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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✨ Narendra Kumar ▸ Creator ▸ Tech Enthusiast ▸ Content Writer

7/31/20252 min read

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.