Zimbabwe was also not taken seriously by New Zealand in the first Test of the series. This time, in the series-deciding match in Bulawayo, the hosts were bundled out for just 125 runs in the first innings. The Kiwis then destroyed the Rhodesian bowlers and scored a mountain of runs. The team crossed the 600 mark in an innings in which three batters crossed the 150 mark. Through this, New Zealand set a world record.
At the end of the second day, the Kiwis had scored 601 runs for 3 wickets. They had already taken a lead of 476 runs in the first innings. It goes without saying how one-sided the match was. The innings of three batters crossing 150 runs in a single innings is a joint world record. Such an event has been seen twice in Test history. However, this is the first time in the last 39 years that three have crossed 150 runs in a single innings.
Yesterday (Friday), the Zimbabwean bowlers were helpless in front of the Kiwi batters. Although three of them took 1 wicket each, each of them spent more than 100 runs. In total, Zimbabwe had to come up with a 7-bowler attack to stop the flood of runs. However, they were not successful in that way. For the Kiwis, the two openers Devon Conway and Will Young scored 162 runs in the opening partnership. Then 73 runs were added for the second wicket and 110 runs for the third wicket.
Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra, who were unbeaten at the end of the day, are still on 256 runs. Rachin scored 165 runs off 139 balls with 21 fours and two sixes, while Nicholls scored 150 runs off 245 balls with 15 fours. Earlier, opener Conway scored 153 runs off 245 balls with 18 fours. In comparison, the other two batsmen may have felt regretful. Young scored 74 and Jacob Duffy scored 36 runs.
This is only the third time in the history of Test cricket that three batsmen have scored more than 150 in the same innings. The first time was in 1938 against Australia by England and in 1986 against Sri Lanka by three Indian batsmen.
Meanwhile, the Kiwis’ lead of 476 runs against Zimbabwe is the second highest in Tests so far. They previously had a lead of 481 runs in an innings against Bangladesh (2019, Hamilton Test).
FAQ
What historic record did New Zealand achieve in this Test match?
New Zealand became the first team in 39 years to have three batters score 150 or more runs in the same Test innings.
Who were the three New Zealand batters to reach 150+ runs?
Devon Conway (153), Rachin Ravindra (165), and Henry Nicholls (150) all reached 150-plus in the same innings.
When was the last time this happened in Test cricket?
The last time was in 1986, when three Indian batters achieved it against Sri Lanka.
How did Zimbabwe perform in this match?
Zimbabwe struggled, getting bowled out for just 125 runs in their first innings, trailing by 476 runs after New Zealand’s batting display.
What was the final score of New Zealand in their record innings?
New Zealand ended Day 2 on 601/3, with a dominant lead and control over the match.
