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BULAWAYO: Matt Henry brilliant spell, followed by a mammoth opening stand from Devon Conway and Will Young, put New Zealand in a commanding position against Zimbabwe.
New Zealand ended the day in a dominant position on the score of 162-1 with a 49-run lead in the second Test here at the Queens Sports Club on Thursday.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 125 runs in only 48.5 overs with returning Brendon Taylor top scoring for 44 runs.
Taylor, making his first Test appearance since 2021, guided Zimbabwe’s batting until the 33rd over, finishing with a top score of 44 runs from 107 balls, including six boundaries.
After his dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga took over, remaining not out with 33 runs off 54 balls, featuring four boundaries.
Henry, who had already taken nine wickets in the first match of the series at the same venue, maintained his excellent form by securing five wickets for just 40 runs in 15 overs.
He was well-supported by fellow pacer Zakary Foulkes, who accounted for four wickets, while Matthew Fisher added one more.
In reply, New Zealand’s opening pair, Conway and Will Young, established a commanding partnership of 162 runs.
This partnership came to an end in the 35th over when Trevor Gwandu bowled Young, who scored 74 runs off 101 balls with 11 boundaries.
Meanwhile, Conway remained steadfast at the crease, forming an unbeaten 12-run partnership with nightwatchman Jacob Duffy as play concluded for the day.
Zakary Foulkes, who was making his debut, shared his thoughts after taking a four-wicket haul.
“It hasn’t really sunk in,” said Foulkes after taking four for 38 as New Zealand shot out Zimbabwe, who chose to bat after winning the toss, for 125. It was nice to spend a few days at home,” he said.
“Then I got on the big bird back here. I was very surprised to get the call. It was surreal to make my debut today,” Foulkes revealed.
It is noteworthy to mention that New Zealand comprehensively won the opening Test match against Zimbabwe by nine wickets at the same venue.
