After a commanding win against South Africa, New Zealand is now ready to take on Zimbabwe, the host of the ongoing T20I Tri-Nation series. After playing 6 T20 international matches against Zimbabwe, New Zealand is the clear favorite to win today's (July 18, 2025) encounter. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy were the two star performers for the Blackcaps by clinching 3 wickets each. Against ZIM, they will try to do the same. 

Zimbabwe lost their opening fixture against South Africa earlier this week by five wickets. Against a well-balanced SA XI, the Sikandar Raza-led side struggled to push their run rates high. As a result, batting first, Zimbabwe scored only 141 in 20 overs. South Africa, without any such serious trouble, conquered the target. In today's match, Zimbabwe will try to perform a lot better with their bat. 

The batting side of NZ also looked in great shape against South Africa. 75-run innings from Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs' unbeaten 44 on debut came as a huge relief for NZ, led by Mitchell Santner. But batting on a Harare Sports Club pitch may not be so easy. The new ball can gain some movements in the initial overs, and then, the spinners can join the party. 

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Zimbabwe vs. New Zealand T20I Tri-Nation match details:

MATCH: Match 3

VENUE: Harare Sports Club, Harare

DATE & TIME: Friday, 18th July, 16:30

SERIES: T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe, 2025

Predicted Playing XIs

Zimbabwe (ZIM):

Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (WK), Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Trevor Gwandu.

New Zealand (NZ):

Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay, James Neesham, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy.

ZIM vs NZ Match Preview

New Zealand began strong with a 21-run victory over South Africa. They will now face the hosts in the third match of the tri-series at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. Zimbabwe, on the contrary, will be hoping for an impressive comeback with the bat. Skipper Sikandar Raza was impressive with the bat, but others around him failed to live up to the occasion as Zimbabwe scored 141 runs batting first against South Africa. Wessly Madhevere, a batting all-rounder, has struggled at the top level and will be expected to provide a stronger start for the hosts.

ZIM vs NZ Match Details

Zimbabwe vs New Zealand – 3rd Match, Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, 2025

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Date & Time: 18th July 2025 at 04:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

ZIM vs NZ Venue Stats 

ZIM vs NZ Pitch Report

It is an ideal bowling pitch. It is a haven for both batters and bowlers because it provides balance throughout all innings.

ZIM vs NZ Weather Report

The weather in Derby is expected to remain cloudy on match day, with conditions ranging from 9 to 22 degrees Celsius 

ZIM vs NZ Last Five Matches

ZIM vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

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ZIM vs NZ Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

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

Zimbabwe Probable Playing XIs

Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Topmost Picks for ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Zimbabwe

• Sikandar Raza – Sikandar Raza played a captain's knock at number four, scoring 54 off 38 balls in their recent game against South Africa.
• Blessing Muzarabani – Blessing Muzarabani took 3 wickets and ten runs in the first game. He now has eight wickets in his previous 3 T20Is at an economy rate of 5.6.

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tim Seifert – Tim Seifert earned 249 runs in a 5 match series versus Pakistan at a strike rate of over 200.
• Will O'Rourke –  Will O'Rourke has 21 wickets in the last nine T20Is at an economy rate of six.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Team:

Tim Seifert, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Reeza Hendricks, Rachin Ravindra(C), Rassie van der Dussen, George Linde(VC), Corbin Bosch, Mitchell Bracewell, Will O'Rourke, Matt Henry, Nandre Burger

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert

Vice-captain – George Linde, Rassie van der Dussen 

Wicketkeeper – Tim Seifert

ZIM vs NZ Probable Winners:

New Zealand leads the contest. They made a deliberate decision to give their less skilled rivals a chance in this tournament, and they delivered a game-winning performance. Zimbabwe's main strength will be its bowling attack. However, they lack dependable batting players, which is where they fall short in this contest. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

Zimbabwe had a challenging start to the Tri-Series, losing their first match by five wickets against South Africa.

On the other hand, New Zealand had an excellent start to the Tri-Series, winning their opening match by 21 runs against South Africa. Tim Robinson was the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring 75 runs off 57 balls. 

ZIM vs NZ Match Details

Date: July 18th, 2025

Time: 4:30 PM IST

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

ZIM vs NZ Weather Report

Clear weather 

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Top Batters ZIM vs NZ

• Tim Robinson (NZ) - 75 runs in this series 

• Sikandar Raz (ZIM) - 54 runs in this series 

• Bevon Jacobs (NZ) - 44 runs this series 

Top Bowler ZIM vs NZ 

• Matt Henry (NZ) - 3 wickets in this series 

• Jacob Duffy (NZ) - 3 wickets in this series 

• Richard Ngarava (ZIM) - 3 wickets in this series 

ZIM vs NZ Recent Performance

ZIM vs NZ Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If NZ bats first

• First Innings score prediction- NZ is expected to score 155-165 runs

• Result prediction- NZ will win the match by 20-25 Runs 

Scenario 2- If ZIM bats first

• First Innings score prediction- ZIM is expected to score 135-140 runs.

• Result prediction- NZ will win the match by 5 wickets 

ZIM vs NZ Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand (NZ) Playing 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

Zimbabwe (ZIM) Playing XI

Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (WK), Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

ZIM vs NZ Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

New Zealand To win

We predict that New Zealand will be winning this T20I match. The likes of Matt Henry, Tim Robinson and Jacob Duffy will be key players to watch out for.