Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: New Zealand produced a masterclass in Test batting at the Queen’s Sports Club, demolishing Zimbabwe’s hopes and creating history in the process. After dismissing the hosts for just 125 on Day 1, the Black Caps responded with a record-breaking 601/3 by the end of Day 2, building a massive 476-run lead.
The spotlight belonged to Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Rachin Ravindra, each scoring 150 or more — a rare achievement seen only twice before in Test history.
Three Kiwi batters in the 150+ club
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- Devon Conway ended his two-year wait for a Test hundred with a stylish 153 off 245 balls, mixing patience with elegant strokeplay.
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- Henry Nicholls remained unbeaten on 150*, playing the anchor’s role perfectly and showing his class in red-ball cricket.
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- Rachin Ravindra, the dynamic left-hander with Indian roots, was the most aggressive of the trio, blasting 165* from just 139 balls with 21 fours and two sixes.
This combination of traditional Test batting from Conway and Nicholls with Ravindra’s explosive style left Zimbabwe’s bowlers helpless.
Joining an exclusive Test cricket record
With three players scoring 150+ in the same innings, New Zealand equalled a record last achieved by India against Sri Lanka in 1986 and England against Australia in 1938. Such milestones underline the sheer dominance of this batting performance.
Partnerships that crushed Zimbabwe
The Conway–Nicholls stand for the fourth wicket was worth 256 runs, breaking New Zealand’s previous record for that wicket, also set against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. When Conway finally fell, Ravindra wasted no time in accelerating the scoring rate, pushing the lead beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.
Bowling foundation set on Day 1
The tone was set by New Zealand’s bowlers:

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- Matt Henry claimed 5/40 with superb accuracy and movement.
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- Debutant Zakary Foulkes impressed with 4/38, instantly making his mark in Test cricket.
Zimbabwe’s collapse to 125 all out meant they were always chasing the game.
Why Indian fans are talking about it
One major reason this story is trending in India is Rachin Ravindra. Named in honour of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, he has a strong emotional connection to Indian cricket fans. Every big performance from him sparks conversations on social media, and his match-winning knock in Bulawayo is no exception.
Match outlook
With a 476-run lead and two full days left, New Zealand have all the cards. They can declare at any time and unleash their pace attack again. Zimbabwe’s only hope is to bat for survival, but given their first-innings collapse, the odds are stacked heavily against them.
Final word
The Bulawayo Test is already historic. New Zealand’s trio of Conway (153), Nicholls (150)**, and Ravindra (165) have not only given their team an unassailable lead but also secured their place in cricket’s record books. For Indian fans, Ravindra’s heroics make the story even more special — a blend of heritage, history, and high-class cricket.