New Zealand all but sealed the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe by piling on a colossal 601 for 3 at stumps on Day Two of the second Test in Bulawayo on Friday. Centuries from Rachin Ravindra (165)**, Devon Conway (153), and Henry Nicholls (150) helped the Black Caps take a commanding 476-run lead on a lifeless Queens Sports Club pitch.
After Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul reduced Zimbabwe to a paltry 125 in their first innings, New Zealand’s batters returned the favour with a brutal, unrelenting display — one that left the hosts demoralised and out of answers.
Test History Made: Three Batters Score 150+
It was only the third instance in Test history that three batters from the same team scored 150 or more in a single innings — a telling stat that underscores Zimbabwe's inability to make any impact with the ball.
Opening the day on 79, Devon Conway reached his fifth Test century — and first red-ball ton in over two years — eventually falling for a well-crafted 153 off 245 balls, laced with 18 fours. He passed 2,000 Test runs along the way and stitched a handy 62-run stand with nightwatchman Jacob Duffy (30).
Yeah, it was a great day for us. We spoke about being ruthless — building partnerships, putting pressure on the bowlers. It was a fantastic day for us. It's always nice to contribute. Building partnerships was key, and it’s great to put the team in such a strong position.
Nicholls Returns with a Statement
Henry Nicholls, making his first Test appearance of 2025 after being sidelined all last year, announced his comeback in style with an unbeaten 150, his tenth Test century. Calm, composed, and clinical, Nicholls anchored the innings while letting Ravindra take the lead with aggressive strokeplay.
It was an outstanding partnership. Rachin was the aggressor, Henry just went about his business — they complemented each other beautifully.
.Ravindra Lights Up Bulawayo with Fastest Test Ton
If Nicholls held one end, it was Rachin Ravindra who brought flair to the occasion. He blasted a 104-ball century — his fastest in Tests — before finishing the day unbeaten on 165 off 139 balls. His counter-attacking innings included crisp strokeplay, impeccable timing, and complete dominance over Zimbabwe's bowlers.
Together, the pair stitched an unbroken 256-run partnership, taking full advantage of a visibly tiring attack and a docile pitch that offered little resistance.
Zimbabwe Out of Steam, Out of Ideas
Zimbabwe’s bowling figures told the story of the day. The hosts used seven bowlers, with Blessing Muzarabani (1-101), Trevor Gwandu, and Vincent Masekesa each conceding over 100 runs. The trio were also the only wicket-takers, underlining how one-sided the contest was.
With three full days still to play and New Zealand yet to declare officially, Zimbabwe face a near-impossible task to avoid a heavy innings defeat — let alone stay competitive.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 125 New Zealand 601/3 in 130 overs (Rachin Ravindra 165*, Devon Conway 153, Henry Nicholls 150*; Blessing Muzarabani 1-101) New Zealand lead by 476 runs.
