Presenting New Zealand's biggest Test wins in terms of runs
What's the story
New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs in the 2nd Test of their 2025 series in Bulawayo. An all-round NZ side was too good for sorry Zimbabwe, who were poor with the bat across both innings. This is NZ's biggest win by runs and the third-biggest win in Test history overall, as per ESPNcricinfo. We decode NZ's biggest wins (by runs).
#1
An innings and 359 runs vs ZIM, 2025, Bulawayo
As mentioned, New Zealand decimated a sorry Zimbabwe side by an innings and 359 runs to record their biggest win in Test cricket (by runs). Zimbabwe perished for 125 in the 1st innings with Matt Henry taking a fifer. New Zealand then scored a mammoth 601/3d. Three batters scored 150-plus for the team. In response, Zimbabwe, trailing by 476 runs, faltered once again (117/10).
#2
An innings and 301 runs vs ZIM, 2012, Napier
In the 2012 Napier Test, the Kiwis went on to record a score of 495/7d in the 1st innings. Brendon McCullum (83), Martin Guptill (51), Ross Taylor (122) and BJ Watling (102) were superb. In response, Zimbabwe folded for 51 in 28.5 overs. Following on, they were bundled out for 143 next. Chris Martin claimed 6/26 in the 3rd innings.
#3
An innings and 294 runs vs ZIM, 2005, Harare
In the 2005 Harare Test, New Zealand claimed a win over Zimbabwe by an innings and 294 runs. The Kiwis posted 452/9d in the 1st innings with Stephen Fleming (73), Brendon McCullum (111) and Daniel Vettori (127) amongst the runs. In response, Zimbabwe were folded for 59. Following on, they scored 99 next. Vettori took six wickets in the Test match for New Zealand.
Information
An innings and 276 runs vs SA, 2022, Christchurch
In the 2022 Christchurch Test against South Africa, the Kiwis claimed a win by an innings and 276 runs. South Africa scored 95 with New Zealand managing 482. In their 2nd outing, the Proteas perished for 111 runs.