New Zealand pacer Zakary Foulkes etched his name into the record books during the second Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo, delivering the best match figures by a Kiwi on Test debut and playing a pivotal role in securing New Zealand’s largest victory in Test history.
The 21-year-old right-arm quick, who had impressed in the first innings with figures of 4/38, went one better in the second, claiming a five-wicket haul for just 37 runs. His final match figures, 9 for 75, eclipsed the previous Kiwi debut record set by Will O’Rourke, who returned 9/93 against South Africa at Hamilton in 2023.
Foulkes’ sensational performance also outshone senior seamer Matt Henry, who had earlier taken 5/40 to dismantle Zimbabwe for 125 in 48.5 overs after they opted to bat first. Only a returning Brendan Taylor (44 off 107 balls, 6 fours) and Tafadzwa Tsiga (33* off 54, 4 fours) offered any resistance in an otherwise fragile batting display.
In response, the New Zealand batters piled on a mountain of runs. Devon Conway, ending a two-year century drought, compiled a commanding 153 off 245 deliveries, including 18 boundaries. He and Will Young (74 off 101, 11 fours) stitched together a solid 162-run opening partnership, laying the perfect platform.
From there, it was Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra who tormented Zimbabwe`s bowlers further. Nicholls remained unbeaten on 150 off 245 balls (15 fours), while Ravindra unleashed an aggressive 165 off just 139 balls*, decorated with 21 boundaries and two sixes. The pair shared a massive 256-run stand for the fourth wicket as New Zealand declared at 601/3, establishing a formidable 476-run lead.
Faced with an uphill battle, Zimbabwe faltered once again in their second innings. Only Nick Welch (47* off 71, 7 fours) managed to show any resolve, as Foulkes (5/37), Henry, and Jacob Duffy (2 wickets) ran through the batting order. Zimbabwe folded for just 117, handing New Zealand a victory by an innings and 359 runs, their most dominant in Test cricket and the third-largest win by runs in Test history, behind England’s innings-and-579-run victory over Australia in 1938 and Australia’s innings-and-360-run win over South Africa.
The match also witnessed significant personal milestones. Conway`s brilliant ton not only ended his century drought but also saw him surpass 2,000 Test runs and 5,000 runs in international cricket, earning him the Player of the Match honour.
Meanwhile, Foulkes’ debut ranks among the most memorable in Test history. Only Narendra Hirwani of India, who took 16 wickets for 136 runs against West Indies in Chennai in 1988, boasts better match figures on debut in the format.
