Matt Henry six-fer blows away Zimbabwe for 149

Matt Henry six-fer blows away Zimbabwe for 149

Matt Henry took 6 for 39, his third-best bowling figures in Test cricket, to lead New Zealand to a commanding start in the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Nathan Smith also chipped in with 3 for 20 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 149 early in the last session of Day 1.

New Zealand replied confidently, reaching 92/0 at stumps. Devon Conway (51*) and Will Young (41*) wiped off more than 60 percent of the deficit.

Henry struck early, removing both Zimbabwe openers cheaply. Brian Bennett edged to third slip and Ben Curran followed soon after, also caught at third slip. Sean Williams, Zimbabwe's key batter, chopped on for 2 after being troubled by Nathan Smith.

At 31/3, Zimbabwe were in deep trouble. Nick Welch and skipper Craig Ervine steadied the ship with a promising stand. However, their position worsened as Welch (27) fell to Henry and Sikandar Raza followed soon after, gloving a bouncer to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.

Craig Ervine (30) and Tafadzwa Tsiga provided some resistance with a 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but Smith broke through by trapping Ervine lbw. The tail fell apart quickly as Henry completed his five-wicket haul and wrapped up the innings.

New Zealand's openers got off to a solid start, with Devon Conway and Will Young dealing in regular boundaries. The pair raised the half-century stand inside 14 overs and extended their partnership close to the 100-run mark. Conway took his fours tally to 8 as he brought up a half-century late in the day while Young was nine away from one.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 149 (Craig Ervine 39, Tafadzwa Tsiga 30; Matt Henry 6-39, Nathan Smith 3-20) lead New Zealand 92/0 (Devon Conway 51*, Will Young 41*) by 57 runs.