1st Test: Matt Henry takes 7 as South Africa all-out for 95, New Zealand on top after Day 1
India Today
New Zealand vs South Africa: Matt Henry produced his career-best figures of 7/23 as South Africa were bundled out for 95 on Day 1 of the 1st Test in Christchurch. New Zealand reached Stumps at 116/3.
World Test champions New Zealand asserted their dominance at home once again as they bundled out South Africa for 95 on Day 1 of theif first Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday. Matt Henry produced his career-best figures of 7/23 as South Africa's batting unit was decimated on the opening day.
New Zeland reached Stumps on Day 1 at 116/3 as 13 wickets fell on a day where bowlers dominated in Christchurch. Henry Nicholls (37*) and nightwatchman Neil Wagner (2*) were unbeaten as New Zealand sealed a 21-run lead at Stumps.
Playing his first Test in eight months because Trent Boult is away on paternity leave, Henry wreaked havoc on a greentop at the Hagley Oval, consigning South Africa to their lowest score against New Zealand.
In the absence of Keegan Petersen, who shone in South Africa's 2-1 victory at home against India in January, South Africa baters struggled against the moving ball. Zubayr Hamza top-scored with 25 as none of the other battes, including captain Dean Elgar (1), were able to get past the 20-run mark.
"Great to do it in front of my home fans, friends and family," Henry said after registering the joint third-best Test figures by a New Zealand bowler.
"It's not always going to go in your favour when you play the odd game here and there."
Henry and fellow pacemen Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson extracted considerable movement in the air and bounce off the pitch after Tom Latham won the toss and elected to field.
