Matt Henry’s 6‑Wicket Masterclass: NZ Sees Off Zimbabwe for 149, Leads by 57

Matt Henry’s 6‑Wicket Haul Sets Up Strong Day for New Zealand in Bulawayo

Bulawayo, July 30, 2025 (Day 1 Report) – New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry delivered a sensational display with the ball as the visitors dismantled Zimbabwe for just 149 runs in their first innings. Henry finished with figures of 6/39, while spinner Nathan Smith provided solid support with 3/20

???? Zimbabwe Collapse Under Pressure

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but suffered early setbacks. Henry struck quickly, removing opening batters Brian Bennett (6) and Ben Curran (13) in his first spell. By lunch, Zimbabwe were in deep trouble at 67/4, with Henry claiming a third wicket just before the break by trapping Nick Welch (27)

Nathan Smith complemented Henry effectively, dismissing Sean Williams (2), then trapping both Ervine (39) and Tafadzwa Tsiga (30) leg before wicket in successive overs. Although Zimbabwe survived a few scares—Ervine and Tsiga were dropped early in their innings—the pressure of disciplined New Zealand bowling never eased

• Zimbabwe 149 all out (Henry 6/39, Smith 3/20)

• Partnership highlight: Ervine & Tsiga added 54 for the sixth wicket before the tail fell rapidly.

Once Zimbabwe lost their lower-order wickets in quick succession, New Zealand wrapped up the innings inside two and a half sessions, marking the South Africans’ second-lowest Test total of the year

New Zealand Reply: Steady Start

Responding to Zimbabwe’s 149, New Zealand openers Devon Conway (51*, his 12th Test half-century) and Will Young (41*) batted through to the close, putting on an unbeaten 92‑run stand. At stumps, the Kiwis led by 57 runs with all wickets intact

Their composed batting display ensured the visitors ended Day 1 in full control, with a strong platform to build a commanding first-innings total.

Key Highlights and Context

• Matt Henry: Bowled exceptionally across 15.3 overs; broke through early and polished off the tail with pace, movement, and precision

• Nathan Smith: Claimed 3 crucial wickets, including the key scalp of Ervine, in just 3/20

• Zimbabwe’s struggles: Heavy losses, with limited partnerships and poor recovery despite opportunities to catch early.

• New Zealand stand-in captain: Mitchell Santner, leading in the absence of injured Tom Latham and absent Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson, guided the bowlers confidently and snapped an important diving catch to support Henry late in the innings

What’s Next?

New Zealand has nearly the full arsenal to push for a strong first-innings lead. With Conway and Young unbeaten and the pitch expected to ease, Day 2 could see the Black Caps extend their advantage significantly. Their aim will be to post a challenging total and put Zimbabwe under early pressure in the second innings.

On the other side, Zimbabwe must bat much better in their second innings and rely on disciplined bowling to stay competitive. Without major improvement, the likelihood of a decisive New Zealand victory grows.

✍️ Final Takeaway

Day 1 belonged entirely to Matt Henry, whose six-wicket haul and New Zealand’s openers’ steady reply have put the touring side firmly ahead in the first Test. As the series opener ends with NZ 92/0, leading by 57, momentum is firmly with the Black Caps heading into Day 2.

Matt Henry’s standout performance today not only dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting but has also made him trending across cricket discussions and Google searches worldwide.