Zimbabwe vs New Zealand – 2nd Test Match Preview (August 7, 2025)

Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Date: August 7, 2025
Time: 09:00 GMT / 1:30 PM IST
Series: New Zealand Tour of Zimbabwe 2025
Format: Test Match

Match Overview

The second and final Test of the New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe begins on August 7, 2025, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. New Zealand enters the match in a commanding position after a nine-wicket victory in the first Test, leaving the series 1-0 in their favor. With a chance to complete a series whitewash, the Black Caps will be eager to wrap up the rubber, while Zimbabwe will look to salvage pride and put up a strong fight in the remaining match.

The Queens Sports Club pitch is known for its slow and low nature, offering good bounce and carry in the early stages but breaking up as the match progresses. Spinners are expected to play a pivotal role in the latter stages, making it a tactical battle between the batsmen and spinners.

Team News and Key Changes

New Zealand (NZ):

New Zealand will be without pacers Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith due to injury. In their place, Ben Sears and Zak Foulkes have been included in the squad. The experienced Matt Henry is expected to continue leading the pace attack, while Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel will provide crucial spin support.

In the batting lineup, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell have been in excellent form, and they will be crucial in setting a competitive total. Will Young and Tom Latham are also strong contenders for the opening pair.

Zimbabwe (ZIM):

Zimbabwe will rely on their experienced batting core of Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Sikandar Raza for stability in the middle order. The return of Brendan Taylor (if selected) could bolster the middle order. With the ball, Blessing Muzarabani and Newman Nyamhuri are expected to spearhead the attack, with spinners like Tafadzwa Tsiga and Tanaka Chivanga also in the mix.

Pitch & Weather Conditions

Pitch Report:
The pitch at Queens Sports Club is a classic slow wicket that offers good bounce and carry in the first two days. However, as the match progresses, the surface breaks up and favors spinners, especially in the third and fourth innings. Batsmen will need to be patient and disciplined to build long innings.

Weather Forecast:
There is no chance of rain, with temperatures expected to range between 9°C to 27°C. The dry and sunny conditions are ideal for Test cricket.

Key Players to Watch

Zimbabwe (ZIM):

• Sikandar Raza – The all-rounder has been a consistent performer for Zimbabwe and can contribute with both bat and ball.
• Blessing Muzarabani – The leg-spinner is Zimbabwe’s most consistent bowler and will be key in breaking partnerships.
• Craig Ervine – The experienced opener is crucial for setting the tone in the first innings.

New Zealand (NZ):

• Devon Conway – The wicketkeeper-batsman has been in excellent form and is a key run-scorer for New Zealand.
• Daryl Mitchell – A reliable middle-order batsman and useful lower-order bowler.
• Mitchell Santner – The spin ace has the ability to dominate on this pitch, especially in the second innings.

Match Prediction

New Zealand is expected to dominate proceedings once again, given their superior depth in batting and bowling. However, Zimbabwe has the potential to fight back and put up a resilient performance, especially with the spinners coming into their element in the second innings.

Batting first could be the preferred option, with a total in the 330-340 range being considered a challenging score. If New Zealand sets a strong platform, Zimbabwe could face a big chase.

Captain & Vice-Captain (Fantasy Insights)

Captain:

• Matt Henry (NZ) – The pacer is expected to be the most impactful bowler.
• Devon Conway (NZ) – A consistent run-scorer and key batter.

Vice-Captain:

• Mitchell Santner (NZ) – The spin ace will be crucial as the pitch breaks up.
• Sean Williams (ZIM) – The all-rounder has the ability to contribute in all departments.

Dream11 Prediction Team

• Wicketkeeper: Devon Conway
• Batters: Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young
• Allrounders: Sikandar Raza, Rachin Ravindra
• Bowlers: Matt Henry, Blessing Muzarabani, Mitchell Santner

Conclusion

New Zealand is the stronger side on paper and is expected to take the Test and the series 2-0. However, Zimbabwe has the potential to make it a tense affair, especially with the spinners in the latter stages. The key will be how New Zealand sets the platform and whether Zimbabwe can handle the pressure in the final match.

Final Prediction:
New Zealand by 100+ runs in a Test match that could last four days, depending on the performance of the spinners.
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