The much-anticipated first Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand at Bulawayo on July 30, 2025, unfolded with gripping moments highlighting the battle between the hosts and the powerful visitors. Zimbabwe, hosting New Zealand in their first Test encounter in nearly a decade, faced a challenging day two as New Zealand built on their lead. Despite the daunting task, Zimbabwe’s spirit was epitomized by a stunning fielding moment from their captain, Craig Ervine, who dazzled with a remarkable catch to dismiss New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra.
Craig Ervine’s juggler magic at slips dismisses Rachin Ravindra
One of the standout moments on Day 2 was Ervine’s spectacular catch to dismiss Ravindra. In the 47.4th over, Sikandar Raza delivered a probing full-length ball around off stump, which Ravindra attempted to defend with hard hands. The ball glanced off Ravindra’s bat towards first slip, where Ervine initially fumbled but reacted instinctively. Demonstrating sharp reflexes, Ervine dived to his left and caught the ball on the rebound, completing a rather extraordinary catch that left the crowd and commentators in awe. This catch not only dismissed Ravindra for 2 runs from 10 balls but also shifted momentum slightly in Zimbabwe’s favour in an otherwise uphill battle. Raza’s persistent bowling earned critical wickets, including Ravindra’s, as Zimbabwe struck twice within four overs during that spell.
Here’s the video:
Ervine juggles… but holds on 😮💨
Rachin Ravindra falls early as Zimbabwe strike back!#ZIMvNZ pic.twitter.com/GMKRXYju79
— FanCode (@FanCode) July 31, 2025
Also READ: ZIM vs NZ: Top 5 best bowling figures by visiting fast bowlers in Zimbabwe Tests
Zimbabwe’s resilience against a formidable New Zealand lineup
Despite Zimbabwe being dismissed for a modest 149 in their first innings, bowled out by Matt Henry’s six-wicket haul and Nathan Smith’s disciplined spell, they showed resilience through key contributions by Ervine (39 off 116 balls) and Tafadzwa Tsiga (30 off 78 balls). New Zealand, missing several regulars due to injuries and absences, such as Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips, nonetheless put up a strong batting performance with Devon Conway (74 not out) and Will Young (41 not out) leading the charge.
New Zealand’s innings saw fluctuating fortunes with wickets falling at intervals, but they managed to maintain control, eventually bundling out for 307 in response to Zimbabwe’s 149, holding lead over 150 runs. The New Zealand batting lineup had contributions from several players, yet the Zimbabwean bowlers, especially Blessing Muzarabani and Tanaka Chivanga, kept applying pressure through tight bowling spells.
Zimbabwe’s fightback was anchored by disciplined bowling and moments of brilliance in the field, including Ervine’s exceptional catch, illustrating they are not to be taken lightly despite the scoreboard. As the Test progresses, Zimbabwe will be looking to build on these moments and challenge the well-set New Zealand side in the middle sessions.