Devon Conway ends century drought as New Zealand tighten grip in Bulawayo Test

Devon Conway put an end to a two-year drought of a Test hundred as New Zealand tightened their hold over Zimbabwe on Day 2 of the second Test. The left-hand batsman produced a smooth and undefeated 140 by lunchtime, leading New Zealand past 300 and to a total of 306/2 with an overall lead of 181.

When the morning session play resumed, New Zealand was 174/1, leading by 49. The hosts only added nightwatchman Jacob Duffy's wicket to their second-day laundry list as they added 132 runs in the morning session. After starting the day on 78, Conway hit a brisk fifth Test century from just 143 balls, driving Luckie Muzarabani through mid-off for his 13th four. He lifted a clenched fist in the air in celebration. His reaction was equally one of relief that he’d finally reached three figures in a Test match after 16 Tests without a century earlier. 

Duffy also performed a rare appearance with the bat, putting a level of frustration over Zimbabwe with a plucky 36 in a 73-run partnership with Conway before Masekesa broke the stand. A debuting Bennett pulled off a sharp catch at short mid-wicket for Duffy, which paved the way for Henry Nicholls to join Conway and start their innings as the highest on the board. Nicholls was 41 not out at lunch break as the fatigue of the New Zealanders' opponents was starting to show; they struggled with their last touch of resiliency.

ALSO SEE: Star player requests CSK to release him ahead of IPL 2026

Conway’s Century and Pace Attack Put New Zealand in Complete Control

The groundwork was laid on Day 1 when New Zealand’s new-look pace battery stripped Zimbabwe for just 125 inside two sessions. Matt Henry spearheaded the attack with 5/40, and debutant Zakary Foulkes with 4/38, unsettled the hosts with height and accuracy. Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher chipped in, whilst Fisher took the final wicket, a bowled ball from Tanaka Chivanga.

Brendan Taylor provided the only resistance for Zimbabwe in his first Test match in over 3.5 years since his ICC ban. His stoic 44 off 107 balls was in doubt as Zimbabwe lost three wickets in eight balls after lunch, and he looked like the only player who could halt New Zealand’s relentless pace attack. The conceding of Sikandar Raza at leg slip alongside the golden duck of Trevor Gwandu spoke volumes about how competitive the hosts were.

In reply, New Zealand began commanding their reply through a 162-run opening partnership featuring Will Young (74) and Conway. The Zimbabwe fast bowlers struggled to bowl quickly and also didn't cause any issues with pace (which is notably controversial), and they struggled to create swings or exert pressure with their bowling. Their fielding also didn't help their plight. With Conway well and truly in and with a lengthy batting line-up behind him, New Zealand seem to be focused on batting Zimbabwe out of the match, completing a 2-0 series whitewash, in another inconsequential Test in the World Test Championship.