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Day 2 of the first Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, offered a gripping shift in momentum. After being bowled out for just 149 in their first innings, Zimbabwe showed grit and determination by restricting New Zealand to 307 despite the visitors looking dominant at 158/1. Blessing Muzarabani and Tanaka Chivanga led the charge with incisive spells, while debutant Newman Nyamhuri and spinner Vincent Masekesa made crucial contributions. Although Zimbabwe lost two early wickets in their second innings, they ended Day 2 at 31/2, still trailing by 127 runs but with renewed belief and a chance to claw back into the contest.
Zimbabwe’s bowling resurgence lead by Blessing Muzarabani on Day 2 of the first Test
What began as a New Zealand dominance quickly morphed into a Zimbabwean resurgence through grit and discipline with the ball. Devon Conway was in sublime touch, stroking a fluent 88 and anchoring New Zealand’s top order with assurance. Alongside Will Young, who chipped in with 41, Conway helped build a commanding platform for the Kiwis. But just as the tourists looked set to bat Zimbabwe out of the contest, Muzarabani’s persistent lines broke through. He dismissed Young and then later picked up the prized wicket of Conway, who miscued a pull after dominating early proceedings.
His third scalp came in the form of Henry Nicholls, who looked edgy and was trapped plumb in front. Chivanga’s express pace and steep bounce created trouble for the middle order, and he accounted for Tom Blundell and later Mitchell Santner with short-pitched precision. Even debutant Newman Nyamhuri chipped in with key support at one end, ensuring the pressure was sustained. Daryl Mitchell was the only resistance, compiling a fighting 80 with impeccable shot selection, but he eventually ran out of partners. A knock from Nathan Smith (22*) before retiring hurt ensured New Zealand crossed 300, but the slide from 158/1 to 307 all out marked a moral victory for Zimbabwe, who bowled with heart and clarity of purpose.
Daryl Mitchell slams his 15th Test fifty! 👏
A steady hand for New Zealand amidst a sudden batting collapse on Day 2. 💪#Cricket #ZIMvNZ #DarylMitchell #Bulawayo #Test #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/sUXiNwX7Lq
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 31, 2025
Top order tumbles again, but Zimbabwe hangs on with grit against New Zealand
With a 158-run deficit to erase, Zimbabwe’s second innings got off to a familiar troubling start. The New Zealand new-ball pair of Jacob Duffy and Ben Sears bowled with testing accuracy under fading evening light. Brian Bennett, who showed some attacking intent, scored 18 brisk runs before falling while attempting a cut shot against Sears that flew to the cordon.
Ben Curran, under pressure to solidify his place, scratched around but edged Henry to the slips for 11. Zimbabwe was suddenly 31/2 and facing the specter of another top-order collapse. However, Nick Welch, who had looked composed in the first innings, resisted with patience and watched every delivery with care. Joined by nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa, the duo survived nervy moments as the New Zealand bowlers probed for another strike. With proven run-scorers like Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza yet to bat, Zimbabwe’s hopes of turning the Test rest on their ability to build partnerships and bat long on Day 3.
Zimbabwe Shows Grit! 💥
Despite an early slump, they respond with spirit by dismissing New Zealand for 307 after visitors being 158/1 at one stage,🔥
Still behind by 127 runs, but momentum slowly shifting back in their favour! 💫👊#Cricket #ZIMvNZ #Zimbabwe #NewZealand #Test… pic.twitter.com/BESaXDMG8U
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 31, 2025
Also READ: ZIM vs NZ: Top 5 best bowling figures by visiting fast bowlers in Zimbabwe Tests
