The stage is set for the second and final Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand in Bulawayo, commencing on August 7th. The series stands at a commanding 1-0 in favor of the visitors after they secured a dominant nine-wicket victory in the first Test. Zimbabwe will be looking to bounce back and salvage a draw in the two-game series, while the Black Caps, despite battling key injuries, are aiming for a clean sweep to continue their momentum in the longer format. With the first Test concluding in just three days, all eyes are on both teams to see how they adapt their strategies for the series finale.
Defeat for Zimbabwe in the first Test inside three days
Zimbabwe in the first Test was failed primarily due to their top-order batting collapse, which saw them struggle to build significant partnerships. New Zealand’s pace bowler Matt Henry was instrumental in this, dominating with a nine-wicket haul that the Zimbabwean batters had no answer for. Their own bowling attack lacked consistency and failed to apply sustained pressure, allowing New Zealand to build a substantial lead. Ultimately, a lack of significant contributions from key players like Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza, coupled with an overall failure to adapt to the conditions and the opposition’s bowling attack, led to a comprehensive defeat. This combination of factors meant they were outplayed in every department, culminating in a three-day loss.
Injury concerns in the New Zealand camp ahead of 2nd Test
Ben Sears and Zak Foulkes have been included in the squad as injury replacements for the second Test.
- Will O’Rourke: He has been ruled out of the second Test due to a back injury. He experienced stiffness on the third day of the first Test and has been sent back to New Zealand for further assessment. Ben Sears, a left-arm pacer, was added to the squad as cover for him and is now a potential replacement.
- Nathan Smith: He has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to an abdominal strain. The injury was sustained while he was batting on Day 2 of the first Test, forcing him to retire hurt. An MRI confirmed the abdominal strain, which will sideline him for several weeks. Zak Foulkes has been called up as a replacement for Smith. Foulkes is a pace-bowling all-rounder who was already centrally contracted for the upcoming season, and this is his first call-up to the Test squad.
ZIM vs NZ, Head-to-Head Record:
- Matches played: 18 | New Zealand won: 12 | Zimbabwe won: 0 | Drawn matches: 06
Probable playing XI for 2nd Test: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Test Series 2025
New Zealand:
- Devon Conway: A reliable and in-form opener who provides stability at the top of the order.
- Will Young: Also a strong performer in the first Test, he is likely to continue his role as an opener.
- Tom Latham (Captain): He is expected to return from his shoulder injury and resume the captaincy, adding experience and class to the middle order.
- Henry Nicholls: An experienced middle-order batter who is a key player for New Zealand.
- Daryl Mitchell: A crucial all-rounder who provides valuable runs and a seam-bowling option.
- Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper): The team’s primary wicketkeeper, also capable of contributing with the bat.
- Michael Bracewell: A spin-bowling all-rounder who was brought into the squad as an injury replacement. He provides a different dimension to the bowling attack with his off-spin.
- Mitchell Santner: As the senior spinner and stand-in captain in the first Test, he is a definite starter.
- Matt Henry: The star performer from the first Test with nine wickets, he will spearhead the pace attack.
- Ben Sears: With Will O’Rourke out with a back injury, the left-arm pacer Sears, who was already in the squad as cover, is the most likely replacement to add variety to the pace attack.
- Zak Foulkes: Called up as an injury replacement for Nathan Smith, Foulkes, a young pace-bowling all-rounder, will likely fill the third seamer spot.
Also READ: ZIM vs NZ: Top 5 best bowling figures by visiting fast bowlers in Zimbabwe Tests
Zimbabwe:
- Brian Bennett: A young and promising all-rounder who opens the batting. He’s known for his aggressive style and provides a right-arm off-spin option.
- Ben Curran: A left-handed batter and son of former Zimbabwe international Kevin Curran. He adds a different dynamic to the top order.
- Craig Ervine (Captain): The experienced captain is a crucial figure in the middle order, providing stability and leadership.
- Brendan Taylor: The veteran’s return to the squad is a significant boost. Known for his aggressive batting, he adds immense experience to the lineup. He has been in good form in domestic cricket and will likely slot into the middle order.
- Sean Williams: A veteran all-rounder whose left-arm spin and aggressive batting are vital for Zimbabwe.
- Sikandar Raza: A key all-rounder, providing crucial runs and effective off-spin.
- Tafadzwa Tsiga (Wicketkeeper): The wicketkeeper-batter has a decent first-class record and will be hoping to contribute with the bat as well as behind the stumps.
- Newman Mwamhuri: A promising left-arm fast-medium bowler who adds variety to the pace attack. He has been given a chance to showcase his abilities at the Test level.
- Blessing Muzarabani: The lead fast bowler and a key threat to the New Zealand top order with his pace and bounce.
- Tendai Chatara: An experienced pace option who provides a good foil to Muzarabani.
- Victor Masekesa: A promising spin option who can complement the other spinners in the side.
Also READ: ZIM vs NZ: Zimbabwe recall veteran player after 3.5-year ban for the second Test
