Centuries from Conway, Nicholls, Rachin help New Zealand dominate proceedings in Bulawayo

New Zealand have taken a first-innings lead of 476 runs against Zimbabwe on Day 2 of the second Test at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Friday, August 8.

The Black Caps started the day with Devon Conway batting at 79, with nightwatchman Jacob Duffy for company. The former got to his fifth Test century. It wasn’t one of his fluent knocks as he looked quite scratchy out in the middle. However, it helped the Kiwis get themselves into a position of strength.

Duffy hit a flurry of boundaries before being bowled out for 36 off 55 balls. Vincent Masekesa got the better of Duffy in the 53rd over of New Zealand’s innings. Henry Nicholls kept the scoreboard moving by playing aggressive cricket. The tourists reached 306/2 in 71 overs at Lunch.

Nicholls got to 63, while Conway reached 150 when Zimbabwe took the second new ball. Blessing Muzarabani took the wicket of Conway, who was dismissed for 153 off 245 deliveries, hitting 18 fours. Rachin Ravindra joined forces with Nicholls and took the attack to the Zimbabwean bowlers.

Ravindra raced to his half-century off just 48 balls. Nicholls reached 95 off 146 balls when Tea was called. The experienced campaigner brought up his 10th century in the 105th over of the innings. He got to his landmark off just 166 deliveries. This was an important knock for Nicholls, who had been under some pressure ahead of the clash.

Ravindra continued pulverising the Zimbabweans as Craig Ervine struggled to stop the flow of runs. The star all-rounder needed just 104 balls to notch up his third Test century. He went from 100 to 150 in just 29 balls.

Zimbabwean players’ shoulders had already dropped, and they were waiting for the declaration. However, New Zealand continued to make them toil. At the end of Day 2, Ravindra finished on 165 off 139 balls, while Nicholls remained not out on a 245-ball 150. New Zealand got themselves to 601/3 in 130 overs.

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