Test Cricket Statchat
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The biggest sporting rivalry that’s not really a rivalry because it’s so lopsided took a bit of a turn over the last few days.
This was New Zealand’s third biggest winning margin in tests, and the biggest winning margin where the opponent was not Zimbabwe.
Since NZ lost to RSA at the Basin in 2017 they have played 19 tests at home. 14 wins 4 draws and one loss. And we know what that loss was. For years to come cricket historians will try to get their heads around that one.
Matt Henry’s 7/23 in the first innings was the third equal best return by a New Zealand bower in tests, and the first equal at home. It sits along side RJ Hadlee’s career defining 7/23 against India in 1976.
Henry’s 58* was the second highest score by a number 11 in tests for New Zealand. Remarkably, Trent Bout holds the next four highest totals.
That last wicket partnership of 94 was, surprisingly, only the 6th highest last wicket partnership stand for New Zealand in tests.
Tim Southee with 5/35 in the second innings (14) goes the clear third in the 5WI order ahead of CL Cairns in the all time rankings. Boult and Wagner are on 9.
Henry Nicholls now has 8 test centuries to his name putting him eighth on the all time list for New Zealand batsmen. Ahead of Turner, Jones and Congdon.