ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Playing XI: After a tough series against South Africa, Zimbabwe face New Zealand in the 1st Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. While the hosts hope to turn things around, New Zealand will aim to continue its dominance, having never lost a Test to Zimbabwe.
Let’s look at ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Playing XI, Key Players, Team News, and Full Squads:
ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Playing XI
| New Zealand Playing XI | Zimbabwe Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Tom Latham (c) | Craig Ervine (c) |
| Devon Conway | Brian Bennett |
| Henry Nicholls | Ben Curran |
| Rachin Ravindra | Nick Welch |
| Daryl Mitchell | Sean Williams |
| Tom Blundell (wk) | Wessly Madhevere |
| Mitchell Santner | Clive Madande (wk) |
| Matt Henry | Wellington Masakadza |
| Jacob Duffy | Vincent Masekesa |
| William O’Rourke | Blessing Muzarabani |
| Nathan Smith | Tanaka Chivanga |
Key Players to Watch
New Zealand:
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Tom Latham – Dependable opener and skipper with experience in tough conditions.
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Matt Henry – Consistent wicket-taker, expected to exploit early seam movement.
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Mitchell Santner – Key spinner, effective on dry and slowing surfaces.
Zimbabwe:
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Craig Ervine – Veteran leader and crucial middle-order presence.
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Blessing Muzarabani – Zimbabwe’s pace spearhead, vital with the new ball.
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Sean Williams – Experienced all-rounder who adds balance with both bat and ball.
ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Team News:
New Zealand: No injury concerns. The team looks settled, with a strong pace and spin combination.
Zimbabwe: Ben Curran returns to boost the top order. The team will hope for more consistent performances across the board.
ZIM vs NZ Teams Full Squads
New Zealand Squad:
Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke, Nathan Smith
Zimbabwe Squad:
Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
Read Also: ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Match Preview and Team Analysis.
