New Zealand are all set to embark on a two-match Check sequence in opposition to Zimbabwe, with the red-ball motion scheduled between July 30 and August 11, 2025. Each Assessments will likely be performed on the Queens Sports activities Membership in Bulawayo, with the primary Check commencing on July 30 and the second on August 7. This sequence will mark the primary Check encounters between these two nations since 2016. This sequence is not going to be a part of the World Check Championship 2025-27 cycle for both group, as Zimbabwe aren’t among the many 9 competing nations, and New Zealand’s WTC marketing campaign is scheduled to start later in December in opposition to the West Indies.
New Zealand squad and management
The New Zealand squad will likely be led by Tom Latham, who captains a well-rounded group that includes a mixture of youth and expertise. The Kiwis have named 5 specialist batters, together with Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls and Will Younger, all of whom are key figures of their Check batting lineup. Their bowling unit is spearheaded by the skilled tempo of Matt Henry and in addition consists of Jacob Duffy, Michael Fisher and Will O’Rourke, alongside specialist spinner Ajaz Patel.
Notably, New Zealand will likely be with out two of their outstanding gamers: Kane Williamson is unavailable as he’s collaborating in The Hundred T20 match, and Glenn Phillips is sidelined as a result of a groin damage, with Michael Bracewell stepping in as his substitute for the primary Check. This sequence can even mark the Check debut for New Zealand’s new head coach, Rob Walter, who was appointed on June 6.
Zimbabwe squad and management
Zimbabwe, led by seasoned campaigner Craig Ervine, will likely be seeking to put up a powerful battle on residence soil. The hosts have named a 16-member squad that features eight specialist batters, equivalent to Roy Kaia and Clive Madande. Their bowling assault will likely be headlined by the tempo of Blessing Muzarabani and the spin of Wellington Masakadza, with assist from Tendai Chivanga and Victor Masekesa.
The return of all-rounders Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams to the squad gives a major enhance to their stability and expertise. Zimbabwe have endured a difficult interval in Check cricket, with their final 15 Assessments leading to 12 defeats, two attracts, and just one win (in opposition to Bangladesh), together with 4 successive heavy defeats previous to this upcoming sequence.
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ZIM vs NZ, Head-to-Head Report:
Traditionally, New Zealand have a dominant report in opposition to Zimbabwe in Check cricket. Relationship again to their first assembly in 1992, the 2 sides have performed 17 Assessments, with the Black Caps rising victorious in 11 of them. The remaining six matches have led to attracts, which means Zimbabwe has but to safe a Check victory in opposition to New Zealand. The Black Caps have gained their final six straight Assessments in opposition to Zimbabwe, with the newest draw occurring means again in 2000 on the Basin Reserve. The final time these two groups met was 9 years in the past, in a two-Check sequence in Bulawayo, which New Zealand swept 2-0. Apparently, solely Latham, Nicholls, and Santner from the present New Zealand squad have beforehand confronted Zimbabwe in a Check match.
- Matches performed: 17 | New Zealand wins: 11 | Zimbabwe wins: 00 | Drawn matches: 06
Possible taking part in XI: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Check Collection 2025
New Zealand (Possible XI):
- Tom Latham (Captain) – Skilled opener and captain, essential for setting the tone.
- Devon Conway – Dependable opener with a powerful Check report.
- Will Younger – One other stable top-order batter seeking to cement his place.
- Henry Nicholls – Center-order lynchpin with confirmed Check centuries.
- Daryl Mitchell – All-rounder offering essential runs and seam bowling choice.
- Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper) – The first wicket-keeper, additionally succesful with the bat within the lower-middle order.
- Rachin Ravindra – Thrilling younger all-rounder, prone to function for his left-arm spin and batting.
- Matt Henry – The spearhead of the tempo assault, important for early breakthroughs.
- Will O’Rourke – Promising younger pacer who has impressed in his quick Check profession.
- Ajaz Patel – Left-arm spinner, particularly efficient if the Bulawayo pitch affords flip because the match progresses.
- Jacob Duffy / Nathan Smith – One among these quick bowlers will doubtless take the third seamer spot, offering further tempo and bounce. Matthew Fisher can also be within the squad and could possibly be thought-about.
Zimbabwe (Possible XI):
- Tanunurwa Makoni – An opener seeking to present a stable begin.
- Roy Kaia – One other batting choice on the prime of the order.
- Craig Ervine (Captain) – The skilled captain, essential for main the batting lineup.
- Sean Williams – Veteran all-rounder whose left-arm spin and aggressive batting are important for Zimbabwe.
- Sikandar Raza – Key all-rounder, offering essential runs and efficient off-spin. His return is a serious enhance.
- Nicholas Welch – A comparatively new face within the Check setup, seeking to make an affect.
- Clive Madande (Wicketkeeper) – The popular wicket-keeper, aiming to contribute with the bat.
- Wellington Masakadza – Left-arm spinner, necessary for controlling the center overs and choosing up wickets.
- Blessing Muzarabani – The lead quick bowler, important for unsettling the New Zealand prime order with tempo and bounce.
- Tendai Chivanga – One other tempo choice supporting Muzarabani.
- Victor Masekesa – A promising spin choice who may complement Masakadza.
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