New Zealand head into the second Test against Zimbabwe brimming with confidence after wrapping up a dominant nine-wicket win in Bulawayo. Matt Henry starred with a nine-wicket match haul, while Mitchell Santner chipped in with key breakthroughs to dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting. The hosts showed some fight down the order but couldn’t stop the visitors from taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
The second and final Test begins on August 7 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, starting at 1:30 PM IST. Zimbabwe have plenty to fix if they want to bounce back and avoid a series defeat. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be eyeing a clean sweep.
Here’s a look at the match prediction, probable XIs, betting tips, top odds and live scorecard details.
Head-to-head record: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand in Test matches
Zimbabwe and New Zealand have faced off 18 times in Test cricket, and the numbers paint a clear picture of dominance. New Zealand have won 12 of those encounters, while Zimbabwe are still searching for their first victory in the format against the Black Caps. The remaining six matches have ended in draws, showing just how one-sided this rivalry has been in the longest format.
- Total matches: 18
- Zimbabwe wins: 0
- New Zealand wins: 12
- Tied/No result: 6
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
Tafadzwa Tsiga (ZIM): The wicketkeeper-batter showed grit in both innings, scoring 30 and 27 while facing over 160 balls across the match. His temperament under pressure was a bright spot in Zimbabwe’s struggling batting lineup.
Devon Conway (NZ): The left-hander anchored New Zealand's first innings with a composed 88 off 170 balls, setting the tone for their big total. His ability to handle both pace and spin makes him a key figure at the top of the order.
Bowlers to watch
Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM): The tall pacer picked up three key wickets in New Zealand’s first innings and constantly tested their top order. He remains Zimbabwe’s most threatening bowler in this series.
Matt Henry (NZ): The standout performer of the match, Henry claimed a match-winning 9-wicket haul, including 6/39 in the first innings. His relentless accuracy and movement with the new ball rattled Zimbabwe’s top order.
ZIM vs. NZ betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, New Zealand are heavy favourites heading into the second Test, priced at just 1.06 to win. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are massive underdogs with odds of 9.41, reflecting the gap in form and quality between the two sides.
Given New Zealand’s dominant performance in the first Test and their perfect record against Zimbabwe in the format, the visitors clearly hold the edge in this contest.
Odds | |
Zimbabwe | 9.41 |
New Zealand | 1.06 |
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- New Zealand to win the match: The visitors have the momentum, squad depth, and head-to-head dominance to seal the series 2-0.
- Matt Henry to take 5+ wickets in the match: After a sensational nine-wicket haul in the first Test, Henry is primed to lead the bowling attack again.
- Devon Conway to score 50+ runs: Conway looked in control during his first-innings 88 and is well-placed to deliver another big knock at the top.
Get 150% deposit match up to ₹150,000 when you sign up for a new account with Dafabet. Click here to claim.
Zimbabwe vs New Zealand: Expected playing XIs and team news
Zimbabwe Team News
Zimbabwe are expected to retain most of their first-Test squad despite a heavy defeat. The focus will be on finding stability in the top order, which struggled against New Zealand’s bowling. Craig Ervine and Sean Williams remain the key figures with the bat, while keeper Tafadzwa Tsiga has impressed with his gritty resistance.
In the bowling department, Blessing Muzarabani will once again lead the pace attack, supported by Tanaka Chivanga and spinners like Wellington Masakadza, as Zimbabwe look to bounce back and level the series.
Zimbabwe (predicted playing XI): Milton Shumba, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Dion Myers, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava
New Zealand Team News
New Zealand head into the second Test with a mostly settled lineup after their commanding win in the opener. Mitchell Santner is expected continue to lead the side in Tom Latham’s absence, though the regular skipper is racing against time to be fit. Nathan Smith has been ruled out due to injury and is likely to be replaced by Jacob Duffy.
The rest of the XI is expected to remain unchanged, with Devon Conway and Will Young opening the innings, followed by a strong middle order featuring Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Tom Blundell. Santner and Michael Bracewell will play dual roles as all-rounders, while Matt Henry and William O'Rourke will spearhead the pace attack.
New Zealand (predicted playing XI): Devon Conway, Will Young, Tom Latham (c) (if fit), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy (expected to replace Nathan Smith), Matt Henry, William O’Rourke
ZIM vs. NZ live scorecard: 2nd Test
To follow the action between the Zimbabwe vs New Zealand second test live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Parimatch's website.
Navigate to the game of your choice and click the scorecard icon to follow along, and bet live with the action with a trusted site.
Where to watch ZIM vs. NZ 2nd Test in India
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Date & Time (IST): 7 August, 1:30 PM
- Live Broadcast and Streaming Details: Fancode app & website
RELATED LINKS: