From the very first over, New Zealand exerted full management over Zimbabwe on Day 1 of the second Take a look at 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 power and aggression. Zimbabwe’s choice to bat first backfired badly as they folded for simply 125 on a floor that had one thing for the bowlers however demanded self-discipline from the batters. In reply, New Zealand’s openers made batting appear like a special sport altogether. Devon Conway and Will Younger calmly dismantled the Zimbabwean assault, constructing a 162-run opening stand that underlined the gulf between the 2 sides. The Kiwis ended the day on 174/1, already forward and searching set to bat Zimbabwe out of the match.
Matt Henry’s ruthless burst dismantles fragile Zimbabwean line-up
Henry produced a searing spell of quick bowling that left Zimbabwe reeling within the morning session. With impeccable line and size, he struck early to take away Kevin Kasuza and Milton Shumba, setting the tone for what could be a relentless examination of method and temperament. Henry exploited refined motion off the seam and occasional further bounce to maintain the batters guessing.
After Brendan Taylor provided temporary resistance with a composed 44, the center order crumbled beneath stress. Debutant Foulkes compounded Zimbabwe’s distress with 4 fast strikes, together with a intelligent entice to dismiss the harmful Wessly Madhevere. The post-lunch session noticed Zimbabwe lose 7 wickets for simply 42 runs as they slumped from 83/3 to 125 all out. Henry’s last figures of 5 for 40 had been a testomony to his management, aggression, and relentless probing. Zimbabwe’s batting lacked utility and method in opposition to a high-quality assault, with solely Tafadzwa Tsiga’s unbeaten 33 exhibiting some combat amid the ruins.
Additionally READ: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2025: Queens Sports Club Pitch Report and Bulawayo Weather Forecast for the second Test
Devon Conway and Will Younger construct monumental reply, bat Zimbabwe out of rivalry
Following the demolition of Zimbabwe’s batting, New Zealand’s response with the bat was a masterclass in managed aggression. Conway and Younger put collectively a seamless 162-run partnership that fully nullified any momentum the hosts had hoped to generate with the ball. Conway was calm and exact, leaving nicely and punishing free deliveries with elegant drives and glides, crafting an unbeaten 79 by stumps.
On the different finish, Younger confirmed intent early, dominating the Zimbabwean pacers and dispatching something brief or huge with authority. His composed 74 got here off simply 101 balls and included a string of boundaries that pierced the sphere with magnificence. Their stand not solely erased Zimbabwe’s lead however established a psychological higher hand. The lone breakthrough got here late within the day when Younger edged one behind, however by then the harm was executed. With 9 wickets nonetheless intact and a lead already at 49, New Zealand sit firmly in command, poised to construct a mammoth complete and probably seal the sequence by an innings.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Matt Henry going to be enjoyable to observe in England subsequent 12 months…though Zak Crawley could disagree… #ZimvNZ
— Harmless Bystander (@InnoBystander) August 7, 2025
Privilege to observe the 🇳🇿 bowl. Its like poetry in movement.
Matt Henry is exhibiting us why he’s the world’s 4th finest take a look at bowler.
Unplayable.
🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼
— ILV85 Zim $LIZ 🇿🇼🏏🥇 (@DanielSson85) August 7, 2025
Matt Henry’s nice type with the ball continued together with his sixth five-wicket-haul as Zim had been bowled out for 125
New boy Zak Foulkes had an ideal begin to his Take a look at profession with 4-38#ZIMvNZ pic.twitter.com/UCR0ujlUW6
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) August 7, 2025
As predicted Matt Henry will get one other 5 wicket haul in opposition to Zimbabwe 😅😅😅🤣 https://t.co/EbWW7sUMRn
— Tatenda_J (@TatendaJokonya) August 7, 2025
I am having deja vu…
Matt Henry has taken one other five-wicket haul for New Zealand 🇳🇿#WeAreSomerset pic.twitter.com/mdjjlXM199
— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) August 7, 2025
One other 5-wicket haul for Matt Henry (5-40) in Bulawayo!
4 wickets for debutant Zak Foulkes (4-38) and a maiden Take a look at wicket for debutant Matt Fisher (1-16).
Stream LIVE and free in NZ on ThreeNow 📺 Dwell scoring | https://t.co/DnWSGE9t8b #ZIMvNZ #CricketNation 📷 = Zimbabwe… pic.twitter.com/GtWL6nDTvK
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) August 7, 2025
Watching the Zimbabwe vs NZ take a look at match right here.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers bowling mess haven’t taken a wicket but and their followers singing Popcaan ah de solely man she need 😂— Shaun with a U 🇹🇹 (@Shaunks17) August 7, 2025
Zimbabwe received take a look at matches with a lot effort however they’re taking part in poorly.#ZIMvsNZ
— Mr. Athar not Ali Khan 🇮🇳🏏 (@cricdrugs) August 7, 2025
I’ll love to observe @BLACKCAPS make fast 200 in about 30 overs most after which declare. Then bowl Zimbabwe out once more in the present day to make this primary Take a look at Match ending on day 1.
— Calculus Lover (@calculus_1989) August 7, 2025
Complete dominance from New Zealand on Day 1 in Bulawayo! 🇳🇿🔥
Matt Henry tore by way of Zimbabwe’s lineup, bundling them out for simply 125. 🎯
Then the openers Devon Conway and Will Younger piled on the distress with a strong 162-run opening stand. 💪🏼🏏
New Zealand finish Day 1 with a… pic.twitter.com/XOJ0RIjuD6
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 7, 2025
Additionally READ: ZIM vs NZ 2025, Test series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, New Zealand & other countries
