Henry Nicholls leads ‘century trio’ as New Zealand extend lead vs Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO: New Zealand reached 601 for three at the close of play on the second day of the second test at Queens Sports Club, leading Zimbabwe by 476 runs.

Middle-order batter Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 150 and 165 respectively, sharing an unbroken partnership of 256 runs.

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Nighwatchman Jacob Duffy added 36 runs before falling to spinner Vincent Masekesa.

Devon Conway was the first wicket to fall on day two. He scored 153 runs off 245 balls, striking 18 boundaries before being bowled by seamer Blessing Muzarabani.

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Henry Nicholls replaced injured captain Tom Latham. He reached his tenth test century off 166 balls, while Ravindra got to his hundred faster, off 104 balls. He later added 65 runs in the last 35 balls, including 21 4s and two 6s.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the batting lineup. Muzarabani bowled 24 overs, conceding 101 runs with one wicket.  

Tanaka Chivangra bowled 17 overs without success. He also conceded 94 runs.

Zimbabwe was dismissed for 125 in their first innings on day one. New Zealand resumed day two at 174 for one and steadily built their total through partnerships.

Duffy and Conway added 61 runs before the nightwatchman was dismissed just before lunch.

Following Conway’s wicket, Henry Nicholls and Ravindra took charge. The two maintained a steady scoring rate.

Kiwi captaincy currently rests with Mitchell Santner, who chose not to declare late in the day, leaving Nicholls and Ravindra to bat into day three.

Having already won the first test within three day, New Zealand’s strong position gives them a strong chance of securing a series win.

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Meanwhile, Zimbabwe needs to work on their batting response to avoid another heavy defeat.

Play will resume on Saturday with Henry Nicholls and Ravindra at the crease looking to add to New Zealand’s imposing total..

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