TOP STORIES
ZIM vs NZ 2nd Test: Inconsistent Zimbabwe bank on seasoned campaigners to settle the score

Failing to overcome energetic New Zealand in the first game, Zimbabwe are gearing up to host New Zealand in the second and final Test, scheduled to begin on August 7 in Bulawayo. The hosts are under immense pressure to level the series and avoid the series defeat. In the first Test, New Zealand inflicted a crushing nine-wicket defeat, outshining Zimbabwe in all departments. Deciding to bat after winning the toss, Zimbabwe lost all of their ten wickets for a total of 149, with batter Craig Ervine (39) being the top scorer.
New Zealand, in reply, were lifted to a whopping total of 307 by Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell scoring 88 and 80, respectively. Zimbabwe, in their second innings, were folded for 165, setting New Zealand a target of 8 runs which they chased in 2.2 overs. Heading into the second Test, Zimbabwe will bank on their experienced players Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams and Nick Welch to step up and play a pivotal role in helping the side level the series.
For New Zealand, they would expect their ever-reliable campaigners Will Young, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell to carry on with their destructive form to further complicate things for the hosts. Meanwhile, the Black Caps have suffered an injury setback ahead of the series as their pacer Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the second Test with a back injury.
Head-to-head
Matches - 17
NZ won - 11
ZIM won - 0
Drawn - 6
Zimbabwe likely XI: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
New Zealand likely XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy/Ben Lister
Tags
More News

"He still wants to find a way to get into the Test team": West Indies legend lauds Abhishek Sharma
Following the breakout performances in the Indian Premier League, batting sensation Abhishek Sharma didn’t just light up the cash-rich league; he forced the door open into the Indian national team as well. Abhishek’s exceptionally spectacular campaign with SunRisers Hyderabad earned him a well-deserved call-up to the Indian T20I squad, where he has transitioned himself into a s...

Kane Williamson calls for greater commitment to Test Cricket
New Zealand's star batter Kane Williamson has once again voiced his strong support for Test cricket, calling on all stakeholders in the game to give the format serious importance, especially in nations where it faces the most significant challenges. Williamson, who has been a long-time advocate for preserving the traditional format, feels that two-match Test se...

"Things looked in shambles": Shreyas Iyer details his comeback to team India
Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has had a roller-coaster journey over the past year characterised by personal discipline and unwavering focus. Following his omission from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Central Contract list last year, Iyer found himself sidelined, but instead of letting the setback define him, Iyer rededicated himself to the game to ma...

Brian Lara urges West Indies players to reignite passion
It's quite visible that West Indies have been grappling with a prolonged period of decline. Legendary batsman and former captain Brian Lara has weighed in on the team's struggles, pointing to the lack of financial resources and modern technology as important issues undermining the side’s competitiveness. Sharing hs views, Lara expressed concern over the deeper ...

Ireland name squads for Bangladesh tour, Mark Adair and Josh Little set to make T20I returns
Ireland have confirmed their squads for the Test and T20I assignments against Bangladesh slated for November–December. The tour will include two Tests followed by a three‑match T20I series. Experienced pacers Mark Adair and Josh Little are ready to return for the T20I leg as Ireland ramp up their preparations for next year's T20I World Cup.
Much of the focus has been on Ireland’s re...