New Zealand look to build on strong start in Tri-series

New Zealand look to build on strong start in Tri-series

New Zealand began their tri-series campaign with a collective performance, in what was an eventually comfortable victory over South Africa. Their top order was blown away and four of their seven batters in the game registered single-digit scores. But the clinical performance by youngsters Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs will give the camp a lot of optimism.

New Zealand's bowlers too were on the money in the first game led by Jacob Duffy's three-wicket haul in a miserly spell where he conceded just 20 runs. He was well supported by Matt Henry and the spin duo of Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner, clearly showing the strength in depth New Zealand have coming through the ranks.

Meanwhile, for the hosts Zimbabwe, things aren't as rosy. Despite getting to a fighting total against South Africa, their top-order struggles against the pace of Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger were clearly visible as they struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking consistently. The experienced Sikandar Raza led Zimbabwe out of a hole with the bat on the day with an unbeaten 54*. but it wasn't enough as Dewald Brevis and Rubin Hermann blew the hosts away.

What would please Zimbabwe would have been Richard Ngarava (3-35) and Trevor Gwandu's (2-15) performance with the ball. But a few expensive overs from the rest of their bowling order set them back heavily, and they would look to work on a more well-rounded bowling effort.

When: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand; July 18, 2025; 1pm Local Time (11am GMT, 4.30pm IST)

Where: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Zimbabwe:

• The hosts could bring in Tinotenda Maposa for Tony Munyonga to strengthen their batting.
• Tafadzwa Tsiga could also come in for Clive Madande after he had a poor outing.

Probable XI:

• Brian Bennett
• Wessly Madhevere
• Clive Madande/ Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk)
• Sikandar Raza (c)
• Ryan Burl
• Tashinga Musekiwa
• Tinotenda Maposa/ Tony Munyonga
• Wellington Masakadza
• Richard Ngarava
• Blessing Muzarabani
• Trevor Gwandu

New Zealand:

• The tourists are unlikely to make any changes following their victory two days ago.

Probable XI:

• Tim Seifert (wk)
• Devon Conway
• Tim Robinson
• Daryl Mitchell
• Mitchell Hay
• Bevon Jacobs
• James Neesham
• Mitchell Santner (c)
• Matt Henry
• Ish Sodhi
• Jacob Duffy