Test cricket ignited with action in Bulawayo, as Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul set the tone for a dominant New Zealand performance against Zimbabwe on the opening day of their second Test match. Here, we break down the 7 moments that defined the match and showcased why the keyword “five-wicket haul” remains the ultimate badge of excellence in the longest format.
Matt Henry’s Five-Wicket Haul – The Defining Spell
Matt Henry continued his purple patch in 2025 by spearheading New Zealand’s charge with a clinical five-wicket haul—his second of the series and sixth in Test cricket. With figures of 5-40 in just 15 overs, Matt Henry made the ball talk on a pitch with modest bounce, slicing through Zimbabwe’s top and tail with relentless accuracy and movement. Remarkably, he now sits in the record books alongside Kiwi legends for the most Test fifers against Zimbabwe.
Debutant Poise: Foulkes, Duffy, and Fisher Make an Impact
It wasn’t just Matt Henry stealing the limelight. Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and Matthew Fisher—all on debut—bowled in tandem with discipline and intent. Foulkes nabbed four wickets, striking early and setting up traps that Zimbabwe’s batters struggled to escape. Their collective pressure ensured Zimbabwe never found their footing.
Taylor’s Emotional Return Lights Up Zimbabwe
Brendan Taylor’s return to the Zimbabwean XI provided a poignant subplot. Back from a three-and-a-half-year ban, Taylor—thrust into the unfamiliar opener’s role—stood tall amidst the collapse, top-scoring with 44 and demonstrating classic composure against quality seam bowling. Taylor’s journey from personal turmoil back to cricketing redemption was as compelling as the game itself. “Three years ago, I couldn’t get out of bed. Now I’m back doing what I love—representing Zimbabwe,” Taylor shared ahead of the match.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Woes: A Familiar Story
Batting first, Zimbabwe’s decision quickly unraveled. Only Taylor and Tafadzwa Tsiga (33) crossed double digits, with the next best partnership a modest 29. Poor shot selection mixed with unrelenting Kiwi accuracy left them shell-shocked and bundled out for just 125—their lowest in nine innings and a stark reminder of their ongoing struggles in Test cricket.
Opening Stand of Steel: Conway and Young Flatten the Deficit
In reply, New Zealand’s openers—Devon Conway (79*) and Will Young (74)—blitzed Zimbabwe’s attack to register the team’s third-highest opening stand against Zimbabwe. Their partnership wiped out the deficit with conviction, marking New Zealand’s first 150+ first-wicket stand in nearly three years. Conway’s aggressive strokeplay and Young’s calm assurance set the hosts on the back foot from ball one.
Young Stays Consistent, Century Evasion Continues
Despite his enterprising 74, Will Young’s wait for a maiden Test ton continued—thwarted one more time after a promising innings. Nevertheless, his robust contributions alongside Conway provided New Zealand with a commanding 49-run lead at stumps and showcased the depth and stability of their batting unit.
The Redemption Narrative: Cricket Offers Hope
The emotional resonance of the day rested with Taylor. His candid revelations—overcoming addiction, sanctions, and threats—humanized the often-pressure-laden world of Test cricket. Cricket fans worldwide were reminded of the game’s capacity for both heartbreak and healing, as Taylor’s story inspired teammates and supporters alike.
Five-Wicket Haul: Cricket’s Power Play Still King
The five-wicket haul remains Test cricket’s quintessential symbol of bowling dominance. Matt Henry’s spell in Bulawayo not only turned the Test in New Zealand’s favour but also reaffirmed the timeless tradition where one bowler’s (In this case Matt Henry) brilliance can reshape the match narrative entirely.
Photo Credit: Instagram
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