Bulawayo – Matt Henry spearheaded New Zealand’s dominance on the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe, claiming 6/39 as the hosts were bundled out for 149 at Queens Sports Club on Wednesday.
After Zimbabwe opted to bat, Henry wreaked havoc, removing both openers early before dismantling the middle order. His disciplined seam bowling, combined with Nathan Smith’s 3/20, left Zimbabwe struggling despite a gritty 39 from captain Craig Ervine and 30 from Tafadzwa Tsiga.
In response, Devon Conway (51*) and Will Young (41*) guided New Zealand to 92/0 at stumps, weathering Zimbabwe’s new-ball attack with patience. Conway’s half-century, his first in seven Tests, underscored his return to form after a lean patch.
Henry, fresh off a Player-of-the-Series performance in a T20 tri-nation tournament, adapted seamlessly to red-ball cricket. “We created pressure from both ends,” he said, praising his bowling partners. “The key was trusting the pitch and not overcomplicating things.”
Zimbabwe, who last played a Test in April (a win over Bangladesh), have now lost six of their past eight matches. Their batting faltered despite Ervine’s 116-ball resistance, collapsing after tea as Henry and Smith cleaned up the tail.
With New Zealand firmly in control, Zimbabwe’s bowlers face an uphill battle to restrict the visitors’ lead on Day 2.