(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
New Zealand Sets Record with Dominant Win Over Zimbabwe in Second Test
New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to record their biggest Test victory, defeating Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs in the second Test at Bulawayo. The result highlights the significant gap between the two sides as Zimbabwe suffered their heaviest defeat in Test cricket history.
After declaring overnight at 601 for 3, led by centuries from Rachin Ravindra (165*), Devon Conway (153), and Henry Nicholls (150*), New Zealand bowled Zimbabwe out twice for 125 and 117 runs respectively. The hosts were dismissed in just 28.1 overs in the extended first session on Day 3.
Zakary Foulkes shone on his Test debut, claiming the best bowling figures ever recorded by a New Zealand player on debut with match figures of 9 for 75. Foulkes’ incisive eight-over spell, featuring devastating inswing deliveries, ensured Zimbabwe had no respite following early breakthroughs from Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy, who also claimed his maiden Test wicket.
Zimbabwe’s batting once again struggled against New Zealand’s pace attack, with only Nick Welch offering some resistance with a top score of 47. The rest of the lineup faltered, continuing a series-long pattern of difficulty handling moving and fast bowling.
The damage began early when Brian Bennett fell to Matt Henry’s clever inswinger, and Brendan Taylor was soon caught behind off the same bowler. Jacob Duffy took a crucial catch off his own bowling to dismiss Sean Williams, further exposing Zimbabwe’s woes.
Foulkes dismantled the lower order with three spectacular wickets, including bowling Vincent Masekesa and Trevor Gwandu with deliveries that swung back in sharply to hit the stumps. His relentless spell left Zimbabwe chasing an insurmountable deficit.
New Zealand finished their Zimbabwe tour undefeated, having won all matches in both the T20I tri-series and the Test series. Standout performers like Conway, Henry, Nicholls, and Ravindra showcased New Zealand’s depth in both batting and bowling.
With this emphatic victory, New Zealand now looks ahead to hosting the West Indies in November-December to kick off their 2025-2027 World Test Championship campaign. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will shift focus to hosting the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in September as they seek to rebuild after a challenging Test season.
