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New Zealand stamped their authority on the second Test against Zimbabwe with a relentless batting display, surging to a colossal 601/3 at stumps on Day 2 at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club. The remarkable achievement came courtesy of magnificent centuries from Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra, marking only the third time in Test history that three batters have scored 150 or more in the same innings.
Devon Conway ends his century drought
Opening the innings, Devon Conway rediscovered the sparkling form that marked his early Test career, bringing up his fifth Test century after a challenging 16-match drought. Conway, patient yet authoritative, notched 153 runs off 245 balls, steadying the New Zealand innings after the early breakthrough and showcasing his class against both pace and spin. His innings was highlighted by deft cuts and immaculate timing, as he played a pivotal role in blunting the opposition bowlers.
Conway’s last Test hundred came in January 2023, and his recent struggles were well-documented, with a dip in his average and a spell out of the side. But his return for this tour, following solid performances in limited-overs internationals, set the stage for a remarkable resurgence. “We wanted to be ruthless with the bat, build partnerships and put bowlers under pressure. It was a fantastic day for us,” Conway said at stumps.
Henry Nicholls’ grit and class
Henry Nicholls, back in New Zealand whites after an extended absence, delivered a masterclass in patience and composure. Coming to the crease at 235/2, Nicholls was a picture of focus, reaching his tenth Test century with a controlled run-three in the 105th over. His unbeaten 150 at stumps came off 245 deliveries and included 15 deft boundaries. Nicholls’ contributions built on an essential 110-run third-wicket partnership with Conway, before linking up with Ravindra in an unbroken 256-run stand that tightened New Zealand’s grip on the contest.
Nicholls’ century, his first against Zimbabwe, further burnished his credentials. The left-hander’s calm approach starved Zimbabwe of chances and was instrumental in the sustained dominance over the hosts. His milestone followed a series of fifty-plus scores in both international and domestic cricket, reflecting the wealth of experience he brings to the Black Caps lineup.
Rachin Ravindra’s explosive batting
Completing the trio, Rachin Ravindra unleashed a blistering attack with the bat, racing to an unbeaten 165 from just 139 balls. Ravindra’s 100 came in only 104 balls, and he accelerated ruthlessly as the innings progressed, adding 65 runs from his final 35 balls before the day’s close. His knock was a blend of power and precision, peppering the boundary with crisp drives and innovative sweeps, raising New Zealand’s run rate and demoralizing the Zimbabwean attack.
Ravindra’s partnership with Nicholls, a record 256-run stand for the fourth wicket, registered as one of the standout moments in New Zealand’s Test history. Their fearless batting illuminated the afternoon session, when milestones tumbled and Zimbabwe’s bowlers wilted under the relentless assault.
Zimbabwe’s struggle with both bat and ball
For Zimbabwe, the day unraveled as their bowlers searched for answers on a placid track. Blessing Muzarabani claimed the sole wicket on Day 2, and the attack struggled to exert any meaningful pressure after their batters managed only 125 in the first innings—leaving the hosts trailing by 476 runs with New Zealand in complete control.
Day 2 finishes with a mammoth 256-run partnership between Henry Nicholls (150*) & Rachin Ravindra (165*) for the fourth wicket.
Another century contribution from Devon Conway 153 before lunch. Catch up on the scorecard | https://t.co/DnWSGE9t8b #ZIMvNZ #CricketNation 📷 =… pic.twitter.com/IAR0M3Khct
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) August 8, 2025