Matt Henry, Zakary Foulkes Dismantle Zimbabwe as New Zealand Dominate Day One in Bulawayo

Matt Henry, Zakary Foulkes Dismantle Zimbabwe as New Zealand Dominate Day One in Bulawayo

A clinical bowling display led by Matt Henry and debutant Zakary Foulkes handed New Zealand complete control on the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Zimbabwe were bundled out for a paltry 125 in just 48.5 overs, before New Zealand replied with a commanding 174/1 by stumps, taking a 49-run lead with nine wickets still in hand.

Henry led the charge with a five-wicket haul (5 for 40), making early inroads in a devastating opening spell, while 22-year-old Foulkes impressed on debut with figures of 4 for 38, showing maturity and skill in dismantling Zimbabwe’s middle order.

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine had opted to bat first after winning the toss, but the decision backfired as Henry and Foulkes tore through the top and middle order. Only Brendan Taylor, returning to Test cricket after more than three years, offered resistance with a fighting 44. His dismissal after lunch, however, triggered a dramatic collapse, with Zimbabwe losing their last six wickets for just 42 runs.

Henry was on the mark from the start, removing Brian Bennett with a classic outswinger and trapping Nick Welch lbw in the 15th over. Foulkes followed up by dismissing senior batter Sean Williams and struck again just before lunch to send back Ervine, leaving the hosts reeling at 67/4.

Taylor briefly steadied the innings, but his loose drive outside off stump handed Henry his third wicket. The lower order folded swiftly, with Foulkes grabbing two wickets in a single over, and Henry returning to finish off the tail. Matthew Fischer also chipped in with his maiden Test wicket as Zimbabwe were bowled out under 50 overs.

In response, New Zealand’s openers Will Young and Devon Conway put on a 162-run partnership, batting through the entire final session with composure and confidence. Young was the aggressor, bringing up his fifty in just 49 balls and finishing on 74 before under-edging a pull shot to be dismissed late in the day. Conway remained unbeaten on 79, riding his luck at times, but ensuring the visitors finished the day in a dominant position.

Despite using spin from both ends in fading light, Zimbabwe couldn’t find another breakthrough as New Zealand ended Day 1 firmly in command.

Brief Scores:

Zimbabwe 125 (Brendan Taylor 44; Matt Henry 5-40, Zakary Foulkes 4-38)
New Zealand 174/1 (Devon Conway 79, Will Young 74)* lead by 49 runs

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