Matt Henry’s Five-For and Century of Wickets: A New Zealand Triumph

Matt Henry etched his name into the annals of New Zealand cricket history on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, as he claimed his 100th Test wicket and a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the India-New Zealand Test match at Bengaluru.

A Historic Performance

Henry’s remarkable achievement came in the 32nd over of the Indian innings, when he dismissed Kuldeep Yadav. This not only completed his five-wicket haul but also marked his 100th Test wicket for New Zealand. India, struggling to cope with the Kiwi pace attack, was bowled out for a paltry 46 runs, their lowest Test total at home.

A Milestone Reached

Henry’s journey to the 100-wicket mark was impressive. In just 26 Test matches, he joined Neil Wagner as the second-fastest New Zealand bowler to achieve this feat. Only the legendary Richard Hadlee, who reached the milestone in 25 Tests, is faster.

A Well-Deserved Reward

Henry’s five-wicket haul was a testament to his perseverance and skill. Even when he was not a regular in the New Zealand Test XI, he continued to work hard and improve his game. His performance in Bengaluru was a well-deserved reward for his dedication and talent.

A Dominant Display

With his figures of 5/15 in the first innings, Henry recorded the fourth-best bowling figures by a New Zealand pacer in India. His performance was a key factor in New Zealand’s dominance in the match, and it set the tone for the rest of the series.

As Henry continues to mature as a cricketer, there is no doubt that he will be a valuable asset to the New Zealand Test team for many years to come. His ability to swing the ball and extract bounce from the pitch makes him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup.

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