logo
Black Caps v Zimbabwe player ratings: Who shone, and who struggled in test series sweep?

Black Caps v Zimbabwe player ratings: Who shone, and who struggled in test series sweep?

NZ Herald2 days ago
Devon Conway added an unbeaten 51 on day one of the first test against Zimbabwe. Photo / Zimbabwe Cricket
One of only two Kiwi batters to pass 50 on a tricky pitch in the first test, Conway stepped up as a senior player in the absence of Tom Latham and Kane Williamson.
Got out at an inopportune moment in the first test for 88, more than made up for it in the second with 153 - his second-best test score after his 200 on debut at Lord's.
Will Young - 6
2 tests: 115 runs at 57.50, 1 50, high score: 74
Was asked to open the batting at the last minute after Latham's injury, having been preparing to replace Williamson at No 3.
Combined well with Conway at the top of the order, even if it's a position he's not best suited for.
Missed his chance to go big in both of his two innings; bounced out by Muzurabani in the first test, played on Trevor Gwandu in the second.
Not converting fifties into centuries remains a problem - he's now made 11 half-centuries without turning any into triple figures.
Will Young batting in Bulawayo on day one f the second test. Photo / Zimbabwe Cricket
Caught well at second slip in the absence of Latham.
Henry Nicholls - 7
2 tests: 188 runs at 188, 1 100, high score: 150 not out
Returned to the test side for the first time since early 2023, and played two very different innings in Williamson's No 3 spot.
Threw his wicket away to trigger a middle order wobble in the first test. Cashed in in the second test with an unbeaten 150.
Played his part in partnerships of 110 with Conway, and unbeaten 256 with Ravindra in the second test, both as second foil - a role Nicholls has always excelled in, and been undervalued for.
Henry Nicholls was 150 not out at stumps on day two of the second test in Bulawayo. Photo / Zimbabwe Cricket
Still hard to predict what his test career will look like from here, given his opportunity only came in Williamson and Latham's absences.
Rachin Ravindra - 8
2 tests: 167 runs at 167, 1 100, high score: 165 not out
Admittedly, Zimbabwe are not the best opponent Ravindra will ever face. But in the second test in particular, the 25-year-old showed his continuing importance as the fulcrum of New Zealand's middle order.
Scored a century at effectively a run-a-ball to bat the Black Caps out of sight, and accelerated as Zimbabwe wilted.
Rachin Ravindra celebrates his century on day two of the second test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Photo / Zimbabwe Cricket
Benefited from the hard work of Conway and Nicholls - but that is the role of a No 4 batter. Looked a class above.
Loses marks for only making two in the first test, when runs were there to be scored.
Frustratingly wasn't needed with the ball either, but no qualms if scoring runs becomes his primary benchmark.
Daryl Mitchell - 7
2 tests: 80 runs at 80, 1 50, high score: 80, 0 wickets
Gritted out a vital 80 amid falling wickets in the first test, which ultimately paved the way for New Zealand's win.
Got through four relatively non-threatening overs with the ball, and delivered the sledge of the series: 'You wouldn't want to get out to me'.
Daryl Mitchell celebrates his half-century against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Photo / Zimbabwe Cricket.
Classic 'thanks for coming award' in the second test - didn't bat, didn't bowl, didn't take a catch.
Tom Blundell - 2
2 tests: 2 runs at 2, high score: 2
A slightly harsh mark, but didn't contribute with the bat in the first test, and conceded 15 byes across four innings and took just one catch with the gloves on. His batting average was once over 40, now it's fallen below 34.
With only three tests left in 2025, Blundell's place as a red ball specialist could count against him, with Mitch Hay breathing down his neck, and getting plenty of opportunities in white ball cricket.
Watch this space.
Michael Bracewell - 1
1 test: 9 runs at 9, high score 9, 0 wickets
Glenn Phillips' absence opened the door for Bracewell to play his first test since 2023,
Was never meant to play in the test series after having it written into his NZ Cricket contract he could skip it to play franchise cricket in England instead.
Sent down 17 overs of his off-spin, but never looked like taking a wicket, and couldn't support Mitchell with the willow in hand.
Another player whose red ball future is uncertain, despite his importance in the shorter formats.
Mitchell Santner - 6
2 tests: 19 runs at 19, high score 19, 4 wickets at 19.25, best figures: 4/27
A lack of opportunity, rather than poor performance from New Zealand's 32nd test captain.
Continues to grow as a test spinner, and was forced to shoulder more bowling than he'd have anticipated when the fast bowling stocks were wiped out in the first match.
Led well, and showed his nous as a skipper with his bowling rotations across the two tests.
Added a test series trophy to his T20 Tri-series crown won against South Africa.
Nathan Smith - 8
1 test: 22 runs at 22, high score: 22 not out, 3 wickets at 6.66, best figures: 3/20
Only made one appearance before getting injured, but showed immense promise with bat and ball.
Dutifully backed up Matt Henry in his only bowling innings, conceding less than two runs an over while taking three wickets.
Combined with Mitchell in a vital 61-run partnership to push home New Zealand's advantage, before being forced to retire hurt after copping a barrage of short balls from Muzurabani.
Has been forced to be patient to wait for his test spot, but looks primed to be a regular when everyone is fit.
Zak Foulkes - 9
1 test: 9 wickets at 8.33, best figures: 5/37
Rushed to Zimbabwe as cover after Smith went down, and took his chance with both hands.
Returned the best figures by a New Zealander on test debut (9/75), and added a vital point of difference with his ability to move the ball away from the left-handers. Had Sean Williams on toast in both innings of the second test.
Zak Foulkes struck in the morning session of the second test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe. Photo / Zimbabwe Cricket
Was unfortunate to not be the first Kiwi to take a 10-for on debut, but couldn't claim that fifth wicket in the first innings.
Is also handy with the bat, but wasn't needed as the Black Caps' top order piled on the runs.
Matt Henry - 10
2 tests: 16 wickets at 9.12, best figures: 6/39
You run out of superlatives when describing Matt Henry.
The most wickets any bowler has ever taken in a two-test series against Zimbabwe.
Matt Henry appeals on the first day of the second test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Photo / Zimbabwe Cricket
Consistently takes wickets with the new ball, against all opponents. Now the out-and-out senior bowler in New Zealand's test lineup after Tim Southee's retirement.
Rightfully named as man-of-the-series, having also been man-of-the-match in the Tri-series final against the Proteas.
Jacob Duffy - 6
1 test: 2 wickets at 26, best figures: 2/28, 36 runs at 36, high score: 36
Has been patient in his wait for a test debut, and can be content with his effort.
Wicketless in the first innings, before arguably making his biggest contribution as nightwatchman, adding 36 in a 73-run partnership with Conway.
The Black Caps celebrate Jacob Duffy's maiden test wicket, on day three of the second test against Zimbabwe. Photo / Zimbabwe Cricket
Took two wickets in the second innings, but remains a much more important part of the white ball set up than he does in tests.
Will O'Rourke - 6
1 test: 3 wickets at 18, best figures: 3/28
Bowled better than his first innings figures suggest. Continues to make life uncomfortable for whoever has the misfortune of facing him.
Looks the most equipped to fill Neil Wagner's shoes as the enforcer among New Zealand's bowling ranks, with his natural length hitting most batters in the ribs.
Still waiting and hoping to learn that the back stiffness he experienced isn't too serious.
Seriously excited at the idea of O'Rourke and Kyle Jamieson bowling in tandem - if they can both stay fit.
Matt Fisher - 6
1 test: 2 wickets at 19, best figures: 1/16
Capped off a big month with a test debut, and looked on the money.
Even without a speed radar, thanks to the financial woes of Zimbabwean cricket, Fisher was clearly a yard quicker than any of his Black Caps teammates.
Will have to fight for a place in the first XI with everyone fit, but his extra pace gives him a point of difference.
Should be a vital addition on the 2027 tour of Australia if everything goes his way.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lightfoot solid in Lithuania
Lightfoot solid in Lithuania

Otago Daily Times

time3 hours ago

  • Otago Daily Times

Lightfoot solid in Lithuania

Harry Lightfoot. PHOTO: SHARRON BENNETT Harry Lightfoot has made a solid debut in the black singlet. The Wakatipu High School stroke and his Macleans College crewmate, Nathan Strachan, wrapped up their world under-19 championships regatta in Trakai, Lithuania, at the weekend. They finished second in the B final in 7min 0.25sec, behind Swiss crew Remy Christ and Mark Studhalter, who finished in 6min 59.88sec. It was a fine effort from the Kiwi pair, especially considering it was the first time Lightfoot had raced alongside Strachan, who won the under-18 single sculls at the Maadi Cup at Lake Karapiro earlier this year. Lightfoot has been a force on the water all year. He had a standout Maadi Cup with several podium finishes, including gold in the boys under-17 and under-18 double sculls, alongside Sebastian Watson, and gold as part of the champion under-18 coxed quad. He also finished fourth in the single sculls. Watson was also selected for the New Zealand under-19 development team to compete at the Continental Challenge Cup regatta in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the United States. Other Kiwi crews showed their worth in Lithuania. George Marshall, Blake Cooper, Payo O'Sullivan, Corben Campbell, Jack Buckley, Ben Allan, Bede Giera, Luke Tompkins and cox Eliza O'Meagher finished sixth in the men's eight A final in 6min 11.62sec. Eleri Clare, Sadie Mason — who hails from Omarama and attends Twizel Area School — Charlotte Peterson and Angalla Carney won the women's quad sculls B final in 7min 9.77sec.

SVG rules The Glen to make it four straight road course wins
SVG rules The Glen to make it four straight road course wins

NZ Autocar

time17 hours ago

  • NZ Autocar

SVG rules The Glen to make it four straight road course wins

Shane van Gisbergen has strengthened his reputation as NASCAR's road-course specialist, taking a commanding victory in the Go Bowling at The Glen and becoming the first rookie in history to win four consecutive races on road circuits. The New Zealander started toward the front and wasted little time taking control of the 90-lap event around the 3.4-km (2.45-mile) Watkins Glen International layout. By the chequered flag, he had led 38 laps, including the final 17, and crossed the line 11.116 seconds ahead of Christopher Bell. The result is redemption for van Gisbergen after his near-miss at the same venue in 2024, where a strategy call dropped him out of contention in the closing laps. It also comes in the same week Trackhouse Racing announced a multi-year contract extension for the Kiwi, securing his NASCAR future. 'Good to get that one back,' van Gisbergen said post-race. 'What an awesome race. The car was just amazing again… The day just went flawlessly, and I really enjoyed it.' Race story From the outset, the Glen's high-speed esses and heavy-braking chicanes suited van Gisbergen's road-racing background. Stage 1 went to Chris Buescher, who kept his playoff hopes alive with the extra points, while Bell edged ahead briefly in Stage 2 before SVG regained control. A caution-free final segment allowed van Gisbergen to exploit clean air and metronomic pace. With pit strategy aligned to perfection, he steadily built a gap to Bell, who could do little but consolidate second. Behind them, Buescher's third-place finish moved him just above the playoff cutline, while William Byron came home fourth to extend his regular-season points lead over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott. Elliott endured his first finish outside the top 20 this season, coming home 26th after mid-race contact and a spin. Chase Briscoe took fifth ahead of Ryan Blaney, with Daniel Suárez, Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Ross Chastain rounding out the top ten. The victory ties van Gisbergen with Denny Hamlin for the most wins this season and cements his spot as a top playoff seed heading into the final races before the post-season opener at Darlington. Top 10 – Watkins Glen Race Results

New Zealand's Blackfins And Silverfins Strike Gold In Historic Asia-Oceania Championships
New Zealand's Blackfins And Silverfins Strike Gold In Historic Asia-Oceania Championships

Scoop

time19 hours ago

  • Scoop

New Zealand's Blackfins And Silverfins Strike Gold In Historic Asia-Oceania Championships

New Zealand's best underwater hockey players have returned from Kuala Lumpur with an outstanding medal haul — three golds and one silver, after a history-making campaign at the inaugural Asia-Oceania Inter-Continental Championships (ICC). While Underwater Hockey World Championships have been held since the 1980s, this was the first time a formal regional qualifier has been staged. The ICC was introduced in response to the sport's rapid global growth and increasing participation, particularly across Asia-Pacific. Four New Zealand squads — Men's Masters, Women's Masters, Elite Women (Silverfins) and Elite Men (Blackfins) — all faced off against Australia in their finals. The Men's Masters, Elite Women and Elite Men divisions brought home gold, while the Women's Masters secured silver. 'As both President of UWHNZ and a fellow player, I am very proud of the results the New Zealand squad has achieved in Kuala Lumpur,' says Lisa McCosh, President of Underwater Hockey New Zealand. 'The athletes' extensive training prepared them for the gruelling final games against Australia, which were incredible to watch. In particular, the two elite finals that went into overtime displayed an impressive level of athleticism.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading One family embodied the Kiwi spirit on tour: the Brosnans of Nelson. Rebecca and Bruno Brosnan, both Masters players, competed alongside their daughter Chantal in the Elite Women's team. Chantal's team not only claimed ICC Champion honours, but also played what is believed to be the longest sudden-death match in international underwater hockey history, a battle won through sheer fitness, mental toughness, and trust. For the Brosnans, returning home with medals across multiple divisions was a rare and special achievement. 'We're absolutely stoked,' says Rebecca, who also serves as UWHNZ High Performance Lead and Elite Women's Team Manager. 'For our whole family to come home with medals from the same tournament is phenomenal.' The ICC marks an exciting shift for the sport, with countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, China, and Singapore building stronger competitive pathways. For New Zealand's players and coaches, this expansion is as significant as the results. 'This is about more than just medals,' says Emma Rae, Elite Men's Coach. 'It's about sharing our love for the game and helping it grow globally.' About Underwater Hockey Underwater hockey is a fast, inclusive team sport played on the bottom of the pool. Players wear masks, snorkels and fins, using short sticks to push a puck into the opposing goal. New Zealand is a global leader in the sport, with multiple world titles across junior, elite and masters levels.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store