Media365
New Zealand dominated the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Friday, with Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Rachin Ravindra each scoring centuries to reach 601 for three in reply to Zimbabwe’s first innings total of 125.The Black Caps extended their lead to 476 runs through relentless batting performances. Conway broke his 16-match century drought with 153 runs, while Nicholls remained unbeaten at 150 in his first Test series since December 2023.Ravindra delivered an explosive performance, scoring an unbeaten 165 at better than a run a ball. He reached his century in just 104 balls and accelerated further, adding 65 runs from 35 balls towards the close of play.The day began with New Zealand at 174 for one, already leading by 49 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the batting onslaught, managing only two wickets throughout the day.Nightwatchman Jacob Duffy held his ground for an hour before being dismissed for 36. Conway’s wicket came later when he misjudged a bounce from Blessing Muzarabani and was bowled off his body.
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Nicholls was at 64 when Ravindra joined him after Conway’s dismissal. The two left-handers formed a formidable partnership, with Ravindra eventually overtaking his partner’s score.Zimbabwe’s premier fast bowlers had a difficult day. Muzarabani finished with figures of one for 101 in 24 overs, while Tanaka Chivanga went wicketless, conceding 94 runs in 17 overs.Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine rotated through seven bowlers in an unsuccessful attempt to stem the flow of runs. New Zealand accumulated 427 runs while losing just two wickets, with stand-in captain Mitchell Santner choosing not to declare despite the substantial lead.
