Matt Henry Claims Player of the Match as Kiwis Dominate in Bulawayo
New Zealand made light work of Zimbabwe in the opening Test of their two-match series, sealing a commanding nine-wicket victory within three days at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The dominant performance, highlighted by a nine-wicket match haul from pacer Matt Henry, gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the series.
Chasing just eight runs to win after bowling Zimbabwe out for 165 in their second innings, New Zealand wasted no time. Henry Nicholls struck the winning run in the third over after tea on Friday, wrapping up a comprehensive win with two full days to spare.
Stand-in captain Mitchell Santner, leading the side in Tom Latham’s absence, played a crucial role in the final innings. He picked up 4-27 in 17.1 overs, cleaning up the Zimbabwean tail and helping restrict the hosts to a modest total despite early signs of resistance.
Matt Henry Leads with the Ball Despite Injury Setbacks
The day began with Zimbabwe resuming at 31-2, trailing by 127 runs. Hopes of a fightback were quickly dashed as Nick Welch fell early, caught behind off Will O’Rourke. By lunch, Zimbabwe had slumped to 114-6, still 44 runs behind. Their top scorer, Sean Williams, was dismissed for 49 after gloving a leg-side delivery to the keeper, while captain Craig Ervine edged Matt Henry for 22.
Despite injury setbacks — with Nathan Smith suffering an abdominal strain and O’Rourke pulling up with back stiffness after lunch — New Zealand’s bowlers maintained pressure. Henry led the pace attack admirably, taking 3-51 in the second innings to complement his 6-39 in the first, earning him the Player of the Match award.
O’Rourke, before his injury, also impressed with figures of 3-28 in 10 overs. Zimbabwe, having won the toss and chosen to bat on the first day, managed just 149 in their first innings. New Zealand responded with a strong 307-9, establishing a 158-run lead that proved decisive.
The second and final Test will also take place in Bulawayo, beginning next Thursday. With momentum firmly in their favor, New Zealand will be looking to complete a clean sweep.
