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Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 1st Test Predictions - Latham to score big against Zimbabwe
New Zealand faces Zimbabwe in a Test series, bringing a strong squad that excludes Kane Williamson. Zimbabwe, however, comes off a disappointing series against South Africa, losing 2-0 despite the latter's team not being at full strength. New Zealand hasn't played Test cricket in 2025, winning their last encounter against England. Key players like Tom Latham and Sean Williams are expected to make a significant impact in the series. New Zealand's bowling lineup looks formidable with newcomers like Matt Fisher likely to have opportunities to debut.
- New Zealand has a strong squad despite the absence of Kane Williamson.
- Zimbabwe struggled against South Africa, losing 2-0 at home.
- Sean Williams key for Zimbabwe with recent strong performances.
- New Zealand last played in December 2024, beating England by 423 runs.
- Tom Latham and Matt Henry expected to perform well.
Expired
Tom Latham backed to score big against Zimbabwe (Getty Images)
Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Predictions
New Zealand have a strong side in Zimbabwe despite the absence of Kane Williamson. I am backing them to win comfortably against the hosts who were atrocious against South Africa recently.
- Zimbabwe have lost their last 2 Test matches by huge margins.
- Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams scored 88, 137 & 83* runs in 3 of his last 6 Test innings.
- New Zealand have not played Test cricket this year.
- New Zealand’s Tom Latham scored 63 runs in the 1st innings of his last Test.
Head to Head
These two have not met in Test cricket since 2016 and have only played five Test matches since 2005. New Zealand have won all of them.
Zimbabwe Form
Zimbabwe recently lost a home Test series 2-0 to South Africa and were well-beaten in both games. To make matters worse for Zimbabwe, the South African’s rested almost all of their first-choice players.
In the second Test, the Proteas piled on 626 runs batting first before declaring. It was a match that became known for Wiaan Mulder declaring while on 367 and in sight of a world record.
Zimbabwe were then rolled over for 170 runs with Sean Williams scoring a blistering 83 runs. Asked to follow-on, Zimbabwe at least past the 200-run mark, bowled out for 220. Craig Ervine scored 49 runs while Nick Welsh top scored with 40 runs.
Zimbabwe Injuries & Team News
Zimbabwe should be slightly stronger in this series given that Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza have been named in the squad. Brendan Taylor is also expected to make a return.
New Zealand Form
New Zealand have yet to play any Test cricket in 2025 with their last match coming in mid-December 2024. They beat England by 423 runs in that match but lost the series 2-1.
Tom Latham scored 63 and Mitchell Santner 76 as the Black Caps batted first, scoring 347 runs. Matt Henry was in fine form with the ball, taking 4-48 with England all out for 143 runs.
In their second innings, New Zealand piled on the runs as Kane Williamson – unavailable for this series – scored 156 runs. Will Young and Daryl Mitchell each added 60 runs.
Mitchell Santner took four wickets in the second innings as England were all out for 234 runs.
New Zealand Injuries & Team News
New Zealand have a relatively strong side for this series, although not quite at full strength. Quick bowler, Matt Fisher could make his test debut.
Verdict
I am backing Tom Latham to score 50+ runs in the first innings and top score for the tourists. Sean Williams is in fine form and can be backed in the best Zimbabwe batsman market.
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