Matt Henry Destroys Zimbabwe as New Zealand Dominates Opening Day of Test Return
Photo source: File/AFP
Harare | July 31, 2025 – New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry delivered a stunning performance with the ball, claiming 6 wickets for just 39 runs, as Zimbabwe collapsed to 149 all out on the opening day of their first Test against the Kiwis in nearly nine years. At stumps, New Zealand had responded with confidence, racing to 92/0, with Devon Conway unbeaten on 51 and Will Young solid on 41 not out.
This long-awaited Test match marks Zimbabwe’s return to the red-ball format after a prolonged absence, but their comeback was off to a rocky start at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe Falters After Winning the Toss
Zimbabwe’s captain Craig Ervine won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to set a solid foundation. However, it soon turned into a day of regret as New Zealand’s seamers, led by the relentless Henry, tore through the top and lower order.
“We were hoping to put up 300-plus and make use of a decent surface,” said Ervine in the post-day interview. “But credit to Henry, he didn’t let us settle at all.”
The hosts never looked in control, despite brief resistance from Ervine himself (39) and Tafadzwa Tsiga (30), who added 54 runs for the fifth wicket. No other batter crossed the 30-run mark.
Henry’s Spell Leaves Zimbabwe Reeling
Henry’s first spell was clinical. He got both Brian Bennett (6) and Ben Curran (13) caught behind with textbook seam movement. His third wicket came just before lunch, when he drew an edge off Nick Welch (27) to leave Zimbabwe at 67-4.
Returning after the interval, Henry continued to dominate, removing Sikandar Raza (2) with a sharp short ball that Raza fended awkwardly to keeper Tom Blundell. He then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava in quick succession.
“It was all about sticking to the basics—hit the right areas and stay patient,” said Henry, speaking to broadcasters at the close of play. “It’s great to get six on the first day, especially in the heat.”
Support from Smith and O’Rourke
Henry’s destructive spell was ably supported by Nathan Smith, who chipped in with 3-20, including the crucial wickets of Sean Williams (2) and Ervine, albeit the latter under a slightly controversial lbw decision that replays suggested might have missed leg stump.
Will O’Rourke, New Zealand’s third seamer, was economical and disciplined, conceding just two runs per over across 13 overs. He bowled with control and built pressure, even though he was unlucky not to grab a wicket.
Missed Opportunities Could Have Hurt
Despite their dominance, New Zealand weren’t flawless in the field. Devon Conway dropped a sharp chance off Ervine at point, and Smith missed a return catch from Tsiga when the batter was on 18. Fortunately for the visitors, those lapses didn’t prove too costly.
Black Caps Begin Strong With the Bat
In reply, New Zealand openers Conway and Young made full use of the fading light and a worn-out Zimbabwean attack to assert control. Conway brought up his 12th Test half-century, batting with precision and patience. Young provided steady support, looking comfortable against both pace and spin.
The pitch, which seemed to offer assistance to the seamers early on, flattened out as the day progressed. With no wickets lost and 92 runs already on the board, New Zealand is in prime position to take a commanding lead.
Zimbabwe’s Home Woes Continue
This Test marks Zimbabwe’s first outing in the traditional format since 2021 and their first clash with New Zealand in nine years—the last having occurred in 2016. Despite optimism surrounding the return of experienced names like Sikandar Raza and debutants like Ben Curran, the team’s performance was underwhelming.
Zimbabwe’s last Test win at home came in 2013 against Pakistan, and Wednesday’s collapse continues a long-standing struggle to assert dominance on familiar turf.
New Zealand’s Second-String Squad Steps Up
The Black Caps are missing several regulars. Stand-in skipper Mitchell Santner is leading in place of Tom Latham, who is recovering from a shoulder injury. Star batter Kane Williamson is unavailable, and Glenn Phillips was ruled out due to a groin strain sustained during his stint in Major League Cricket.
Even Kyle Jamieson, one of the mainstays of the bowling unit, opted to skip the series to be with family after the birth of his child. Despite these absences, New Zealand fielded a formidable and well-drilled side.
“It’s a young side in many ways, but we’ve got experience in key positions. The guys have stepped up brilliantly,” said Santner.
Score Summary at Stumps, Day 1:
Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 149 all out (Craig Ervine 39, Tsiga 30; Matt Henry 6-39, Nathan Smith 3-20)
New Zealand 1st Innings: 92/0 (Devon Conway 51*, Will Young 41*)
What’s Next: Day 2 Outlook
With a lead of 57 already in sight and all ten wickets in hand, New Zealand will aim to build a massive first-innings total on Day 2. The Zimbabwean bowlers must strike early to stay in the contest, but they’ll need to bowl with far more discipline and intensity to challenge the visitors.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Matt Henry’s heroics and a solid batting start have put New Zealand in full control of the Test match. Zimbabwe’s rusty return to red-ball cricket has exposed gaps in both skill and temperament. With four days to go, unless Zimbabwe produces something extraordinary, the match seems destined for a Black Caps win. Keep watching this space for Day 2 updates and expert commentary.