Zimbabwe faced New Zealand in a Test match in Bulawayo. It started on July 30, 2025. New Zealand dominated the first two days. Matt Henry led with a stunning six-wicket haul.
Zimbabwe scored only 149 in their first innings. New Zealand replied with 307 runs. Daryl Mitchell scored a gritty 80. Devon Conway added a fluent 88.
By day two, Zimbabwe trailed by 127 runs. They were 31 for 2 in their second innings. Blessing Muzarabani fought back for Zimbabwe. He took three wickets.
This match scorecard shows New Zealand’s control. Nathan Smith supported Henry well. Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine scored 39. Fans loved the Test cricket action.
Check out cricket updates on our site. Follow the India vs. New Zealand or South Africa vs. New Zealand for more. This Bulawayo Test is thrilling. Stay tuned for more cricket highlights.
How Matt Henry Destroyed Zimbabwe’s Batting?
Matt Henry was the star on day one. He took six wickets for 39 runs. Zimbabwe collapsed to 149 in 61 overs. His bowling was sharp and clever.
Henry struck early with the new ball. He dismissed Brian Bennett in the third over. Ben Curran fell soon after. Henry used full and short deliveries well.
Nathan Smith helped Henry a lot. He took three wickets for 20 runs. Zimbabwe’s batters edged 22 balls. Only Craig Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsiga scored over 30.
Ervine and Tsiga shared a 54-run stand. But Henry ended their fight. He got Tsiga out lbw. Zimbabwe’s batting looked weak against New Zealand’s attack.
Henry’s form came from the T20 Tri-Series. He was the top wicket-taker there. Fans saw his skill in Australia vs. South Africa. This Bulawayo Test showed his class.
Zimbabwe struggled without Brendan Taylor, back for the next Test. New Zealand’s bowlers were too good. Henry’s six-for set the tone. Check Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling for similar brilliance.
Nathan Smith’s Key Role
Nathan Smith shone in his third Test match. He took three wickets for 20 runs. His tight bowling troubled Zimbabwe’s batters. Smith supported Matt Henry perfectly.
Smith dismissed Sean Williams early. He also got Craig Ervine out lbw. His changes in line worked well. Zimbabwe couldn’t handle his accuracy.
Like Mohammed Siraj, Smith bowled with fire. His effort helped New Zealand dominate. Zimbabwe needs a plan against him. Smith is a rising star.
Why New Zealand’s Batting Stood Strong?
New Zealand’s batting was solid on day one. Devon Conway scored 51 not out. Will Young made 41 not out. They chased Zimbabwe’s 149 easily.
The pair raced to 40 in 10 overs. Conway hit three boundaries off Tanaka Chivanga. Young smashed a four off Blessing Muzarabani. Their opening stand was 92.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to find wickets. Newman Nyamhuri hit Conway’s knee. But Conway kept batting bravely. He reached his fifty in 83 balls.
On day two, New Zealand reached 307. Daryl Mitchell led with 80 runs. Conway added 88 before falling. Their batting showed Test cricket class.
Mitchell’s knock was gritty and smart. He added 61 with Nathan Smith. Fans loved his style, like Virat Kohli’s in India vs. England. Check India vs. Zimbabwe for more.
Conway’s Fluent Innings
Devon Conway played a smooth 88. He used cover drives well. Blessing Muzarabani tried hard to stop him. Conway’s knock set New Zealand’s tone.
He survived early scares from Newman Nyamhuri. Conway’s fifty came in 83 balls. His batting was calm and strong. It reminded fans of MS Dhoni’s cool style.
How Zimbabwe Fought Back on Day Two?
Zimbabwe’s bowlers showed fight on day two. Blessing Muzarabani took three wickets. He dismissed Will Young with the first ball. Zimbabwe tried to bounce back.
Muzarabani bowled short to trouble New Zealand. He got Henry Nicholls out at gully. Tanaka Chivanga also struck twice. He removed Conway and Tom Blundell.
New Zealand lost five wickets for 42 runs. Sikandar Raza got Rachin Ravindra out. Zimbabwe’s bowlers used bounce well. They kept New Zealand at 200 for 6.
But Daryl Mitchell stopped their comeback. He scored 80 with Nathan Smith. Zimbabwe ended at 31 for 2. Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke took early wickets.
Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine needs to lead now. Their batting must improve, like Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh. See South Africa vs. Afghanistan for more. Zimbabwe faces a tough chase.
Muzarabani’s Brave Effort
Blessing Muzarabani led Zimbabwe’s bowling. He took three wickets for 73 runs. His short balls got Will Young and Michael Bracewell. Muzarabani gave Zimbabwe hope.
He switched angles to trap Henry Nicholls. His effort was like Ricky Ponting’s leadership in Australia vs. India. Zimbabwe needs more from him. He’s their key bowler.
Can Zimbabwe Bounce Back in Bulawayo?
Zimbabwe is in trouble in this Bulawayo Test. They trail by 127 runs. Their second innings is 31 for 2. Brian Bennett is fighting with 18 runs.
New Zealand’s bowlers are too strong. Matt Henry got Ben Curran out again. Will O’Rourke dismissed Bennett before stumps. Zimbabwe’s batting looks shaky.
Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza must step up. They need a big partnership. Zimbabwe’s Test cricket record is poor. They’ve never beaten New Zealand in 17 Tests.
The pitch is still good for batting. Zimbabwe can fight, like England vs. West Indies. But New Zealand’s lead is big. Daryl Mitchell’s knock hurt them badly.
Zimbabwe’s fans hope for a miracle. Sean Williams can inspire them. See India Women vs. England Women for similar battles. Check Railways vs. Delhi for more.
Ervine’s Role as Leader
Craig Ervine is Zimbabwe’s captain. He scored 39 in the first innings. He must bat long now. His team needs his experience. Check cricketstadium.com.in for more cricket updates. Follow India vs. New Zealand CT Final for action. Share your thoughts on this match scorecard. Let’s cheer for Zimbabwe cricket!
Ervine’s 54-run stand with Tafadzwa Tsiga was key. This Zimbabwe vs New Zealand match scorecard tells a story. New Zealand ruled the Bulawayo Test with Matt Henry’s six wickets. Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway batted strongly. Zimbabwe fought back but trails by 127 runs.
Fans love this Test cricket battle. Zimbabwe needs Craig Ervine to lead. Blessing Muzarabani must keep bowling well. New Zealand looks set to win.
