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New Zealand's Matt Henry Clinches 3-fer To Handicap Zimbabwe In Crucial Tri-Series Clash

Soumyajit Dutta

Matt Henry [Source: @SomersetCCC/X.com]Matt Henry [Source: @SomersetCCC/X.com]

New Zealand's pace spearhead Matt Henry produced a decisive spell of 3/26, the fourth-best bowling figures by a New Zealander against Zimbabwe in T20Is, to restrict the hosts to 120/7 in their 20 overs during the third match of the Zimbabwe Tri-Series 2025. Henry's impact was immediate and sustained as he broke some remarkable partnerships and scalped key wickets.

Matt Henry Stuns Zimbabwe With Remarkable Figures

Matt Henry broke Zimbabwe's promising opening stand of 37 in the 6th over, removing the dangerous Brian Bennett (21 off 20 balls). Later, with Zimbabwe trying to rebuild in the 17th over, Henry struck twice in quick succession. 

With his 3 picks for 26, Matt Henry became the fourth bowler for New Zealand to hold the best bowling figures against Zimbabwe in T20Is. Ahead of him stands Doug Bracewell with 3/25, Nathan McCullum with his 3/16 and Scott Styris with his legendary 3/5.

Notably, Henry dismissed Tashinga Musekiwa (4 off 2) caught off a leading edge, and then removed the set Tony Munyonga (13 off 18 balls) just three balls later. These crucial blows prevented Zimbabwe from mounting a late assault.

Zimbabwe's Innings Stumbles Despite Positive Start

Zimbabwe's innings was characterised by starts that failed to convert into match-defining contributions. Openers Wessly Madhevere (36 off 32) and Brian Bennett provided a solid platform, reaching 37 in the 6th over. However, Henry's dismissal of Bennett triggered a slowdown. 

While Madhevere anchored the top order, wickets fell consistently at the other end. Clive Madande (8 off 13), Sikandar Raza (12 off 18), and Ryan Burl (12 off 9) all got in but couldn't push on. The middle order struggled to find boundaries consistently against a disciplined New Zealand attack led by Mitchell Santner (1/18) and Rachin Ravindra (1/10).

From 84/4 in the 14th over, Zimbabwe lost their way. Henry's double-wicket over in the 17th left them reeling at 98/6. A late cameo from Tinotenda Maposa (9* off 8) helped them nudge past 120, but it was a total that appeared significantly below par on the Harare surface.