Published on: Aug 6, 2025 1:30 pm IST | Updated on: Aug 7, 2025 9:55 am IST
On expected lines, the Blackcaps, New Zealand, have started their Test series against Zimbabwe on a winning note. In a dominant fashion, New Zealand registered a 9-wicket win over Zimbabwe to go 1-0 up in the two-match series. Both teams will now get going again in the 2nd and final Test of the series at the same venue, i.e., the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. New Zealand have an opportunity to clean sweep the hosts, whereas Zimbabwe will be looking to win their first-ever Test against the Blackcaps with a refined squad. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 2nd ZIM vs NZ Test at Bulawayo.
Once again, New Zealand will have the upper hand heading into the final Test of the series. They were clinical in the opening game and are expected to dominate in the second game as well. The hosts, Zimbabwe, have never defeated New Zealand in the longest format of the game, and it seems like this record will remain intact after the end of the second Test at Bulawayo. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the ZIM vs NZ 2nd Test at Bulawayo.
NZ: 78% win chance ZIM: 22% win chance
The much-anticpated return of Brendan Taylor is finally on the cards. The veteran batter has a brilliant Test record averaging 36.25 with a score of 2320 runs from 68 Test innings.
Mitchell scored a fifty in the first innings of the last Test. He has scored 593 runs in the last 10 matches at an average of 32.94.
Ravindra got out cheaply in the last game but averages 34.78 in his last 10 Tests. He has scored 626 runs in his last 10 matches.
The veteran left-hander has been a prolific run-getter for Zimbabwe in recent times in the longest format of the game. He has scored a whopping 802 runs in his last 9 Test matches at a fabulous average of 55.75.
Check out our prediction for the ZIM vs NZ 2nd Test at Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe will head into the second Test against New Zealand with the clear objective of salvaging pride and avoiding a series whitewash. After a dominant performance by the visitors in the first Test, where their bowlers dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup and their batters piled on the runs, the hosts find themselves under pressure to respond.
Key to their revival will be the top-order’s ability to withstand New Zealand’s relentless pace attack, led by Matt Henry and William O’Rourke. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, too, will need to find consistency and discipline to challenge a confident Kiwi batting unit. Players like Sikandar Raza and the returning Brendan Taylor, who will be marking his return to the international fold after serving a three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the code of conduct.
Taylor’s return is a massive boost for Zimbabwe, whose batting unit looks more formidable with the likes of Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ben Curran, and Brian Bennett already in the ranks. Zimbabwe needs to improve with the ball in this game, and things can surely fall into place for them.
New Zealand will enter the second Test against Zimbabwe with their sights firmly set on completing a clinical series clean sweep. After a dominant display in the opening Test, marked by disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and commanding batting, the Black Caps have all the momentum heading into the final match. Their pace attack, spearheaded by Matt Henry, exposed Zimbabwe’s batting frailties, while the likes of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell ensured composed knocks.
With confidence soaring and team balance clicking perfectly, New Zealand will look to replicate its winning formula. Their bowlers have consistently exploited the conditions, and their batters have shown patience and aggression in equal measure. The second Test offers them a chance for a whitewash over the hosts.
Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 18 NZ won: 12 ZIM won: 0 Draw: 6 RECENT form ZIMBABWE: L L L L L RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: W L L W W
Zimbabwe and New Zealand have locked horns 18 times in Test matches. New Zealand has dominated the head-to-head battle with 12 wins, whereas Zimbabwe has yet to win a game. Six fixtures between these two sides have ended in a draw.
How will the two teams, i.e., Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, fare in the 2nd Test? Let’s take a look.
Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Ben Lister
Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa/Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 2nd Test match between New Zealand and Zimbabwe at Bulawayo:
The team winning the toss is likely to opt for batting first at Bulawayo. Early pitch freshness favors run-scoring before deterioration sets in. With dry weather and spin expected later, setting a solid first-innings total could be crucial. Expect a bat-first decision to capitalize on initial batting-friendly conditions.
Where to Watch Today’s Match
The online live streaming of the 2nd Test match of the New Zealand Tour of Zimbabwe will take place live on the FanCode App. There’s no TV streaming available for this series in India.
New Zealand enters the 2nd Test as clear favorites, boasting superior batting depth and a potent pace attack suited to Bulawayo’s early seam-friendly conditions. Zimbabwe may struggle against disciplined Kiwi bowling, especially as the pitch deteriorates. Unless Zimbabwe’s top order delivers a standout performance, New Zealand is well-positioned to dominate and clinch the match comfortably. Expect a clinical display from the visitors across all five days. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, New Zealand, are expected to win the 2nd ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Test match.