Devon Conway has made a strong return to New Zealand’s T20I side, scoring an unbeaten 59 in an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe that lifted the Blackcaps to the top of the tri-series standings. (Also read:New Zealand Beat Zimbabwe by 8 Wickets in T20I Tri-Series Match)
Conway last featured for the national team at the T20 World Cup over a year ago. Since then, he had stepped away from a central contract and was initially not part of the squad touring Zimbabwe. His return was prompted by Finn Allen’s foot injury.
“It’s great to be back in this environment,” Conway said during the post-match press conference. “It’s been a while, so just getting the call-up to come back into the squad is fantastic.”
He noted Allen’s injury was unlucky but welcomed the chance to return and contribute to the win.
Challenging Surface and Early Struggles
While Conway eventually found rhythm, he admitted the conditions early on were difficult to manage. A combination of steep bounce and aggressive bowling from Zimbabwe’s seamers tested his composure at the start of the innings.
“There was a lot of steep bounce in the surface, which was a little bit unexpected,” he said. “Their left-armer [Richard Ngarava] was a massive challenge for us as batters. They bashed that wicket really hard and got a lot of steep bounce out of it.”
Conway was dropped early on and mistimed a couple of short balls, but he settled in later to form two steady partnerships—first with Rachin Ravindra, then with Daryl Mitchell—to take New Zealand across the finish line.
Adjusting to the New Coaching Setup
This series also marks Conway’s first experience under new head coach Rob Walter, who recently took over the all-format role for New Zealand after stepping away from South Africa’s white-ball side.
Although the two have only just started working together, Conway seems optimistic.
“It’s just been a couple of days we’ve been with him but his positive mindset around T20 cricket has been nice and clear for us batters,” he said.
Walter’s leadership will guide New Zealand through the next three years, covering both the T20 and ODI World Cups. Conway hasn’t publicly discussed whether he plans to be part of those campaigns, but his tone hinted at renewed engagement with the team setup.
“He’s brought positive energy and a slightly new way of thinking,” Conway said, adding that it has been refreshing to “experiment as to how he operates as the head coach.”
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Looking Ahead
Two wins from two matches, and New Zealand are looking solid. Up next: a clash with South Africa on Tuesday.
Conway, likely to face left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka again, remains mindful of areas to improve, especially after being tested by similar bowlers in the earlier match.
His return may have been unexpected, but it has already started shaping the series and possibly his future with the Blackcaps.
