Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE were once again made to toil by New Zealand, as the visitors seized full control of the second Test at Queens Sports Club yesterday. The New Zealand batters brutally exposed a crisis within Zimbabwe Cricket, with the Chevrons’ bowling attack appearing both toothless and directionless against a ruthless and clinical batting display.
The only positive for Zimbabwe on day two was their over-rate, with play ending precisely on time — a rare sight in recent memory. Everything else, however, was disappointing. New Zealand continued their dominance from day one, where they had made light work of the Zimbabwean batting line-up, dismissing them for a meagre 125 runs. They went on to score more than 600 runs in four sessions, ending day two on a mammoth 601 for 3, with a lead of 476 runs.
New Zealand added a staggering 427 runs for the loss of just two wickets on the second day alone. Three of their batters scored centuries, each individually surpassing Zimbabwe’s entire team total. Zimbabwe’s bowling coach, Charl Langeveldt, conceded that while the bowlers showed character, they were under immense pressure. He acknowledged the need to learn quickly at international level, adding that the pace at which New Zealand scored made things extremely difficult for the bowling unit.
The day began with New Zealand on 174 for 1. Devon Conway and night-watchman Jacob Duffy formed a 73-run second-wicket partnership before debutant Vincent Masekesa had Duffy caught for 36. Conway then combined with Henry Nicholls for another century stand. After reaching his 50 Test century—his first since January 2023—Conway was bowled by Blessing Muzarabani. His dismissal paved the way for a double-century fourth-wicket partnership between Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra, which made the Zimbabwean bowlers look like helpless amateurs.
Nicholls reached his 10th Test century, while Ravindra also brought up his third in the format — his first since October 2024. The pair saw out the day, with their partnership standing strong at 246 runs. Nicholls remains unbeaten on 150, while Ravindra is on 165.
The immense pressure on the bowlers was evident, with three of Zimbabwe’s attack conceding over 100 runs each. Muzarabani gave away 101 runs from his 24 overs, while Trevor Gwandu and Masekesa conceded 131 and 104 runs respectively from 19 overs each. Sean Williams was the most economical, conceding just 37 runs from his 14 overs.
Play is set to resume at 10am for day three.
