Bulawayo, 9 August 2025 — In a ruthless display of dominance, New Zealand clinched its biggest-ever Test victory by thrashing Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs in the 2nd Test of 2025 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. This staggering win not only completed a 2–0 series sweep, but also marked New Zealand’s largest margin of victory in Test cricket history.
Batting Masterclass: Three Centuries Power NZ
Chosen to bat first, the Black Caps amassed a colossal 601 for 3 declared, fueled by three commanding centuries:
- Rachin Ravindra: 165* (timeless strokes, impeccable timing)
- Devon Conway: 153 (punishing gaps with fluent drives)
- Henry Nicholls: 150* (unbroken, steering the innings home)
Their partnerships ground Zimbabwe into stark submission, placing the hosts under pressure with no room for recovery.
Also Read: India Vs England Test Series Achievements
Zakary Foulkes Makes History on Test Debut
A Dream Debut for NZ’s New Pacer
Stepping in amid injuries, Zakary Foulkes delivered one of the greatest debut performances in New Zealand cricket:
- First innings: 4 for 38
- Second innings: 5 for 37
- Match figures: 9 for 75, the best by a New Zealander on Test debut
Stand-in captain Mitchell Santner praised the young seamer:
“To do it in a Test match on debut is pretty special … to get nine in the game on debut is a pretty good effort.”
Seamers Step Up
Support came from Matt Henry (2–16), Jacob Duffy (2–28), and Matthew Fisher (1–22), wrapping up the match within 28.1 overs of the second innings.
Zimbabwe’s Collapse and Record Defeat
Ultra-dominant bowling saw Zimbabwe fold twice—125 and 117—with only Nick Welch (47)* and Craig Ervine (17) reaching double figures in the second innings. Extras (16) was the third-highest scorer.
This defeat surpassed Zimbabwe’s previous worst — an innings and 301 runs loss to New Zealand in Napier (2011–12), cementing this as their heaviest-ever Test defeat.
Historical Context — Among the Greatest Wins
New Zealand’s win ranks as the third-largest by innings margin in Test history:
- England – innings & 579 runs vs Australia, 1938
- Australia – innings & 360 runs vs South Africa, 2002
- New Zealand – innings & 359 runs vs Zimbabwe, 2025 (Bulawayo)
Why This Victory Matters
1. New Zealand’s Depth and Strategy
The absence of senior pacers such as Will O’Rourke (ruled out due to injury) showcased their bench strength—Foulkes, Duffy, and Fisher rose to the occasion.
2. Debut Magic from Foulkes
His 9/75 haul is now a benchmark for debutants in New Zealand, a performance matched by few globally.
3. Test Cricket Legacy
This result stands among Test cricket’s milestones—an innings and 359-run win that will be remembered for its sheer dominance.
4. Implications for Zimbabwe
The collapse reiterates ongoing structural and tactical deficiencies. Their sixth straight Test loss, with four innings defeats in a row, highlights the long road ahead.
Series Recap and the WTC Angle
While emphatic, the series had no impact on the ICC World Test Championship standings, as it falls outside the WTC framework.
Still, the tour was a statement of intent — New Zealand’s consistency, depth, and adaptability in Test cricket remain unquestioned.
Final Scorecard Summary
New Zealand 1st innings: 601/3 declared (Ravindra 165*, Conway 153, Nicholls 150*)
Zimbabwe 1st innings: 125 all out
Zimbabwe 2nd innings (follow-on): 117 all out
Result: New Zealand won by an innings and 359 runs
Series: New Zealand 2–0
Player of the Match/Series: Zakary Foulkes / Devon Conwa
FAQs
Q1. When did New Zealand record its biggest-ever Test victory?
New Zealand achieved its largest Test victory on 9 August 2025 in Bulawayo, defeating Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs in the second Test at Queens Sports Club.
Q2. What was New Zealand’s previous record for biggest Test win?
Before this match, their largest win was an innings and 301 runs, also against Zimbabwe, in Napier in 2012.
Q3. Who was the standout performer in the Bulawayo Test?
Debutant Zakary Foulkes delivered match figures of 9 for 75, the best by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut.
Q4. Which batters scored centuries in New Zealand’s innings?
Three players scored centuries:
Rachin Ravindra – 165*
Devon Conway – 153
Henry Nicholls – 150*
