New Zealand dominated Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs in the second Test at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club, marking their largest-ever Test victory and the third biggest innings win in Test history.
This win secured a 2–0 series sweep for the Black Caps, ranking just behind England’s innings-and-579-run win over Australia in 1938 and Australia’s innings-and-360-run victory against South Africa in 2002. New Zealand dominated early, bowling out Zimbabwe for 125, led by Matt Henry and debutant Zakary Foulkes.
New Zealand responded emphatically, with centuries from Devon Conway (153), Rachin Ravindra (165 not out), and Henry Nicholls (150 not out), reaching 601 for three declared and establishing a commanding lead of 476 runs.
Foulkes Stars With Five Wickets As Zimbabwe Collapse For 117 In Second Innings
Zimbabwe struggled again in their second innings, being dismissed for just 117 in 28.1 overs. Foulkes shone once more, taking five wickets and finishing with impressive match figures of nine for 75 — the best performance by a New Zealand debutant in Tests.
Brendan Taylor, Zimbabwe’s top scorer with 44 in the first innings, was unable to reach double digits this time. Nick Welch showed some resistance with an unbeaten 47 but lacked support from his teammates.
Following the victory, Mitchell Santner, who replaced the injured Tom Latham, said:
“It was a pretty good game. Obviously, losing the toss, but we bowled very well in the first innings. And the boys got through some tough periods with their partnerships and then cashed in. We talked about keeping the standards up.”
New Zealand now have an extended break and will next play in October when they host Australia for a three-match T20I series. In the same month, they will also welcome England for three T20Is and three ODIs. With the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year, New Zealand will turn their attention to the T20 format.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.