New Zealand pacer Zakary Foulkes made a sharp impression in his first Test outing, picking up 4 wickets for 38 runs as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 125 in Bulawayo.
It was an early opportunity, and Foulkes didn’t waste time. Partnering with Matt Henry, who finished with 5 for 40, the 21-year-old played a key role in restricting the hosts to a below-par total inside 49 overs on the opening day.
Zimbabwe never looked settled. Henry struck twice with the new ball, reducing them to 30 for 2 in the first hour. Foulkes entered the attack with Zimbabwe already wobbling. His first big moment came when he removed Sean Williams at 43. From there, the innings kept sliding.
The real damage came during a fiery spell in the middle of the day. Foulkes dismissed Craig Ervine to break a brief 24-run partnership. Later, in the 35th over, he struck twice in the space of a few deliveries, sending back Sikandar Raza and Trevor Gwandu. Zimbabwe slumped to 83 for 7, and there wasn’t much resistance after that.
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Six maidens from his 16 overs added pressure. He didn’t rush. He stuck to a good length, got the ball to nip off the seam, and let the conditions help.
For someone playing just his 20th First-Class match, it was a calm, measured performance. According to ESPNcricinfo, Foulkes now has 61 wickets at an average a little over 26. This was his third four-wicket haul in First-Class cricket. He’s picked up two five-wicket hauls too.
Day 1 belonged to the bowlers, no question. Foulkes showed he was ready for this level. Not flashy, not over-aggressive. Just steady, accurate, and aware of what the pitch was offering.
You wonder what Zimbabwe’s approach will be now. Their batting unit looked flat. The rest of the Test could move quickly if conditions stay the same. For Foulkes, though, it’s a debut he probably won’t forget.
