Matt Henry is a force to be reckoned with when he gets going. Against Zimbabwe in the first Test in Bulawayo, he was at his best. With pace, bounce and movement off the pitch he tore through Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. His 6 for 39 will be remembered for a long time and also broke records.
Here’s a look at the top 5 bowling performances by a New Zealand bowler in Tests against Zimbabwe:
1. Chris Martin: 6/26 in Napier, 2005
Fans remember Chris Martin for his swing bowling. In 2005 after New Zealand posted 495/7 they bowled out Zimbabwe for 51. After New Zealand enforced the follow on Martin wrecked Zimbabwe’s top order with 6/26 and they were all out for 143. In 51 balls he took 6 wickets with pace. That spell in Napier was Martin at his best: rhythm, accuracy and tight lines.
2. Matt Henry: 6/39 in Bulawayo, 2025
Matt Henry’s 6/39 in Bulawayo wasn’t just a stat. He terrorized Zimbabwe from the first over with seam, swing and bounce. He picked up crucial wickets and restricted the lower order. Every ball seemed to threaten the stumps. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 149 and Henry was the man of the moment.
3. Neil Wagner: 6/41 in Bulawayo, 2016
When Neil Wagner bowled short batsmen were in trouble. In 2016 Wagner’s fiery spell in Bulawayo saw Zimbabwe bowled out for 164. His 6/41 was a spirited performance full of controlled aggression and bounce. He ran in hard, bowled cleverly and restricted Zimbabwe. New Zealand replied with 576/6 and bowled them out for 295 and won by an innings and 117 runs.
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4. Dipak Patel: 6/50 in Harare, 1992
Dipak Patel’s 6/50 against Zimbabwe in Harare was a surprise. Known for his off spin and bowling with the new ball in ODIs Patel proved he could bowl with the red ball. Zimbabwe struggled against him, he took out their middle order with flight and spin and New Zealand won by 177 runs.
5. Shane Bond: 6/51 in Bulawayo, 2005
When Shane Bond was fit he was hard to play against. In 2005 Zimbabwe felt his wrath as Bond bowled fast and straight. His 6/51 was Bond at his best: fast and frightening. Batsmen struggled against his balls. He finished the match with 10 wickets and New Zealand won by an innings and 46 runs.
