The ZIM vs NZ 2nd Test Day 1 was all about New Zealand. From the very first, they seized control in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe won the toss and decided to bat first, but their strategy fell apart almost immediately. The Kiwi bowlers attacked relentlessly and never allowed the hosts to settle.
Matt Henry led the charge. He bowled with pace, precision, and movement, claiming 5 wickets for just 40 runs. At the other end, newcomer Zakary Foulkes provided fantastic support. He grabbed 4 wickets for 38 runs, keeping constant pressure on Zimbabwe. Together, they ripped through the batting lineup.
Zimbabwe’s innings never gained momentum. They lost wickets in clusters, which kept their scoring rate low. Although Brendan Taylor, returning to international cricket, fought hard with 44 runs, he lacked partners at the crease. Similarly, wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga stayed unbeaten on 33, yet the team only managed a modest 125 runs.
Zimbabwe 1st Innings – 125 (10wkt, 48.5ov)
| Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Brain Bennett | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Brendan Taylor | 44 | 107 | 6 | 0 |
| Nick Welch | 11 | 31 | 2 | 0 |
| Sean Williams | 11 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| Craig Ervine (C) | 7 | 28 | 1 | 0 |
| Sikandar Raza | 5 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK) | 33 | 54 | 4 | 0 |
| Trevor Gwandu | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vincent Masekesa | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Blessing Muzarabani | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Tanaka Chivanga | 4 | 22 | 1 | 0 |
New Zealand Bowling
- Matt Henry – 15 ov, 40 runs, 5 wkt
- Zakary Foulkes – 16 ov, 38 runs, 4 wkt
- Mattew Fisher – 6.5 ov, 16 runs, 1 wkt
After that dominant bowling display, New Zealand’s openers stepped in confidently. Devon Conway and Will Young began cautiously, leaving good deliveries and punishing anything loose. As the innings progressed, they accelerated and frustrated the Zimbabwean bowlers.
Conway played elegant strokes, especially through the covers, and stayed calm under pressure. By stumps, he reached 79 not out. Meanwhile, Young contributed a composed 74 before falling late in the day. Their superb 162-run partnership gave New Zealand full control of the match.
By the close of play, New Zealand had scored 174 for 1, securing a 49-run lead with nine wickets in hand. This strong position now gives them the power to control the flow of the game on Day 2.
The pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo offered some seam movement in the morning, and the Kiwi bowlers took full advantage of it. However, as the day went on, the surface became better for batting. New Zealand’s openers capitalised on these improved conditions, showing excellent shot selection and patience.
New Zealand’s 1st Innings – 174 (1 wkt, 39 ov)
| Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Devon Conway* | 79 | 120 | 9 | 0 |
| Will Young | 74 | 101 | 11 | 0 |
| Jacob Duffy* | 8 | 16 | 2 | 0 |
Zimbabwe Bowling
- Trevor Gwandu – 7 ov, 31 runs, 1 wkt
Team Zimbabwe endured a tough day. The batters had a tough time dealing with the swing and seam movement. Later, their bowlers failed to make early breakthroughs against the in-form Conway and Young. As a result, they face a steep challenge heading into the next day’s play.
Conversely, New Zealand will aim to build on its lead and bat Zimbabwe out of contention. If Conway continues his form and the middle order chips in, the Kiwis could post a huge first-innings total.
In conclusion, the ZIM vs NZ 2nd Test Day 1 highlighted New Zealand’s strength, both with the bat and the ball. Their bowlers struck early and often, while their batters built a solid foundation. Unless Zimbabwe responds with extraordinary effort, the visitors appear on course for another commanding victory.
