Decoding 250-plus fourth-wicket partnerships for NZ in Test cricket
What's the story
New Zealand's batsmen put on a show in the second Test against Zimbabwe, ending their first innings with a mammoth score of 601/3d. The match is being played at Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo. Though three Kiwi batters breached the 150-run mark, the highlight of the innings was the unbeaten 256-run fourth-wicket partnership between Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra. On this note, let's look at the 250-plus fourth-wicket stands for NZ in Test cricket.
#3
Nicholls & Ravindra - 256* vs Zimbabwe, 2025
The aforementioned 256-run stand between Nicholls and Ravindra is third on this list. The Kiwis were comfortably placed at 345/3 when Ravindra arrived to bat. While Nicholls continued to bat the conventional way, Ravindra was more attacking as he batted with a strike rate of 100-plus. As NZ declared at 601/3, Nicholls returned on 150* off 245 balls, whereas Ravindra hit a fluent 139-ball 165*.
#2
Ryder & Taylor - 271 vs India, 2009
Batting first in the 2009 Napier Test against India, the Kiwis suffered a top-order collapse and were reduced to 23/3. Ross Taylor was then joined by Jesse Ryder and it was one-way traffic thereafter. The duo frustrated Indian bowlers with a massive 271-run partnership. While Taylor was dismissed for 151 off 204 balls, Ryder (201 off 328) made a sensational double-hundred. Their efforts meant the Kiwis declared at 619/9 in the eventually drawn affair.
#1
Nicholls & Williamson - 369 vs Pakistan, 2021
New Zealand hammered Pakistan by an innings and 176 runs in the 2021 Christchurch Test. Nicholls & Kane Williamson powered them with 150-plus knocks in the game. Batting second, New Zealand were tottering on 71/3 when Nicholls joined Williamson to repair the damage. The duo stitched a 369-run stand before Nicholls was dismissed for 157 off 291 balls. Williamson went on to score 238 off 364 deliveries as the hosts declared at 659/6.