Foulkes Achieves Record Bowling Performance for New Zealand on Test Debut

BULAWAYO: Mitchell Santner, the interim captain for New Zealand, lauded the outstanding debut performance of fast bowler Zakary Foulkes during the second Test against Zimbabwe.

The visiting team secured a decisive victory over Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs, completing a 2-0 series sweep, largely due to their combined strength in batting and bowling.

Foulkes, one of three debutants for the Blackcaps in the recent match, spearheaded the bowling attack. He achieved remarkable match statistics of 9/75, setting a new record for a New Zealand debutant in Test cricket.

While opening batsman Devon Conway was named Player of the Match for his solid innings of 153 runs, stand-in captain Santner acknowledged Foulkes’ efforts, particularly highlighting his impressive 10-over spell.

“We’ve seen glimpses of his talent in shorter formats recently, but to replicate that in a Test match on debut is truly remarkable,” Santner commented.

“He was clearly aiming for a ten-wicket haul, demonstrated by his ten-over spell, which speaks volumes about his endurance. It seems he has a particular fondness for playing against Zimbabwe,” he added.

Foulkes, who joined the New Zealand squad as a replacement for the injured Nathan Smith, displayed his ability to swing the ball in both directions, a trait that Santner believes distinguishes him and could secure his place in the team’s bowling strategy.

“It’s not often you see someone swinging the ball into the right-hander,” Santner noted. “Therefore, he provides another dimension to our bowling options, complementing those who move the ball away. His performance was exceptional. He appears challenging to play when bowling to left-handers, and achieving nine wickets in his debut game is a significant accomplishment.”