs inside two sessions, their second-lowest Test total of the year.
ZIM vs NZ, 1st Test Day 1 Highlights
Henry was outstanding with the new ball, removing both openers, Brian Bennett and Ben Curran, in his initial spell. The combination of tight lines, smart angles and uneven bounce made it nearly impossible for Zimbabwe’s top order to settle. He added another just before lunch, dismissing Nick Welch to reduce the hosts to 67 for four.
Nathan Smith supported Henry well, chipping in with three wickets of his own. He removed the in-form Sean Williams and later trapped both Craig Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsiga leg-before wicket. Smith did benefit from a lucky lbw call against Ervine, as replays suggested the ball may have missed leg stump.
Zimbabwe had chances to fight back but failed to capitalise. Ervine and Tsiga were both dropped early in their innings, but the pressure from New Zealand’s disciplined attack did not ease. Sikandar Raza’s return to the Test side was short-lived, as he fell trying to fend off a Henry bouncer, gifting a simple catch to the keeper.
Mitchell Santner, leading the side in Tom Latham’s absence, held a sharp diving catch late in the innings to help Henry finish off the tail. Zimbabwe’s innings ended with little resistance.
In reply, New Zealand’s openers made a strong start. Devon Conway reached an unbeaten 51, registering his 12th Test half-century, while Will Young added 41 not out. The visitors closed the day at 92 for no loss, well on top and in complete control of the match.
The Kiwis have now won 11 of their 17 Test matches against Zimbabwe and look poised to extend that record in this two-match series.
– Ends
