ZIM vs NZ 2025, 1st Test Day 3 Review: Matt Henry's nine-for sets up New Zealand's commanding win over Zimbabwe

New Zealand chased down a modest target of eight runs on Day 3 to secure a comprehensive victory over Zimbabwe in the first Test at Bulawayo, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The hosts struggled to put up a competitive total, as New Zealand’s bowlers dismantled the batting order with disciplined performances.

The Chevrons’ skipper Craig Ervine top-scored with 39 in the first innings, guiding Zimbabwe to 149. For New Zealand, Matt Henry picked six wickets while Nathan Smith scalped three. In response, New Zealand posted 307, securing a commanding lead. Devon Conway played a fluent knock of 88, while Daryl Mitchell contributed a solid 80, with both narrowly missing out on centuries.

Although the Black Caps suffered a middle-order collapse after being comfortably placed at 158/1, the early momentum was enough to put them in firm control of the match. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani picked up three wickets, while Tanaka Chivanga chipped in with two.

In the second innings, the hosts managed just 165, with Sean Williams putting up a fighting 49. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to convert their starts, leaving Zimbabwe unable to set a challenging target. New Zealand's bowling unit dominated, with Henry and William O'Rourke taking three wickets each, while captain Mitchell Santner chipped in with a four-wicket haul, ensuring Zimbabwe could not set a meaningful target.

Set just eight runs to win, New Zealand began their second innings with Conway and Will Young at the crease. Conway was dismissed after scoring four before Henry Nicholls joined Young to finish the chase comfortably. Henry was adjudged Player of the Match for his nine-wicket match hault.

With this win, New Zealand wrapped up the opening Test within three days and will head into the second and final game at the same venue, starting August 7.