Matt Henry Takes 6 Wickets as New Zealand Dismisses Zimbabwe for 149 in Opening Test

New Zealand dominated the first day of the opening Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, with fast bowler Matt Henry delivering a spectacular performance by taking six wickets for 39 runs to bowl out Zimbabwe for a low total of 149. Henry’s bowling dismantled the Zimbabwean top order and was supported by Nathan Smith's three wickets, as Zimbabwe struggled to build significant partnerships, with captain Craig Ervine top-scoring with 39 runs. In reply, New Zealand reached 92 without loss by stumps, with Devon Conway unbeaten on 51 and Will Young on 41, positioning the BlackCaps strongly despite trailing by 57 runs. This Test marked Mitchell Santner's debut as New Zealand captain in the absence of injured Tom Latham, and New Zealand's disciplined bowling and batting laid the foundation for a commanding first innings lead. Zimbabwe’s batting woes continued despite some resistance from Ervine and wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga, both of whom were dropped early in their innings but failed to convert starts into big scores. New Zealand’s fielding and bowling prowess, especially Henry’s incisive spells, were key factors in their dominant position at the end of day one.