ZIM vs NZ [WATCH]: Craig Ervine grabs a shocking juggling catch to dismiss Rachin Ravindra on Day 2 of the primary Take a look at

The much-anticipated first Take a look at between Zimbabwe and New Zealand at Bulawayo on July 30, 2025, unfolded with gripping moments highlighting the battle between the hosts and the highly effective guests. Zimbabwe, internet hosting New Zealand of their first Take a look at encounter in almost a decade, confronted a difficult day two as New Zealand constructed on their lead. Regardless of the daunting process, Zimbabwe’s spirit was epitomized by a shocking fielding second from their captain, Craig Ervine, who dazzled with a exceptional catch to dismiss New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra.

Craig Ervine’s juggler magic at slips dismisses Rachin Ravindra

One of many standout moments on Day 2 was Ervine’s spectacular catch to dismiss Ravindra. Within the 47.4th over, Sikandar Raza delivered a probing full-length ball round off stump, which Ravindra tried to defend with arduous palms. The ball glanced off Ravindra’s bat in the direction of first slip, the place Ervine initially fumbled however reacted instinctively. Demonstrating sharp reflexes, Ervine dived to his left and caught the ball on the rebound, finishing a reasonably extraordinary catch that left the gang and commentators in awe. This catch not solely dismissed Ravindra for two runs from 10 balls but additionally shifted momentum barely in Zimbabwe’s favour in an in any other case uphill battle. Raza’s persistent bowling earned essential wickets, together with Ravindra’s, as Zimbabwe struck twice inside 4 overs throughout that spell.

Right here’s the video:

Ervine juggles… however holds on 😮‍💨

Rachin Ravindra falls early as Zimbabwe strike again!#ZIMvNZ pic.twitter.com/GMKRXYju79

— FanCode (@FanCode) July 31, 2025

Additionally READ: ZIM vs NZ: Prime 5 finest bowling figures by visiting quick bowlers in Zimbabwe Exams

Zimbabwe’s resilience in opposition to a formidable New Zealand lineup

Regardless of Zimbabwe being dismissed for a modest 149 of their first innings, bowled out by Matt Henry’s six-wicket haul and Nathan Smith’s disciplined spell, they confirmed resilience by way of key contributions by Ervine (39 off 116 balls) and Tafadzwa Tsiga (30 off 78 balls). New Zealand, lacking a number of regulars because of accidents and absences, equivalent to Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips, nonetheless put up a powerful batting efficiency with Devon Conway (74 not out) and Will Younger (41 not out) main the cost.

New Zealand’s innings noticed fluctuating fortunes with wickets falling at intervals, however they managed to take care of management, finally bundling out for 307 in response to Zimbabwe’s 149, holding lead over 150 runs. The New Zealand batting lineup had contributions from a number of gamers, but the Zimbabwean bowlers, particularly Blessing Muzarabani and Tanaka Chivanga, saved making use of strain by way of tight bowling spells.

Zimbabwe’s fightback was anchored by disciplined bowling and moments of brilliance within the discipline, together with Ervine’s distinctive catch, illustrating they don’t seem to be to be taken flippantly regardless of the scoreboard. Because the Take a look at progresses, Zimbabwe will likely be trying to construct on these moments and problem the well-set New Zealand facet within the center periods.

Additionally READ: Followers erupt as Matt Henry’s 6-fer dismantles Zimbabwe and places New Zealand in management on Day 1 of the primary Take a look at