After a convincing triumph in the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, New Zealand are ready to take on the challenge in the longest format of the game. They face Zimbabwe in the first Test from July 30 to August 3 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
The champions of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021, New Zealand will enter the first Test with confidence. Led by the experienced Tom Latham, the side boasts some of the finest Test batters, including the in-form Rachin Ravindra. Their bowling unit has also impressed lately, with veteran pacer Matt Henry leading the charge. Overall, the visitors are strong favourites to win the match.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be aiming to turn things around after a disappointing T20I series in which they failed to register a single win. Led by Craig Ervine, the hosts will be counting on their experienced players to step up. With home advantage and a point to prove, Zimbabwe have the ability to challenge the strong New Zealand outfit.
ZIM vs NZ Head-to-Head
Match Details: 17 | ZIM won: 00 | NZ won: 11 | Draw: 06
ZIM vs NZ Match Details
- Match Details: July 30 to August 3, 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 Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is traditionally known to be slow and low, offering limited assistance to fast bowlers as the match progresses. Early on, batters can expect decent bounce and carry, making the first two days ideal for scoring runs. However, as the game wears on, the surface tends to break up, bringing spinners into play. Patience and application will be key for batters, while bowlers who can vary their pace and use the surface smartly may find success.
ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Picks
- Wicketkeepers: Devon Conway, Tom Blundell
- Batters: Darryl Mitchell, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Will Young
- All-rounders: Sikandar Raza, Brian Benett, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra
- Bowler: Matt Henry
ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice Captain
- Choice 1: Rachin Ravindra (c), Sean Williams (vc)
- Choice 2: Craig Ervine (c), Tom Latham (vc)
Also WATCH: Ish Sodhi wrecks havoc with a brilliant 4-wicket haul in the ZIM vs NZ clash
ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Backups
Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel
ZIM vs NZ Dream11 team for today’s match (July 30 to August 3, 8:00 am GMT):
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, Nathan Smith, Glenn Phillips, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel.
