New Zealand’s cricket team has done great in test cricket over the years, especially in terms of the highest score. Even when people didn’t expect them to win, they delivered amazing performances. Known for their smart playing and steady performances, New Zealand has not only been good at playing on tough pitches but also at scoring big runs. Let’s look at the top five highest scores by New Zealand in test matches.
5. 659/6 declared vs Pakistan – Christchurch, 2021
In the second test against Pakistan in 2021, New Zealand made a huge score of 659/6 in Christchurch before they declared their innings. Captain Kane Williamson was the star, scoring 238 runs, with good help from Henry Nicholls. This gave New Zealand a big lead of 362 runs.
New Zealand controlled the match and won by an innings and 176 runs. Kyle Jamieson took 11 wickets and was named Player of the Match.
4. 671/4 vs Sri Lanka – Wellington, 1991
In a 1991 match in Wellington, New Zealand had to catch up to Sri Lanka’s first-innings score of 323. Martin Crowe and Andrew Jones played brilliantly, making a partnership of 467 runs for the third wicket. Crowe made 299 runs, just one run short of 300, and Jones added 186.
Their great batting helped New Zealand avoid a loss. Crowe was given the Player of the Match award for his amazing innings.
3. 680/8 declared vs India – Wellington, 2014
In 2014, New Zealand was in trouble against India but came back strong, scoring 680/8 in Wellington. After being behind by 246 runs, Brendon McCullum saved New Zealand with an incredible 302 runs. BJ Watling (124) and Jimmy Neesham (137) also helped New Zealand draw the match.
McCullum was named Player of the Match for his triple century.
2. 690 vs Pakistan – Sharjah, 2014
New Zealand’s second-highest score was 690 against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2014. Brendon McCullum hit a fast double-century, scoring 202 runs in just 188 balls. Kane Williamson added 192 runs, and Ross Taylor and Corey Anderson also played well to boost the score.
New Zealand won by an innings and 80 runs. Mark Craig was the Player of the Match for his 10 wickets and 65 runs.
1. 715/6 declared vs Bangladesh – Hamilton, 2019
New Zealand’s highest test score ever was 715/6 against Bangladesh in Hamilton in 2019. Bangladesh scored 234 runs, but New Zealand’s top batsmen performed excellently. Jeet Raval scored 132, Tom Latham made 161, and Kane Williamson remained not out with 200.
Bangladesh couldn’t recover from the 481-run difference and lost by an innings and 52 runs. Williamson’s double-century earned him the Player of the Match award.
These amazing performances show how strong New Zealand has become in test cricket, with great batting and bowling helping them win against tough teams.
Also Read: Top 5 Highest Test Scores By Devon Conway
