New Zealand dominated the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, thanks to a lethal spell by Matt Henry and a composed start from their openers.
After opting to bowl first, New Zealand wasted no time in asserting control. Matt Henry struck early, removing Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett in the third over. Just three overs later, Ben Curran also fell, giving the Kiwis early momentum. Henry’s relentless line and movement continued to trouble the Zimbabwean batters, as he dismissed Nick Welch for a hard-fought 27 in the 27th over.
His biggest breakthrough came when he sent Sikandar Raza back for just 2 runs with a mistimed pull shot. Newman Nyamhuri followed soon after, and Blessing Muzarabani became Henry’s sixth victim, wrapping up the innings with impressive figures of 6 for 39 in 15.3 overs. It was Henry’s fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket and the second-best figures by a New Zealand bowler against Zimbabwe, only behind Chris Martin’s 6 for 26 in 2012.
Nathan Smith provided excellent support from the other end, delivering a disciplined spell with eight maidens in 14 overs and picking up three wickets. Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 149 before the tea interval, leaving New Zealand in a commanding position.
In response, openers Devon Conway and Will Young batted with confidence and control. Despite some seam movement from the pitch, both batters looked untroubled, steadily guiding their side to 92 without loss at stumps. Conway remained unbeaten on 51 off 87 balls with eight boundaries, while Young compiled a fluent 41* off 69 deliveries, hitting four fours.
With all ten wickets in hand and just 57 runs behind, New Zealand will aim to build a strong first-innings lead on Day 2 and tighten their grip on the match.
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