New Zealand recorded their biggest-ever Test victory after annihilating Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs to complete a dominant 2-0 series sweep. Trailing by a massive 476 runs, Zimbabwe's batting lineup crumbled on Day 3, bowled out for just 117 in the extended first session against New Zealand's formidable four-man pace attack.
New Zealand bulldoze Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs in 2nd Test
Debut fast bowler Zakary Foulkes was the star of the show, taking 5-37 in the second innings to go with his four wickets in the first. He narrowly missed out on a 10-wicket haul in a truly memorable first Test. He was well-supported by his fellow pacemen, with Matt Henry (2-16), Jacob Duffy (2-28), and Matthew Fisher (1-22) all contributing to Zimbabwe's dismissal in just 28.1 overs, marking their lowest total of the series.
Only two Zimbabwe batters managed to reach double figures, with No. 3 Nick Welch remaining unbeaten on 47 off 71 balls and captain Craig Ervine scoring 17. New Zealand had set the stage for their victory by declaring their first innings at a monumental 601-3. Rachin Ravindra (165 not out) and Henry Nicholls (150 not out) had put on a blistering 256-run partnership for the fourth wicket. This resounding win followed New Zealand's nine-wicket victory in the first Test, also secured within three days at the same venue. The series was not part of the World Test Championship.
New Zealand secured their largest-ever victory, which also marks Zimbabwe's heaviest defeat, by an innings and 301 runs. This record-breaking margin surpassed their previous encounter in Napier during the 2011/12 season. For Zimbabwe, this was their sixth consecutive defeat, with four of those losses coming by an innings. The losing streak began after their victory against Bangladesh in Sylhet back in April.
Right after the win, New Zealand's Mitchell Santner, in the post-match presentation, said:
"It was a pretty good game. Obviously, losing the toss, but we bowled very well in the first innings. And the boys got through some tough periods with their partnerships and then cashed in. We talked about keeping the standards up.”