New Zealand completed a commanding clean sweep of their two-Test series against Zimbabwe with a record-breaking win in Bulawayo, sealing the second match by an innings and 359 runs — one of the largest margins in Test history. The result showcased a blend of batting dominance and bowling ruthlessness, leaving the hosts with no answers across five days of play.
The match’s defining storyline was debutant Zakary Foulkes, who produced one of the finest first-Test performances ever by a New Zealander. The right-arm pacer returned sensational figures of 9 for 75, etching his name in the record books as the holder of the best debut bowling figures for New Zealand. His relentless accuracy and movement underlined just why he had been touted as a future star, and he wasted no time proving his worth.
New Zealand’s batting effort in their only innings was equally crushing. Openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls laid a solid foundation, with Conway crafting a commanding 153 and Nicholls staying unbeaten on 150. Rachin Ravindra, batting with elegant control, added a majestic 165* as the visitors piled on an imposing first-innings total that effectively batted Zimbabwe out of the contest. The trio’s centuries ensured New Zealand crossed the 600-run mark, leaving the home side staring at a mountain too steep to climb.
Zimbabwe’s response with the bat was meek, as they crumbled under sustained pressure. In the first innings, Foulkes, supported by seasoned campaigners like Tim Southee and Matt Henry, dismantled the top order, restricting them to a low total. Forced to follow on, Zimbabwe fared no better in the second innings, with Foulkes once again leading the charge alongside spin support from Mitchell Santner, whose tight lines and variation kept the middle order in check.
The innings and 359-run margin put this win among New Zealand’s most dominant Test performances in history, joining an elite list of cricketing blowouts. It also reaffirmed their status as a consistent force in red-ball cricket, even when playing away from home. For Zimbabwe, the gulf in quality was stark, as they struggled to match New Zealand in any department, exposing areas that will need urgent attention if they are to compete at the highest level.
Post-match, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson lauded the team’s all-round effort, singling out Foulkes for his “dream debut” and the top order for setting the tone early. He also highlighted the importance of such series for building squad depth and testing new talent in varying conditions.
For Foulkes, the debut was not just a personal milestone but a potential launching pad for a long international career. “To contribute like this in my first match for New Zealand is special. The senior guys backed me all the way,” he said.
With the series win secured in such dominant fashion, New Zealand will carry immense confidence into their next assignments. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly, address their batting frailties, and develop strategies to counter high-quality pace and disciplined spin. This defeat was more than just a scoreline — it was a lesson in the relentless standards of Test cricket.