The second Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand begins today in Bulawayo, with significant changes and player news influencing both sides[1][2][3].
New Zealand, having comprehensively won the first Test, will again be without regular skipper Tom Latham who failed a late fitness test for his shoulder injury. As a result, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner continues to captain the team. Recent squad adjustments include Auckland Aces batter Bevon Jacobs as cover, with Jacob Duffy set for his Test debut. Additional injuries to Nathan Smith and Will O’Rourke have further affected the visitors, while Michael Bracewell has returned to play in the Hundred tournament[3].
Zimbabwe, looking to bounce back from a string of losses, is bolstered by the high-profile return of Brendan Taylor, playing his first international match in several years after serving a ban. All eyes are on his comeback, as the hosts aim to improve their recent record and challenge the touring Black Caps[1][2].
Match details:
- Dates: August 7–11, 2025
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Start time: 1:30 PM IST / 8:00 PM NZT
- Broadcast (India): Not on TV; live streaming available via the FanCode app and website
Possible New Zealand XI: Will Young, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Zak Foulkes/Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ajaz Patel[1][3].
Possible Zimbabwe XI: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga[2].