New Zealand’s Third-Biggest Win in Test History – A Cricketing Masterclass and the Bigger Debate


New Zealand’s Third-Biggest Win in Test History – A Cricketing Masterclass and the Bigger Debate

On 9 August 2025, the cricketing world witnessed one of the most one-sided Test matches in recent memory. At the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, New Zealand demolished Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs.
It was not only New Zealand’s largest victory margin in their Test history but also the third-biggest innings win in the 148-year history of Test cricket.

This match will be remembered for its statistical milestones, standout performances, and also for sparking a discussion about whether such mismatched series truly benefit the game.

How the Match Unfolded

Day 1 – Zimbabwe’s Struggle Begins
Zimbabwe won the toss but that was the last moment they had any control in the match. The home side’s batting collapsed under relentless pressure from the Kiwi pacers. They were bowled out for just 125 runs, with no batsman crossing 40. The disciplined bowling attack, backed by sharp fielding, ensured there were no escape routes for the hosts.

Day 2 – A Kiwi Batting Feast
New Zealand’s top order turned the pitch into a run-making paradise. Devon Conway, playing with his trademark elegance, scored 153 runs, mixing classic drives with calculated aggression. Rachin Ravindra, calm and composed, stayed unbeaten on 165, while Henry Nicholls blasted 150 not out. Together, they propelled New Zealand to 601/3 declared, securing a lead of 476 runs.

It was a statement innings—powerful yet clinical, without a hint of complacency.

Day 3 – The Final Blow
The second innings was even more disastrous for Zimbabwe. Facing a mountain of runs, they collapsed for 117 in just 28.1 overs. The star of the day was Zakary Foulkes, the debutant pacer who bowled with remarkable control and aggression, claiming 5 for 37 and match figures of 9 for 75—the best debut performance by any New Zealand bowler in Test history.

With this, New Zealand sealed a crushing victory—an innings and 359 runs—and Conway was deservedly named Player of the Match.

Historical Significance of the Win

  • New Zealand’s biggest-ever Test win by innings margin.
  • Third-biggest innings win in Test history, only behind England’s innings-and-579-run victory over Australia in 1938, and Australia’s innings-and-360-run win over South Africa in 2002.
  • Zimbabwe’s heaviest defeat in Test cricket.
  • Zakary Foulkes’ dream debut with record-breaking bowling figures.

This wasn’t just a victory; it was a landmark performance that will be etched into cricket archives.

The Bigger Question – Should Such Series Be Played?

This series was not part of the World Test Championship, which means it didn’t affect rankings or qualification. For some, this raises the question: was there real value in scheduling a two-Test series between such unevenly matched teams?

Why It Makes Sense

  1. Global Cricket Development
    Test cricket survives only if smaller nations get opportunities against the best. Playing New Zealand gives Zimbabwe exposure to elite-level skills and strategies.

  2. Talent Testing for Strong Teams
    Matches like this allow teams such as New Zealand to try out new players and test bench strength. The debut of Zakary Foulkes is a perfect example—without this series, he may not have had such an early chance to shine.

  3. Confidence and Team Morale
    Big wins boost confidence. For New Zealand, this was a perfect way to prepare mentally for tougher contests ahead.

  4. Commercial and Fan Engagement in Host Nations
    Even if the matches are one-sided, hosting a top team can boost ticket sales, local sponsorships, and fan enthusiasm in countries like Zimbabwe.

Why Critics Disagree

  1. Lack of Competitive Edge
    When matches are over in less than four days with massive margins, fans can lose interest. The unpredictability and close finishes that make Test cricket exciting are missing.

  2. Time and Calendar Space
    International schedules are packed. Spending time on heavily one-sided series might come at the cost of more competitive matchups.

  3. Questionable Learning for the Weaker Side
    There’s a difference between being tested and being crushed. Zimbabwe’s players may not gain much from a defeat of this scale—it can hurt morale rather than build it.

Balancing Inclusivity and Competitiveness

The ICC and cricket boards face a constant balancing act. On one hand, the game needs to grow globally, giving smaller teams the chance to face the best. On the other hand, Test cricket’s survival also depends on matches that are competitive enough to hold fan interest.

Perhaps the answer lies in longer tours with mixed formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—so smaller nations can compete better in some formats while still getting Test exposure.

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s win over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo was a masterclass in dominance—breathtaking batting, ruthless bowling, and perfect execution. It showcased the depth and quality of the Kiwi squad and gave them a piece of cricketing history.

But beyond the numbers, it also reignites a conversation that cricket’s decision-makers cannot ignore:
How do we grow the game while keeping it competitive?
Because in the end, Test cricket is as much about the contest as it is about the records.


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