Day 2 Recap: Rachin Ravindra and Henry Nicholls Amplify New Zealand's Lead Past 400 Runs Against Zimbabwe in the 2nd Test
On the second day of the second Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand in Bulawayo on August 8, 2025, New Zealand displayed a dominating performance with a commanding batting display. The Kiwis reached 601 for 3, establishing a significant lead of 476 runs over Zimbabwe.
Devon Conway, who had been without a century in his previous 16 matches, broke his drought with a patient and aggressive innings of 153 runs. He was unbeaten on 140 at lunch, eventually dismissed after a solid partnership with Jacob Duffy, who scored 36 as a nightwatchman.
Henry Nicholls also shone, scoring his first Test hundred since 2023, remaining unbeaten on 150 by the close. His performance was even more impressive given the absence of senior players Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.
Rachin Ravindra played an explosive innings, reaching his century in just 104 balls and finishing the day with 165 not out. His batting was characterized by a quick scoring rate, surpassing one run per ball, and a late surge towards the end of play.
On Day 1, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 125, with New Zealand's pace attack, led by Matt Henry (5/40) and debutant Zakary Foulkes (4/38), dismantling the home team quickly.
New Zealand resumed on 174/1 with a 49-run lead and extended the innings strongly, with only two wickets falling during the entire Day 2. Zimbabwe's bowlers, including leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa and pacers Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu, struggled to contain the batsmen on a flat pitch, conceding over 100 runs each in some bowling figures.
The squads for the 2nd Test include Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, and Ben Lister for New Zealand, and Ben Curran, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, and Clive Madande for Zimbabwe.
By the close of play on Day 2, New Zealand had established a strong position in the Test match, thanks to their powerful batting performance after a strong bowling effort on Day 1. The series opener was a testament to New Zealand's dominance, with Henry taking nine wickets across the match, and Mitchell Santner ending with figures of 4-27 in the second innings. The upcoming days of the Test will be crucial for Zimbabwe to mount a comeback and challenge New Zealand's lead.
Participating in an impressive batting display, the New Zealand squad demonstrated their commitment towards both sports and health, scoring a substantial total of 601 runs to establish a significant lead against Zimbabwe. The consistent performance of players like Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Rachin Ravindra showcased the squad's determination, exhibiting their dedication to sports and maintaining a high level of health.
