Matt Henry reminded everyone why he’s still among the most reliable fast bowlers in Test cricket. With a match-winning performance in the first Test against Zimbabwe, he picked up nine wickets across two innings, helping New Zealand secure a dominant nine-wicket victory at Queen’s Sports Club.
This wasn’t just another lopsided contest between a top-tier team and a rebuilding side — it was a masterclass in controlled fast bowling. The kind that doesn’t just blow a team away but breaks them down, slowly and ruthlessly.
A Clinical Start from Henry
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat, but things went downhill quickly. On a pitch offering just enough for the seamers, Henry hit his rhythm early and never really let up. He took 6 for 39 in the first innings — figures that speak to both his accuracy and the lack of answers from Zimbabwe’s top order.
It wasn’t all raw pace. What stood out was how well he used subtle seam movement and angles. Henry wasn’t trying to do too much; he stuck to a plan, and it worked perfectly.
In the second innings, he added three more wickets to his tally, finishing with match figures of 9 for 90 — a dominant return in any conditions, let alone away from home.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Falls Short Again
Zimbabwe’s totals of 149 and 165 made the result almost inevitable. There were brief patches of resistance — especially from Craig Ervine, who battled for a gritty 41 in the second innings — but nothing that suggested a real fightback.
The batting lineup looked short on confidence and didn’t show the kind of grit needed to dig in on a surface that rewarded patience and discipline. Credit goes to New Zealand’s bowlers as a group, with Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee maintaining pressure from both ends, but it was Henry who delivered the killer blows.
New Zealand in Control Throughout
With the ball doing its part, New Zealand’s batters ensured the game never drifted. They posted 307 in their first innings, led by Tom Latham’s composed 82 and Daryl Mitchell’s quick 55, building a lead of 158. That gave the bowlers the freedom to attack again in the second innings — and they didn’t waste the opportunity.
The chase — just 8 runs — was over in 14 balls. New Zealand lost one wicket along the way, but by that point, the result was never in doubt.
A Performance Worth Remembering
This match will be remembered for Matt Henry’s bowling, no question. It’s his best Test performance in recent years and one of the finest by a New Zealand pacer in sub-Saharan Africa. More than the numbers, it was how he bowled — calm, controlled, and relentlessly accurate — that stood out.
At 33, he’s in that sweet spot where experience meets fitness. And on days like this, it shows.
Looking Ahead
The second and final Test of the series is coming up, and Zimbabwe have a lot to think about. Their bowlers showed some fight — Blessing Muzarabani in particular bowled with heart — but unless the top order finds a way to handle quality seam bowling, they’ll be under pressure again.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will be feeling confident. With Henry leading the attack and a balanced batting order backing him up, they’ll be eyeing a series sweep.
Score Summary
Zimbabwe 1st innings: 149 all out
New Zealand 1st innings: 307 all out
Zimbabwe 2nd innings: 165 all out
New Zealand 2nd innings: 9/1 (Target 8)
Result: New Zealand won by 9 wickets
Player of the Match: Matt Henry – 6/39 and 3/51
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