BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — On Thursday, Devon Conway edged closer to achieving his fifth century in test cricket as New Zealand gained a commanding position in their first test encounter against Zimbabwe in nearly nine years.
Conway remained unbeaten at 87 as New Zealand advanced to a score of 174-3 by lunchtime on the second day of play. This performance put them 25 runs ahead of Zimbabwe, who managed a disappointing first innings total of 149.
Zimbabwe started the day on a high note, with towering fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani taking the wicket of Will Young for 41 runs on the very first delivery after New Zealand resumed their innings at 92-0. Nick Welch seized the moment, performing an impressive one-handed catch to claim Young’s wicket at forward short leg.
Following Young’s dismissal, Henry Nicholls and Conway formed a substantial 66-run partnership. Nicholls reached a milestone of 3,000 test runs when he scored 27, although he later hit Muzarabani’s ball straight to Brian Bennett at gully, giving away his wicket after contributing 34 runs.
Earlier deliveries from pace bowler Newman Nyamhuri briefly troubled the left-handed pair as Conway and Nicholls edged balls that fell short of the fielders. However, Conway efficiently moved New Zealand past Zimbabwe’s first innings tally by hitting a well-timed boundary against Nyamhuri.
Sikandar Raza later found some turn on the pitch, leading to the dismissal of Rachin Ravindra for just 2 runs. Captain Craig Ervine managed to catch Ravindra on the second attempt as the ball slipped initially on the lone slip.
Conway, who secured his half-century on the opening day, showcased his skillful driving on the off-side, particularly targeting any over-pitched deliveries by Zimbabwe’s fast bowlers. His score has included 12 boundaries, and he is set to continue alongside Daryl Mitchell, not out on 9 runs.
This two-match series is not included in the World Test Championship.