Matt Henry’s Heroics Help NZ Beat Zimbabwe by Nine Wickets in Bulawayo
At the Queens Sports Club, New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to dismiss Zimbabwe for 149 and 165 before chasing a target of just eight runs on Day 3. Veteran pacer Matt Henry starred with match figures of 9/90, while stand‑in skipper Mitchell Santner claimed 4/27 in the second innings. New Zealand wrapped up the win within three days to take a 1‑0 series lead.
Innings Summary
Zimbabwe elected to bat first and managed 149 in their first innings. New Zealand replied with 307 thanks to strong knocks from Devon Conway (88) and Daryl Mitchell (80), building a 158-run lead. Zimbabwe faltered again in their second innings, tallying just 165, leaving the tourists needing only eight to win.
Bowling Dominance
- Matt Henry: 6/39 in the first innings and 3/51 in the second—totaling nine wickets, pivotal in both innings.
- Mitchell Santner: Led the bowling in second innings as stand‑in skipper, claiming four wickets to seal the innings
- Will O’Rourke: Took 3/28 before being sidelined by back stiffness.
Easy Chase & Closing Moments
New Zealand reached the target of eight runs in just 14 balls. Although opener Devon Conway fell early, Matt Henry Nicholls calmly hit the winning runs in the third over after tea to wrap up a comfortable nine-wicket victory.
Series Update
Victory puts New Zealand 1–0 up in the two-Test series. With momentum and confidence on their side, they head into the final Test scheduled to begin on August 7 at Bulawayo. Zimbabwe remain winless with batting frailties still glaring.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe First Innings | 149 all out |
| New Zealand First Innings | 307 (Conway 88, Mitchell 80) |
| Zimbabwe Second Innings | 165 all out |
| New Zealand Bowlers | Henry 9/90; Santner 4/27; O’Rourke 3/28 |
| Chase | 8 runs in 14 balls; won by 9 wickets |
| Series Status | NZ lead 1–0 |
FAQs
How did New Zealand win the first Test against Zimbabwe?
They dismissed Zimbabwe twice for under 170, then chased a target of eight runs within a few deliveries to win by nine wickets in just three days.
Who were the standout bowlers for New Zealand?
Matt Henry took nine wickets across both innings, while captain Mitchell Santner claimed key wickets in the second innings. Will O’Rourke took three before being injured.
What is the series situation now?
New Zealand now lead the two-Test series 1–0. The second Test begins on August 7 in Bulawayo.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.
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