Zak Foulkes sets a new record in his test debut for New Zealand, surpassing Will O'Rourke's previous mark...
New Zealand's Zakary Foulkes Sets Record with Remarkable Test Debut
In an impressive display of bowling prowess, Zakary Foulkes, a speedster from New Zealand, made history during the second Test against Zimbabwe in August 2025. Foulkes' performance in Bulawayo saw him set a new record for the best figures in a Test debut for New Zealand, surpassing the previous record held by Will O'Rourke.
Foulkes' match figures of 9 wickets for 75 runs are now the best recorded on international Test debut globally, according to the latest data available. His average of 8.33 runs per wicket is also one of the best debut figures in history.
During the game, Foulkes bowled 25 overs, including 7 maidens. However, he leaked more runs than his fellow New Zealand bowler, Matt Henry, who took a fifer and 7 wickets in total, leaking 56 runs in the same game.
Foulkes' ability to swing the ball both ways was highlighted as a rare and valuable skill by New Zealand's stand-in captain, Mitchell Santner. His performance played a significant role in New Zealand's emphatic victory, with the team securing an innings and 359 runs victory in the 1st Session of Day 4.
Interestingly, the previous game between New Zealand and Zimbabwe, also played at Bulawayo, saw New Zealand win by 9 wickets. Matt Henry was declared the Player of the Match in that game, with bowling figures of 9/90.
The world record for best bowling figures on debut remains with former Indian spinner Narendra Hirwani, who took 16 wickets and leaked only 136 runs in 1988 in Madras (now Chennai). However, Foulkes' performance in Bulawayo in 2025 will undoubtedly go down as one of the most remarkable Test debuts in the history of cricket.
India's cricket history witnessed a notable addition in 2025 when Zakary Foulkes, during his remarkable Test debut for New Zealand against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, recorded the best figures in an international Test debut globally, surpassing the previous record set by the Indian spinner Narendra Hirwani in Madras (now Chennai) in 1988. Moreover, Foulkes' rare ability to swing the ball both ways and his impressive figures of 9 wickets for 75 runs have positioned him alongside some of the best debut performers in sports history.
