Top 5 highest totals by New Zealand in test cricket

New Zealand have scored over 700 runs in an innings only once in test cricket.

Out of the three formats in international cricket, test cricket is the format that presents the biggest test to a player’s skill and endurance. New Zealand’s journey in the longest format of the game reflects the soul of test cricket as the Kiwis have proved their resilience over the years while often being the underdogs.

The New Zealand cricket team are hailed for their discipline on the field, as they have time and again showcased immense consistency in all three departments of the game.

Traditionally, the Black Caps have always been associated with lively, seaming pitches that assist their pacers. However, over the years they have built a strong reputation for the batting prowess of their players as well.

The Kiwis have amassed massive totals, especially at home as the pitches there tend to flatten after Day 1. The 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) winners have produced highly talented and skilled batters, especially in the 21st century, in this format who have thrashed great bowling attacks.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five highest team totals of the New cricket team in test cricket.

5. 659/6 d vs Pakistan, Christchurch, 2021

In the second test of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand 2021, the hosts produced a dominant batting performance in Christchurch, posting a massive total of 659/6 before declaration.

Kane Williamson was the star of the show for New Zealand, playing a captain’s knock of 238. Captain Williamson and Henry Nicholls laid the foundation of New Zealand’s massive total in their first innings.

The Kiwis declared their first innings with a comfortable lead of 362 runs. The match was a one-sided affair as the Black Caps completed a comprehensive victory by an innings and 176 runs. Speedster Kyle Jamieson was named Player of the Match for his 11 wickets.

4. 671/4 vs Sri Lanka, Wellington, 1991

One of New Zealand’s most remarkable batting performances came in Wellington against Sri Lanka in the 1991 series. The Kiwis, facing a 323-run first-innings deficit, were under tremendous pressure when Martin Crowe joined Andrew Jones in the middle. The duo added 467 for the third wicket and took the Sri Lankan bowling attack to the cleaners.

Martin Crowe top scored with 299 runs, narrowly missing out on a historic triple century. Valiant efforts from Crowe and Jones helped New Zealand draw the test match that had looked like a loss at one point. Crowe was named Player of the Match for his 329 runs in the game.

3. 680/8 d vs India, Wellington, 2014

The Indian cricket team were on the receiving end of a thrashing from New Zealand when the hosts posted a massive total of 680 in Wellington in 2014. Facing a 246-run deficit in their second innings, Brendon McCullum led New Zealand’s strong comeback through his majestic innings of 302.

McCullum’s triple century helped New Zealand recover from a dire position. He combined with BJ Watling (124) and Jimmy Neesham (137) to take the Black Caps out of the trouble and save the test match. McCullum received the Player of the Match award.

2. 690 vs Pakistan, Sharjah, 2014

New Zealand’s second-highest team total of 690 runs came against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2014. Brendon McCullum was once again the star of the show for the visitors, scoring a magnificent double-century. He was well supported by the middle order comprising Kane Williamson (192), Ross Taylor (50) and Corey Anderson (50).

McCullum struck his double hundred in quick time, completing the milestone in 188 balls. The Kiwis went on to win the match by innings and 80 runs, with Mark Craig named Player of the Match for his 10 wickets and 65 runs.

1. 715/6 d vs Bangladesh, Hamilton, 2019

New Zealand recorded their highest-ever test total of 715 against Bangladesh in Hamilton in 2019. Replying to Bangladesh’s 234, New Zealand were powered by their top order. This is the only instance the the Black Caps amassed over 700 runs in a test innings.

Contributions from Jeet Raval (132), Tom Latham (161) and Kane Williamson (200*) laid the foundation for their mammoth score.

A massive first-innings deficit of 481 meant that Bangladesh, even after showing a fight in the second innings, lost the game by an innings and 52 runs. Kane Williamson was named Player of the Match for his 200*.

(All stats updated till 16th October, 2024)

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