New Zealand Tour of Zimbabwe 2025: 2nd Test Match Preview, Squad & Pitch Report

The second Test of the two-match series between New Zealand and Zimbabwe will begin on August 7, 2025. The match will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. 

After a dominant performance in the first Test, New Zealand will be looking to secure a series win, while Zimbabwe will fight to level the series.

Pitch Report: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

The pitch at the Queens Sports Club has a history of helping spinners. However, in recent matches, the fast bowlers have also found success. The pitch tends to slow down as the game goes on, making batting harder. 

This means that winning the toss and batting first is likely to be the preferred choice. The weather forecast for the match is for a moderately cold winter morning with no rain expected.

Squads for the 2nd Test

Both teams have made some changes to their squads. New Zealand will be without captain Tom Latham for the second Test due to a shoulder injury. Mitchell Santner will lead the team in his place. In a big move, veteran batsman Brendan Taylor has returned to the Zimbabwe squad for this match after a long suspension. His experience will be key for the home side.

Zimbabwe Squad: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor.

New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, William O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Michael Bracewell.

Match Preview & Prediction

New Zealand is considered the heavy favorite, given their strong squad and their victory in the first Test. They have a good mix of experienced players and young talent. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be hoping that the return of Brendan Taylor and the all-round skills of Sikandar Raza can help them put up a better fight.

However, given New Zealand's all-round strength and the recent performances of both teams, it is predicted that New Zealand will win this match. They have shown their ability to take wickets and score big runs, even in the absence of key players.

FAQs

Q1: What is the date for the 2nd Test match? 

A1: The 2nd Test starts on August 7, 2025.

Q2: Who is the captain for New Zealand in this match? 

A2: Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in the 2nd Test.

Q3: Who has returned to the Zimbabwe squad? 

A3: Veteran batsman Brendan Taylor has returned to the Zimbabwe squad.

Q4: Where will the match be played? 

A4: The match will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.