NZ Dominates Zimbabwe: Matt Henry Bags Two as Hosts Slump to 31/3
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry claimed two crucial early wickets as Zimbabwe collapsed to 31/3 in Bulawayo on Day 1. New Zealand is firmly in command of the first Test in their tour.
Day 1: New Zealand Seize Early Control in Bulawayo
**Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – July 30, 2025** – The first Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand at the Queens Sports Club has seen a dominant start by the visiting Blackcaps. After Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, their top order crumbled under disciplined bowling, primarily led by the impressive Matt Henry.
Live Score Update:
Zimbabwe: 31/3 (Early Overs on Day 1)
Key Wickets: Brian Bennett, Nick Welch, and one other early dismissal.
New Zealand in Command: The early wickets have put New Zealand firmly in the driver's seat.
New Zealand is being led by **Mitchell Santner** for the first time in Tests, stepping in as captain after Tom Latham was ruled out of this match due to a shoulder injury.
Henry's Double Strike Puts Zimbabwe on the Back Foot
New Zealand's pace attack, spearheaded by **Matt Henry**, has been exceptional in the opening session. Henry claimed two crucial wickets, dismantling Zimbabwe's top order and putting them under immense pressure.
- Henry's first scalp was **Brian Bennett**, caught by Will Young for a mere 6 runs in the 3rd over. This early breakthrough set the tone for the innings.
- He followed this up by dismissing **Nick Welch**, further deepening Zimbabwe's woes.
Henry's disciplined line and length, combined with subtle movement off the pitch, proved too much for the Zimbabwean batsmen. His bowling figures reflect his effectiveness, contributing significantly to the early collapse.
Zimbabwe's Top Order Crumbles
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Zimbabwe had hoped for a solid start on their home turf. However, the New Zealand bowlers had other plans. The early dismissals of Brian Bennett and Nick Welch, followed by another quick wicket, left Zimbabwe reeling at 31/3 in the initial overs of Day 1.
This early collapse puts immense pressure on the middle order, including experienced players like captain Craig Ervine and all-rounder Sikandar Raza, to rebuild the innings and prevent further damage. The Queens Sports Club pitch, generally known to be batting-friendly, has offered enough assistance to the seamers in the morning session.
Santner's Captaincy and NZ's Disciplined Approach
Mitchell Santner, leading the New Zealand Test side for the first time in the absence of an injured Tom Latham, has marshaled his bowlers effectively. The Blackcaps have maintained tight lines and lengths, not allowing the Zimbabwean batsmen to settle. The early wickets are a testament to their disciplined bowling unit and strategic execution under Santner's leadership.
This strong start is crucial for New Zealand as they aim to continue their historical dominance over Zimbabwe in Test cricket and set the tone for the two-match series.
Commanding Position for the Blackcaps
With Zimbabwe's top order back in the pavilion, New Zealand is in a commanding position on Day 1 of the first Test. The focus will now shift to how the Zimbabwean middle order responds to the pressure and whether New Zealand can maintain their relentless attack to bowl out the hosts cheaply. Cricket fans can follow the live updates and action on FanCode.
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