New Zealand set their new record in Test cricket after thrashing the hosts Zimbabwe on the third day of the second and final Test match of the series to clinch the away Test series by 2-0. 

After the hosts chose to bat first, they were bowled out for only 125 runs in the first innings. With the record of three 150s, New Zealand scored 601/3 before declaring their innings on the third day morning. On the third day, the Chevrons were bundled out for only 117 runs as the Blackcaps won the Test by an innings and 359 runs. Only Nick Welch (47*) and captain Craig Ervine (17) managed to reach double-digit scores in that innings.

See Also: Mohammed Siraj frames Virat Kohli’s last Test jersey at home, Instagram post goes viral

New Zealand recorded their largest Test win

It was the largest Test victory margin (by an innings) for New Zealand. Their previous record was winning by an innings and 301 runs against Zimbabwe at Napier in 2012. Meanwhile, Blackcaps also recorded the third biggest winning margin (by an innings) in Test cricket history.

Biggest Test victory margins (by an innings)

Zakary Foulkes also set New Zealand Test debut record

While Matt Henry recorded a fifer in the first innings (5/40), Test debutant Zakary Foulkes, who recorded four wickets in the first innings (4/38), also picked up a five-wicket haul in the third innings of the Test as the right-arm medium had the bowling figures of 9-2-37-5. His 9/75 were the best match bowling figures by a New Zealand Test debutant, as he broke Will O’Rourke's previous record 9/93 (vs South Africa in the 2024 Hamilton Test). 

In the third innings of the Test match, Matt Henry (2/16) and Jacob Duffy (2/28) picked up two wickets each, while another debutant right-arm medium fast bowler Matthew Fisher got one wicket (1/22), just like the first innings (1/16). 

On the second day of the second and final Test match against the hosts Zimbabwe, New Zealand achieved the rarest feat in Test cricket during the run-galore day on the field.

After Zimbabwe were bundled out for just 125 runs on Brendan Taylor's international cricket return, Zimbabwe bowlers had a tough day on the second day of the Test match, where New Zealand ended the day on 601/3. Blackcaps batters added 427 runs on the second day, while three of their batters not only scored centuries but also slammed 150s. 

Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra followed Devon Conway's 150 mark

Openers Devon Conway and Will Young had a 162-run partnership for the first wicket. Young scored 74 runs, and Conway continued his batting till 153 off 245 balls (18 fours) when he was bowled by Blessing Muzarabani. While the no.3 batter Jacob Duffy scored 36 runs, the next two batters completed 150s and remained not out at the stumps on the day. Henry Nicholls scored 150 not out off 245 balls (15 fours), and Rachin Ravindra scored 165 not out off just 139 balls (21 fours and 2 sixes). They have already set up a 256-run partnership for the unbroken fourth wicket. 

It was the only third time in Test cricket history when more than two batters recorded 150 or more runs in the same Test innings. In fact, it is the joint record, as previously, three batters hit 150 in the same Test innings only twice, once each by England and India. New Zealand rewrote the rarest record after more than 38 years. 

See Also: Cremer’s comeback boosts Zimbabwe ahead of T20 World Cup Qualifiers

Most 150s in the same Test innings

While it was recorded first time in Test cricket during the 1938 The Oval Test against Australia, three English batters with 150s were Leonard Hutton (364), Maurice Leyland (187), and Joe Hardstaff (169 not out).

It was recorded second time during the 1986 Kanpur Test against Sri Lanka, when Indian batters Sunil Gavaskar (176), Mohammad Azharuddin (199), and Kapil Dev (163) set the achievement. 

 

ZIM vs NZ Match Preview

New Zealand prevailed by nine wickets in a Test that lasted less than three days, but the margin of victory might and probably should have been greater.  Few cricket fans were surprised by last week's one-sided Test in Bulawayo, and many expect the same this time when the Chevrons face the Black Caps for their second and final match of this series. Zimbabwe knows they can perform better than they did last week, but it remains to be seen whether they can do so against a disciplined team like New Zealand.

ZIM vs NZ Match Details

Zimbabwe vs New Zealand – 2nd Test, New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe, 2025

Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Date & Time: 07th August 2025 at 01:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

ZIM vs NZ Venue Stats 

ZIM vs NZ Pitch Report

The pitch will be tough to bat on. Batsmen will need to be cautious and patient. The average first-inning score is just over 314 runs, and the team batting first would be content with 400 runs on the board.

ZIM vs NZ Weather Report

The weather 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.

Also Read: ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction 2nd Test

ZIM vs NZ Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Will Young, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, Ben Lister

Zimbabwe Probable Playing XIs

Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga

Topmost Picks for ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Zimbabwe

• Craig Ervine – Craig Ervine scored 39 runs off 116 balls, hitting 6 fours and no sixes, at a strike rate of 33.62.
• Blessing Muzarabani – Blessing Muzarabani bowled 26 overs, conceding 73 runs and taking 3 wickets, at an economy rate of 2.81.

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Devon Conway – Devon Conway scored 88 runs off 170 balls, hitting 12 fours and no sixes, at a strike rate of 51.76.
• Matt Henry –  Matt Henry bowled 15.3 overs, conceding 39 runs and taking 6 wickets, at an economy rate of 2.52.

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

Devon Conway, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brian Bennett, Daryl Mitchell, Sean Williams(VC), Craig Ervine, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry(C), Blessing Muzarabani

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Matt Henry, Devon Conway

Vice-captain – Sean Williams, Craig Ervine 

Wicketkeeper – Devon Conway

ZIM vs NZ Probable Winners:

New Zealand has recently performed admirably in away Tests, and few expect the team to struggle in this match. They are stronger in all disciplines, and Zimbabwe lacks depth with the bat, so we predict another Black Caps victory by a large margin. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

New Zealand continues to suffer with their injury woes going into the second Test of the two-match series against Zimbabwe at the Queens Park Oval in Bulawayo. Their right-arm pacer, Will O’Rourke, has become the latest to be ruled out of the second clash with a back injury against the Sean Williams-led side.

The Blackcaps have already lost their fast-bowling all-rounder, Nathan Smith, ahead of the second red-ball fixture, with the pace bowling all-rounder, Zakary Foulkes, getting his maiden call-up into the five-day format as the replacement for Smith. Will O’Rourke, the Canterbury fast bowler, picked up three wickets in the second innings of the encounter.

See Also: 'No surprises with...'- Alex Carey takes down England's Bazball theory ahead of Ashes 2025/26

The left-arm fast bowler from Auckland, Ben Lister, has also been called for the cover of O’Rourke, who experienced stiffness in the back during the third day of the opening Test and will now remain with the 15-member squad. The bowler has also been sent home for further medical advice in the next few weeks.

New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke ruled out of the ZIM vs NZ 2nd Test in Bulawayo

‘We are hopeful it's nothing too serious. He's so important to our side for the next six to eight months, but also next year, with all the Test cricket, we've got some big tours, we need to make sure we look after the big guy and make sure that he's okay. So we have our fingers crossed for him and hopefully he'll be back in the park soon.’ The Kiwis’ bowling coach, Jacob Oram, expressed.

Lister has claimed four wickets in the 50-over format in three innings besides earning 11 scalps in 11 T20I innings. In 34 FC matches, the pacer has picked up 82 wickets at an average of under 26 and a strike rate of 56.10. O’Rourke’s injury could open the door for either Jacob Duffy or Matthew Fisher to possibly make their Test debut.

Fisher got into the squad after he impressed coach Rob Walter as the net bowler. New Zealand’s stand-in captain, Tom Latham, missed the opening game due to a shoulder injury, with Mitchell Santner shouldering the responsibility. The second clash will take place on August 07.

New Zealand’s Test fast bowling all-rounder, Nathan Smith, has been ruled out of the upcoming second Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Park Oval in Bulawayo due to an abdominal strain. He has been replaced by the pace bowling all-rounder of the Blackcaps, Zakary Foulkes, who gets his maiden call-up in the red-ball squad.

Nathan picked up the injury on the second day of the opening Test of the two-match series while batting. After medical treatment, he went for a couple of balls before leaving the field, raising a huge concern among the home team management. The MRI scans confirmed that the injury will need another two to four weeks for its full recovery.

See Also: [WATCH] WCL owner proposed presenter on Live TV after final as video goes viral

Along with Smith’s replacement, the Kiwis have also included the fast bowler, Ben Lister, in the squad as a cover for Will O’Rourke, who experienced back stiffness on the third day of the opening Test at the same venue. He is under monitoring as the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) press release has stated. The lanky pacer went through 23 overs in two innings and ended with figures of 3/28 in the second stint.

New Zealand bring Zakary Foulkes as injured Nathan Smith’s replacement

Smith returned with figures of 3/20 during Zimbabwe’s first innings with the bat when they were bundled out for just 149 runs on the board. He left the field at the end of the 93rd over of the Kiwis’ only innings with the bat, having collected 22 runs off 79 balls, and didn’t return to the field for the remainder of the fixture.

Lister, who hasn’t played a red-ball game yet in international cricket, has been part of three ODIs and 12 T20Is for the Blackcaps. However, his last international game came more than a year ago in Pakistan. Foulkes, on the other hand, has played 19 first-class games and has 57 wickets, besides his 544 runs at an average of under 20.

New Zealand has already taken a lead of 1-0 in the series with a comfortable victory by nine wickets as Matt Henry impressed with match figures of 9/90. Questions are also on the fitness of Tom Latham, the standing captain, who missed the previous game with a shoulder injury.

The former Zimbabwe captain, Brendan Taylor, is ready to return to international cricket during the second Test of the two-match home series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, after serving a three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code. His sanction ended on July 25 and will feature from August 07.

Taylor, who has 2320 runs in 68 red-ball innings, hasn’t played since retiring abruptly in September 2021. Due to his ban, he wasn’t even able to train with the national and domestic squads. However, he had facilities to practice with the elite interdependent school in Harare and has felt more fit than ever. His eyes will be on the upcoming New Zealand Tests. 

See Also: Star SRH player becomes new number one T20I batter in ICC rankings

‘He'll be available for the second Test. But I also know how hard he's worked in his capacity - especially over the last eight, ten [or] 12 months - for this to happen. I'm very excited to have him come back into the space in the next few days, and looking forward to what he has to contribute towards the team and the group.’ Zimbabwe captain, Craig Ervine, expressed.

Twitter reacts to Brendan Taylor’s comeback to Zimbabwe side after three-and-half year ban

‘I've been humbled properly. I look forward to really just adding value, which I probably didn't do to the best of my ability when I was there before.’ The veteran right-handed batter expressed, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. He has celebrated six centuries in the longest format, including the 105* against Bangladesh, after their six-year self-imposed ban was lifted in 2011.

Zimbabwe has already named the 16-member squad for the two games, where they have kept one first-choice wicket-keeper batter in Tafadzwa Tsiga, who started the opening game of the fixture. Taylore makes his return for the side in a busy period of seven Tests in the year. Even though he won’t feature for the T20 World Cup qualifiers, there is a strong expectation of him turning up for the home ODI World Cup 2027.

🚨 39-YEAR-OLD BRENDAN TAYLOR RETURNING TO CRICKET 🚨

- He is set to play the 2nd Test against New Zealand after serving a 3 & half year ban for the Breaching ICC Anti Corruption Code. [Espn Cricinfo] pic.twitter.com/hiX1m2gQgf

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 30, 2025 

Brendan Taylor is scheduled to make a return. We are going to witness the greatest come back in the history of cricket 🥵🥵🔥😭 pic.twitter.com/HDIoM5CPk0

— Mayor Of You know What🌴 (@bxllyville) July 29, 2025

Here we Go. Brendan Taylor is back https://t.co/JD5X7jZfG1 pic.twitter.com/az3M9qjRaZ

— Sir Brendon Sann (@iamsirbreezy) July 29, 2025

Breaking

Brendan Taylor has joined the Zimbabwe National Men's Team in Bulawayo.

There is no confirmation on whether he will play or not, but I believe him being part of the team in Bulawayo is good enough to encourage others! pic.twitter.com/a7MaFGBnWc

— Chairman Bans (@The_Bans) July 29, 2025

Craig Ervine says he is excited to have Brendan Taylor back with the 🇿🇼🏏 test side. He expects BT's experience to be useful against NZ🇳🇿, although he is only available for the second test. pic.twitter.com/1PyLacCQXH

— Undisputed🎙️📺 (@Mr_Tich) July 30, 2025

ZIM vs NZ Match Preview

We are in the first Test Match of the two-match series, and hosts Zimbabwe will present a herculean challenge in taking on New Zealand. Zimbabwe has been struggling in recent weeks, suffering a 0-2 defeat against South Africa. They will appear to do well in this game. New Zealand lost to England in their most recent Test series, but the squad has a strong lineup and will aim to perform well. New Zealand has a successful record against Zimbabwe. In 17 games, they have not lost to Zimbabwe. The team has a strong batting lineup, which will give them confidence going into the game.

ZIM vs NZ Match Details

Zimbabwe vs New Zealand – 1st Test, New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe, 2025

Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Date & Time: 30th July 2025 at 01:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

ZIM vs NZ Venue Stats 

ZIM vs NZ Pitch Report

The pitch will be tough to bat on. Batsmen will need to be cautious and patient. The average first-inning score is just over 314 runs, and the team batting first would be content with 400 runs on the board.

ZIM vs NZ Weather Report

The weather 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.

Also Read: Shpageeza Cricket League 2025: SG vs BOS Dream11 Prediction 20th Match

ZIM vs NZ Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke, Nathan Smith, Henry Nicholls

Zimbabwe Probable Playing XIs

Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga

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 New Zealand.
• Tanaka Chivanga – Tanaka Chivanga took three wickets in this competition and was the best bowler for the hosts in one of two games.

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tom Latham – Tom Latham was crucial for New Zealand as he hit 66 not out off 48 balls at the top of the order, backing up his two catches.
• 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:

Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Mitchell Santner, Brian Bennett(VC), Rachin Ravindra(C), Matt Henry, William O'Rourke, Blessing Muzarabani

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham

Vice-captain – Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza 

Wicketkeeper – Tom Latham

ZIM vs NZ Probable Winners:

We predict New Zealand to win this match. They've been fairly consistent through the series, and we anticipate them to keep playing well. Zimbabwe has struggled on every front and will find it difficult to recover. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

New Zealand was hit by the injury of their premier all-rounder, Glenn Phillips, who was picked during the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 and was ruled out of the T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe recently. The depth of the injury was such that he won’t be able to recover in time for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe.

As a replacement, the New Zealand Cricket board has added the off-spin all-rounder, Michael Bracewell, for the first Test of the series in Bulawayo. The 34-year-old was not initially part of the original squad due to his commitments with the Hundred. He, however, was already in Zimbabwe as a part of the Blackcaps’ T20I squad of the tri-series.

See Also: ‘The batters are…’- Steve Smith gives stern warning to England batters for Ashes 2025/26

However, with the schedule allowing him to feature at least for the first Test of the series, their head coach, Rob Walter, reckoned that it was a straightforward decision to get him into the 15-member squad, thanks to the skills he brings to the table in any format of the game.

Michael Bracewell replaces injured Glenn Phillips for New Zealand’s first Test against Zimbabwe

‘Glenn's injury provided a gap in the Test squad, and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement. His experience and skillset will be a great asset and allow us to keep the same balance of the team.’ The former Protea and current New Zealand head coach, Rob Walter, expressed this during a recent statement.

The Otago batter has a short experience of the longest format with 259 runs in 14 innings at an average of under 20, with the best score of unbeaten 74 runs, besides picking up 24 wickets at an average of 41.79. His last Test match came in 2024 at Wellington against Sri Lanka, having debuted at Trent Bridge a year ago against England.

Bracewell will later return to the United Kingdom and link up with his franchise of the Hundred, Southern Brave, after the first Test. A decision on the replacement for the second Test will be taken in due course, as the released statement of the NZC informed. The two-match series begins later this week, marking the return of the Kiwis to Zimbabwe after nine years.

ZIM vs NZ Match Preview

Many cricket fans have lamented the lack of white-ball international tri-series in recent years, and it has been a real treat for fans all over the world to watch the group stages between Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and South Africa. This is the final game of the group stage, and the results for both teams could not be more different, with New Zealand winning each of their games and Zimbabwe, while being the hosts, losing all three. Expect a large crowd for this Friday afternoon match as Zimbabwe, who were unable to advance to the final of this Tri-Series, hopes to finish with a win as hosts.

ZIM vs NZ Match Details

Zimbabwe vs New Zealand – 6th Match, Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, 2025

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Date & Time: 24th 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.

Also Read: PPL 2025: VMK vs RWT Dream11 Prediction 33rd Match

ZIM vs NZ Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, Will O'Rourke

Zimbabwe Probable Playing XIs

Wessly Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Musakadza, Richard Ngarava, 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 New Zealand.
• Richard Ngarava – Richard Ngarava took three wickets in this competition and was the best bowler for the hosts in one of two games.

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tim Seifert – Tim Seifert was crucial for New Zealand as he hit 66 not out off 48 balls at the top of the order, backing up his two catches.
• 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:

Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, Brian Bennett, Rachin Ravindra(C), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(VC), Adam Milne, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert

Vice-captain – Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza 

Wicketkeeper – Tim Seifert

ZIM vs NZ Probable Winners:

We predict New Zealand to win this match. They've been fairly consistent through the series, and we anticipate them to keep playing well. Zimbabwe has struggled on every front and will find it difficult to recover. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced the 16-member men's squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against New Zealand. The Chevrons have big names return to the Test squad, while Brendan Taylor's international cricket return has an interesting story. 

After the end of the ongoing T20I tri-series between Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand, where New Zealand and South Africa will face each other in the Final on this Saturday (July 26) after the last two league stage games, Zimbabwe and New Zealand will play a two-match Test series. Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo will host both the Tests, starting on July 30 and August 7. Both Tests will be the traditional five-day Test matches. It will be their first Test meeting since 2016, when the visitors won the two-match Test series in Zimbabwe by 2-0. As Zimbabwe aren't part of the ICC World Test Championship, the forthcoming Test series will not be a part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. 

See Also: Kuldeep Yadav likely to ENG vs IND 4th Test: Report

Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza return to Test cricket

Craig Ervine will continue his Test leadership role, while Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza have returned to the Test squad. Ben Curran missed out on the recently concluded home Test series against South Africa due to a fractured hand, which he suffered during a warm-up game against South Africa. Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza has returned to the Test squad after missing the home Test series against South Africa due to MLC 2025 commitment. Also, Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni have returned to Test cricket, having played three and two Test matches, respectively. 

In the meantime, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere, and Kundai Matigimu, who were present during the recently concluded home Test series against South Africa, have been left out of the squad for the upcoming home Test series. 

Zimbabwe complete squad for the two-match home Test series against New Zealand

Craig Ervine (Captain), 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 likely to return to international cricket

On the other hand, the 39-year-old Bendan Taylor hasn't been named in the Test squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. His three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code will end this Friday, July 25. According to ESPNcricinfo's report, Taylor is likely to make his international cricket comeback in the upcoming first Test against New Zealand, as he is likely to be added once his ban expires officially.