The ZIM vs NZ Playing XI 2nd Test is now official. The second Test match between Zimbabwe and New Zealand will begin on August 7, 2025, at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Both teams have announced their Playing XIs. As a result, fans can expect another exciting five-day clash.
Zimbabwe has decided to go with the same Playing XI that featured in the first Test. Craig Ervine will remain at the helm of the team. Brian Bennett and Ben Curran are set to kick off the innings. Meanwhile, the middle order will include Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, and skipper Ervine. Tafadzwa Tsiga will take care of the wicketkeeping duties.
In the bowling lineup, Zimbabwe is once again counting on the talents of Tanaka Chivanga, Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa, and Blessing Muzarabani. Plus, they’ve welcomed back seasoned batter Brendan Taylor to the team. However, he is not part of the Playing XI yet, as he continues his return to international cricket after serving a 3.5-year ICC ban.
Zimbabwe Playing XI for 2nd Test
| No. | Player Name | Role |
| 1 | Brian Bennett | Opening Batter |
| 2 | Ben Curran | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Nick Welch | Middle-order Batter |
| 4 | Sean Williams | All-Rounder |
| 5 | Craig Ervine (c) | Middle-order Batter |
| 6 | Sikandar Raza | All-Rounder |
| 7 | Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 8 | Tanaka Chivanga | Fast Bowler |
| 9 | Newman Nyamhuri | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Vincent Masekesa | Spinner |
| 11 | Blessing Muzarabani | Fast Bowler |
New Zealand also made a few changes, mainly due to injuries. Mitchell Santner will remain the captain of the team. Devon Conway and Will Young will open the innings once again. Moreover, their middle order remains strong with Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, and Michael Bracewell.
As for the bowling attack, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy will lead the pace department. Nathan Smith won’t be playing due to an injury, so Duffy will take his place. Also, Will O’Rourke has gone back home after dealing with a back injury, which means Lister will remain in the starting eleven.
New Zealand Playing XI for 2nd Test
| No. | Player Name | Role |
| 1 | Devon Conway | Opening Batter |
| 2 | Will Young | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Tom Latham (c) | Middle-order Batter |
| 4 | Rachin Ravindra | All-Rounder |
| 5 | Daryl Mitchell | Middle-order Batter |
| 6 | Tom Blundell (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 7 | Michael Bracewell | All-Rounder |
| 8 | Mitchell Santner | Spinner |
| 9 | Jacob Duffy | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Matt Henry | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | William O’Rourke | Fast Bowler |
- Zimbabwe made no changes to their Playing XI. However, Brendan Taylor joined the squad and could feature soon.
- New Zealand replaced Smith with Duffy. Also, O’Rourke continues to play in place of the injured Lister.
Overall, the second Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is all set with both teams naming strong line-ups. While Zimbabwe goes in with the same XI, New Zealand has made a few smart changes due to injuries. With experienced players and exciting talent on both sides, fans can expect a close contest. The ZIM vs NZ Playing XI 2nd Test will play a big role in deciding the outcome of this series.
