New Zealand Crush Zimbabwe with Third-Biggest Win in Test Cricket History
Historic Victory in Bulawayo
New Zealand have recorded their biggest-ever Test win, and it came in emphatic style. They defeated Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs in the second Test in Bulawayo. As a result, this became the third-biggest win in Test cricket history. Only England’s 1938 victory over Australia by an innings and 579 runs and Australia’s 2002 triumph over South Africa by an innings and 360 runs have been larger. Moreover, the result broke New Zealand’s previous record — an innings and 301 runs against Zimbabwe in 2012.
Batting Brilliance and Bowling Dominance
From the opening day, the Kiwis controlled the match. They scored 601 for 3 in their first innings, their highest total against Zimbabwe. In addition, Devon Conway made 153, Henry Nicholls scored 150*, and Rachin Ravindra hit 165*. Consequently, they became only the third trio in Test history to each score 150-plus in one innings. Furthermore, their batting average of 192.66 far outshone their bowling average of 11.25, highlighting the complete mismatch between the sides.
Zimbabwe’s Struggle at Home
Zimbabwe’s batting collapsed under pressure. They managed only 242 runs across both innings, which was their fifth-lowest aggregate in a Test where they were bowled out twice. Notably, it was also their second-lowest total at home, behind the 158 scored against New Zealand in Harare in 2005.
Zakary Foulkes’ Stunning Test Debut
Debutant Zakary Foulkes delivered a remarkable performance. He claimed match figures of 9 for 75 — the best by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut. Significantly, his match average of 8.33 is the second-best in history for a debutant with four-plus wickets in both innings. Only Clarrie Grimmett’s 7.45 in 1925 was better, making Foulkes’ feat even more impressive.
Fast Bowlers Seal the Win
New Zealand’s pacers took all 20 wickets in the match. This was only the fifth time they have achieved this feat away from home. Previously, the last such occasion came in the 2021 World Test Championship final against India.
