Record-breaking New Zealand trio extends substantial advantage over Zimbabwe with world-record total score
In an extraordinary display of batting prowess, New Zealand has equaled a long-standing Test record as three of their batters scored 150 or more runs in a single innings during the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
The record, which has remained untouched since 1986, was set by India in a drawn Test against Sri Lanka. On August 8, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Rachin Ravindra all achieved this remarkable feat, ending a two-year-long drought since Conway's last Test hundred.
Conway, who opened the innings, scored a brilliant 153. Nicholls, who came in at number three, finished the day unbeaten on 150, while Ravindra, batting at number six, remained not out on 165. Their unbeaten partnership of 256 runs is the third-highest for the fourth wicket for New Zealand.
New Zealand's impressive performance has seen them lead Zimbabwe by 476 runs overnight. They are close to surpassing their national record for the highest first-innings lead in Test history, which stands at 481 runs, set against Bangladesh in the 2019 Hamilton Test.
This is the first time New Zealand have achieved three scores of 150 or more in a single innings. They have equaled the record set by India in 1986 against Sri Lanka, where Len Hutton scored 364, Maurice Leyland scored 187, and Joe Hardstaff scored 169 not out in a 579 runs innings win.
The national record for the highest first-innings lead in Test history is currently held by England, who achieved 702 runs against Australia in the 1938 Ashes Test at The Oval. Sri Lanka, with 587 runs against South Africa in 2006, and Pakistan, with 570 runs against New Zealand in 2002, also hold significant first-innings leads.
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most innings scoring 150 or more runs, with 20 such innings. Steve Waugh, Virender Sehwag, and Jacques Kallis are tied for the next spot, each having scored 150 or more runs in 14 Test innings during their careers.
As the Test match continues, New Zealand is within reach of entering the all-time top three for largest first-innings leads. The team will be aiming to make history and secure a significant victory against Zimbabwe.
[1] Data sourced from ESPNcricinfo's list of players with the most innings of 150 or more runs.
Sports headlines are abuzz with the latest cricket news as New Zealand's historic performance in Bulawayo has led them closer to the all-time top three for largest first-innings leads. In a captivating display, three of their batters – Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Rachin Ravindra – scored 150 or more runs in a single innings, equaling a record set by India in 1986 during a Test against Sri Lanka.
