New Zealand Fast Bowler Matt Henry gave a sensational performance with the ball and took six goals on only 39 runs because New Zealand was dominated by Zimbabwe on the day of the first test in Bulawayo on Wednesday 30 July.
Captain Zimbabwe Craig Ervine won the throwing and decided to bat first, hoping that the tone sets out a solid total of the first shifts. But these hopes were quickly interrupted when the hosts collapsed to just 149 runs inside two sessions, their second lowest test in the year.
Zim vs nz, 1 test day 1 most important
Henry was excellent with a new ball and removed both openers, Brian Bennett and Ben Curran, in his initial charm. The combination of tight lines, intelligent angles and uneven reflection prevented Zimbabwe’s highest command. He added another just before lunch and released Nick Welch to lower the host to 67 for four.
Nathan Smith supported Henry Well and proceeded to three own goals. He removed in the form of Sean Williams and later imprisoned both Craig Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsig’s leg-front goal. Smith benefited from the happy call of LBW against Ervine because Replays suggested that the ball may have missed the stump.
Zimbabwe had a chance to defend himself, but could not earn. Ervine and Tsiga were both dropped soon in their shifts, but the pressure from the disciplined attack of New Zealand did not interfere. The return of Sikandar Raza to the test side was short -term when he fell and tried to bounce Henry Bouncer and gave the goalkeeper a simple spot.
Mitchell Santner, who led the party in the absence of Tom Latham, organized a sharp diving catch late in the shifts to help Henry finish his tail. Zimbabwe’s shifts ended in small resistance.
In response that New Zealand’s opening outstands have made a strong start. Devon Conway reached an undefeated 51 and registered its 12. Test half -century while Will Young added 41 not out. Visitors closed the day for 92 years without loss, well above and complete control of the match.
Kiwi has now won 11 of their 17 test matches against Zimbabwe and are ready to expand this record in this series of two matches.
– ends
Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
July 30, 2025
