Zakary Foulkes Shines on Test Debut, Leading New Zealand to Historic Victory

Foulkes Sets New Record in Bulawayo

Bulawayo [Zimbabwe], August 9: In a remarkable performance during the second Test against Zimbabwe, New Zealand's Zakary Foulkes etched his name in history by achieving the best figures for a Kiwi on Test debut.

On Saturday, Foulkes, who had already claimed four wickets for 38 runs in the first innings, surpassed his senior teammate Matt Henry, who had taken five wickets in the same innings, by securing a five-wicket haul of his own. With Zimbabwe facing a daunting deficit, he recorded figures of 5/37, concluding the match with impressive overall figures of 9/75.

Foulkes outperformed fellow Kiwi Will O'Rourke, who had taken 9/93 on his debut against South Africa in Hamilton last year, which also included a five-wicket haul.

The record for the best match figures on Test debut is held by former Indian spinner Narendra Hirwani, who took 16 wickets for 136 runs against the West Indies in Chennai back in January 1988.

This victory marks a significant achievement for New Zealand, as they clinched the series 2-0, securing their largest win in Test cricket history. It also stands as the third-largest victory margin in Test history by runs, following England's innings and 579 runs win over Australia in 1938 and Australia's victory over South Africa by an innings and 360 runs.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe struggled, with only Brendan Taylor (44 runs off 107 balls, including six fours) and Tafadzwa Tsiga (33* off 54 balls, with four boundaries) managing to score over 20 runs. Matt Henry (5/40) and Foulkes (4/38) dismantled Zimbabwe's batting lineup, restricting them to just 125 runs in 48.5 overs.

In their first innings, New Zealand posted a formidable total. Opener Devon Conway (153 runs off 245 balls, with 18 fours) ended a two-year century drought, forming a 162-run opening partnership with Will Young (74 runs off 101 balls, with 11 fours). The duo of Nicholls (150* off 245 balls, with 15 fours) and Rachin (165* off 139 balls, with 21 fours and two sixes) contributed to a massive 256-run partnership for the fourth wicket, leading to a declaration at 601/3, with a commanding lead of 476 runs.

Faced with such a monumental target, Zimbabwe's batting faltered under pressure, with only Nick Welch (47* off 71 balls, with seven fours) managing to score over 20 runs. Foulkes (5/37), along with Henry and Jacob Duffy (two wickets each), once again dismantled Zimbabwe's batting order, skittling them out for a mere 117 runs, resulting in a resounding victory.

Conway's comeback century, which also helped him surpass the 2,000 Test run mark and the 5,000 international run mark, earned him the title of 'Player of the Match.'