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New Zealand will be looking to complete a series whitewash against Zimbabwe in the second and final Test, which begins on August 7, 2025, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The Black Caps enter the match with a dominant 1-0 lead after their nine-wicket victory in the first Test. For Zimbabwe, this final match is a crucial opportunity to salvage pride after a disappointing start to the series.
Both teams face key lineup changes. New Zealand will be without injured pacers Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith, with Ben Sears and Zak Foulkes joining the squad. The Black Caps’ bowling attack will once again be spearheaded by Matt Henry, who was exceptional in the first Test. Their batting lineup remains strong with veterans Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will rely on their experienced core of Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza to provide stability. The return of Brendan Taylor will strengthen their middle order, while Blessing Muzarabani will lead the charge with the ball.
ZIM vs NZ Match Details
- Date: August 7 to August 11, 1:30 pm IST / 8:00 am GMT / 10:00 am Local
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Queens Sports Club Pitch Report
The pitch at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club is a classic slow and low wicket. It offers decent bounce and carry early on, making the first two days a good time for batters to score. However, as the game progresses, the surface breaks up, giving spinners a significant advantage. Fast bowlers will find it tough, but those who can vary their pace and bowl smart lines may still find success. For batters, patience and good shot selection will be crucial to building an innings.
ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Picks
Wicketkeeper: Devon Conway
Batters: Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Darryl Mitchell, Will Young, Brian Bennett
All-rounders: Sikandar Raza, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Blessing Muzarabani
ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice Captain
Choice 1: Matt Henry (c), Mitchell Santner (vc)
Choice 2: Devon Conway (c), Sean Williams (vc)
ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Backups
Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Newman Nyamhuri
ZIM vs NZ Dream11 team for today’s match (August 7 to August 11, 1:30 pm IST)
Also READ: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2025 – Head to head record, Probable playing XI for the second Test
Squads
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Ben Curran, Roy Kaia, Clive Madande, Tanunurwa Makoni, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nick Welch, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Zak Foulkes, Glenn Phillips, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Ajaz Patel
Also READ: ZIM vs NZ – Top 5 best bowling figures by visiting fast bowlers in Zimbabwe Tests
