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Zakary Foulkes celebrated a record-breaking Test debut for New Zealand, taking 9-75 and securing a 2-0 series win against Zimbabwe.
Zakary Foulkes produced best bowling figures on debut for New Zealand (X)
Zakary Foulkes admitted his record-breaking Test debut for New Zealand against Zimbabwe hasn’t really sunk in yet, but said it was amazing to help his team achieve a 2-0 series win.
On Saturday, New Zealand achieved their largest margin ever Test victory by defeating Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs at Queens Sports Club, completing a 2-0 series sweep. Foulkes was the standout performer on Day Three, taking a five-wicket haul as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 117 in their second innings.
Foulkes ended with match figures of 9-75, the best overall haul by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut, surpassing Will O’Rourke’s 9-93 against South Africa in Hamilton in 2024. “It still hasn’t really kicked in, to be honest. It’s all happened pretty quickly. It was awesome to be out there with the guys. I don’t really know much else to say.
“It (the Test debut) was all a little bit rushed. I’ve been on a white ball diet, so the prospect of bowling a few more overs and stuff definitely felt a bit sore on day two. Thankfully, we didn’t have to bowl on day two, which was nice. It was cool to get it back into red ball cricket.”
“Tommy actually ran a drink out and said you’re pretty close to beating the record here. It’s just one of those things, really, and it’s awesome,” Foulkes was quoted as saying in a video by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) after the game.
Here’s the table for that data:
| Player | Figures | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zakary Foulkes | 9/75 | Zimbabwe | 2025 |
| Will O’Rourke | 9/93 | South Africa | 2024 |
| Mark Craig | 8/188 | West Indies | 2014 |
| Colin de Grandhomme | 7/64 | Pakistan | 2016 |
| Ajaz Patel | 7/123 | Pakistan | 2018 |
What Did Zakary Foulkes Say?
He made his Test debut alongside fellow pacers Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher, who also contributed to the Black Caps’ success. “It was really cool. Duff’s sort of taken me under his wing, which is nice. We’ve played a little bit together for the Black Caps, which is cool.”
“Then Fisher, it’s awesome to see what he’s done the last few years. It was awesome to see what he did out there. He was bowling pretty quickly in the nets the other day, which wasn’t too nice. But it was awesome to see both those guys get a crack and do so well,” added Foulkes.
He also expressed his pleasure at playing alongside Matt Henry, who took 16 wickets in the series, and praised head coach Rob Walter’s clear and calm approach.
“Growing up, it was always Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Tim Southee. It’s awesome to be sharing the pitch with him now. I’ve played a handful of games with them for Canterbury and a lot of training and stuff. So it’s awesome to be a part of this team with them.”
“It’s really enjoyable (to be playing under Walter’s coaching). He’s very clear and concise with his comms. Really enjoyed his demeanour around the group. Everyone seems to be really enjoying themselves with Rob.”
(With inputs from IANS)
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses, features, live scores, results, stats and everything that’s cricket from all over the globe. Follow @cricketnext
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses, features, live scores, results, stats and everything that’s cricket from all over the globe. Follow @cricketnext
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