New Zealand Clinches Series Sweep Against Zimbabwe

New Zealand secured a decisive victory over Zimbabwe in the second Test held in Bulawayo, completing a 2-0 series whitewash. The match concluded on Saturday, with New Zealand winning by an innings and 359 runs.

Zimbabwe commenced their second innings on the third day, facing a daunting task after New Zealand posted a substantial first innings score of 601/3. However, the Zimbabwean batting order faltered, offering little resistance.

Zimbabwe’s Second Innings Collapse

In their second innings, Zimbabwe were dismissed for a mere 117 runs, trailing by a significant margin of 359 runs. Nick Welch emerged as the top scorer with 47 runs, but the remaining batsmen struggled to make an impact. Notably, nine batsmen failed to reach double digits.

Zakary Foulkes was instrumental in New Zealand’s victory, claiming 5/37 in nine overs during the second innings. His match total was nine wickets, having secured four in the first innings.

Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy each claimed two wickets, while Matthew Fisher contributed with one.

Zimbabwe’s First Innings Woes

Earlier in the match, Zimbabwe encountered difficulties in their first innings, being bowled out for just 125 runs. Brendan Taylor was the highest scorer with 44 runs.

Matt Henry led the New Zealand bowling attack with five wickets, followed by Faulkes with four, and Matthew Fisher with one.

New Zealand’s Dominant Batting Performance

In response to Zimbabwe’s 125, New Zealand’s batsmen not only surpassed the total but also established a commanding score of 601/3 in their first innings.

Rachin Ravindra spearheaded the New Zealand batting lineup, delivering an impressive innings of 165 runs from 139 balls, featuring two sixes and 21 fours.

Devon Conway contributed with 153 runs, Henry Nicholls added 150, and Will Young scored 74 runs.

For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwando, and Vincent Masekesa each secured one wicket, but their efforts proved insufficient to contain New Zealand’s dominant batting display.