• Matt Henry delivered a masterclass in seam bowling for New Zealand against Zimbabwe on Day 1 of second Test.

  • New Zealand ended the opening day on 174/1, after folding Zimbabwe for just 125.

ZIM vs NZ: Fans react as New Zealand dominate Day 1 with Matt Henry’s fifer and openers’ commanding stand in the second Test
Matt Henry (Image Source: X)

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From the very first over, New Zealand exerted complete control over Zimbabwe on Day 1 of the second Test in Bulawayo. The tone was set by Matt Henry, who delivered a masterclass in seam bowling, and Zakary Foulkes, who backed him up with relentless energy and aggression. Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first backfired badly as they folded for just 125 on a surface that had something for the bowlers but demanded discipline from the batters. In reply, New Zealand’s openers made batting look like a different game altogether. Devon Conway and Will Young calmly dismantled the Zimbabwean attack, building a 162-run opening stand that underlined the gulf between the two sides. The Kiwis ended the day on 174/1, already ahead and looking set to bat Zimbabwe out of the match.

Matt Henry’s ruthless burst dismantles fragile Zimbabwean line-up

Henry produced a searing spell of fast bowling that left Zimbabwe reeling in the morning session. With impeccable line and length, he struck early to remove Kevin Kasuza and Milton Shumba, setting the tone for what would be a relentless examination of technique and temperament. Henry exploited subtle movement off the seam and occasional extra bounce to keep the batters guessing.

After Brendan Taylor offered brief resistance with a composed 44, the middle order crumbled under pressure. Debutant Foulkes compounded Zimbabwe’s misery with four quick strikes, including a clever trap to dismiss the dangerous Wessly Madhevere. The post-lunch session saw Zimbabwe lose 7 wickets for just 42 runs as they slumped from 83/3 to 125 all out. Henry’s final figures of 5 for 40 were a testament to his control, aggression, and relentless probing. Zimbabwe’s batting lacked application and technique against a high-quality attack, with only Tafadzwa Tsiga’s unbeaten 33 showing some fight amid the ruins.

Also READ: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2025: Queens Sports Club Pitch Report and Bulawayo Weather Forecast for the second Test

Devon Conway and Will Young build monumental reply, bat Zimbabwe out of contention

Following the demolition of Zimbabwe’s batting, New Zealand’s response with the bat was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Conway and Young put together a seamless 162-run partnership that completely nullified any momentum the hosts had hoped to generate with the ball. Conway was calm and precise, leaving well and punishing loose deliveries with classy drives and glides, crafting an unbeaten 79 by stumps.

At the other end, Young showed intent early, dominating the Zimbabwean pacers and dispatching anything short or wide with authority. His composed 74 came off just 101 balls and included a string of boundaries that pierced the field with elegance. Their stand not only erased Zimbabwe’s lead but established a psychological upper hand. The lone breakthrough came late in the day when Young edged one behind, but by then the damage was done. With nine wickets still intact and a lead already at 49, New Zealand sit firmly in command, poised to build a mammoth total and potentially seal the series by an innings.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: ZIM vs NZ 2025, Test series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, New Zealand & other countries

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