Matt Henry Shines as NZ Dominates Zimbabwe Test Day 1
On day 1 of the Test match in Harare, Matt Henry's impressive six-for and a strong opening partnership by Conway and Young put New Zealand cricket in full control against Zimbabwe cricket. Discover the highlights and key moments from this exciting match.
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Matt Henry’s fiery six-for, backed by tight support from Nathan Smith and a fluent opening partnership between Devon Conway and Will Young, gave New Zealand complete control over Zimbabwe on Day 1 of the one-off NZ vs ZIM Test 2025 in Harare.
🔥 Matt Henry’s Six-Wicket Blitz Destroys Zimbabwe’s Line-up
Matt Henry delivered a masterclass in seam bowling, finishing with incredible figures of 6 for 39.
🎯 Key Highlights:
Struck in his very first over, removing Brian Bennett.
Changed angles cleverly to dismiss Ben Curran.
Claimed wickets with a mix of full-length deliveries and short-pitched bouncers.
Used the new and old ball effectively.
Continued form from the T20I tri-series, where he was the leading wicket-taker.
📉 Zimbabwe Bowled Out for 149 – Lowest Home Total in 7 Innings
Zimbabwe’s batting collapsed under pressure from New Zealand’s pace attack.
⚠️ Zimbabwe Batting Stats:
Total: 149 all out in 60.6 overs
Edged: 22 deliveries (ESPNcricinfo data)
Control percentage: 68.8% — very low for Test standards
Top Scorers:
Craig Ervine – 39
Tafadzwa Tsiga – 32
Best partnership: 54-run stand between Ervine and Tsiga (6th wicket)
👏 Nathan Smith Backs Henry with 3 Key Wickets
Playing just his third Test, Nathan Smith provided perfect support with pace and control.
🔍 Smith’s Performance:
Bowling figures: 3 for 20
Wickets: Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Tsiga
Hit tight lines and length, exploiting Zimbabwe’s poor footwork
🧠 Santner’s Captaincy Impresses in Latham’s Absence
Stand-in captain Mitchell Santner made the right calls in the field:
🧢 Tactical Moves:
Introduced spin at the right time (himself and Michael Bracewell)
Managed Henry’s return spell perfectly
Took a key catch to dismiss Muzarabani
Led with composure and calm under pressure
⚠️ Zimbabwe Collapse After Brief Resistance
Despite a brief resistance, Zimbabwe lost their last 4 wickets for just 11 runs.
❌ Final Wicket Summary:
Ervine – lbw to Smith (questionable decision, no DRS)
Tsiga – lbw after a well-made 32
Nyamhuri – gloved a bouncer to slip
Masekesa – run out after partner didn’t respond
Muzarabani – leading edge to Santner off Henry (6th wicket)
🏏 Conway & Young Make Batting Look Easy – 92/0 at Stumps
In contrast to Zimbabwe, New Zealand’s openers batted fluently and without trouble.
🚀 Opening Partnership:
Devon Conway – 51 (83 balls)*
Will Young – 41 (close to 50)*
Partnership: 92 (26 overs)*
🔹 Key Moments:
Conway hit 3 fours in a single over off Chivanga
Young started confidently, punishing anything short
Conway reached his half-century with a single off Raza
Nyamhuri tested the openers but didn’t get any reward
📊 Day 1 Score Summary
TeamScoreZimbabwe (1st Inn)149 all outNew Zealand (Day 1)92/0 (26 overs)Conway51*Young41*NZ trail by57 runs
📌 Key Takeaways from Day 1
✅ Matt Henry’s 6/39 was a fast-bowling clinic
✅ Nathan Smith’s 3 wickets showed his promise
❌ Zimbabwe’s top and middle order offered little resistance
❌ Fielding errors and lack of DRS hurt Zimbabwe
✅ Conway and Young’s unbroken 92-run stand took NZ to the top
🔍 What to Watch for on Day 2
For New Zealand:
Convert strong start into a big first-innings lead
Give the middle order (Mitchell, Blundell, Phillips) time to score freely
Aim to bat Zimbabwe out of the contest
For Zimbabwe:
Must take early wickets in the first session
Bowl tighter lines and support from the field
Need their spinners (Raza, Nyamhuri) to step up
📝 Conclusion
New Zealand ended Day 1 of the Harare Test 2025 as clear frontrunners. With Matt Henry’s sensational six-for, a clinical bowling unit, and a calm and composed opening stand by Conway and Young, the visitors are in firm control.
Zimbabwe’s only hope lies in a dramatic turnaround with the ball on Day 2 — otherwise, this Test match could be over far sooner than expected.