Sean Williams's fighting 119 and Craig Ervine's half-century, both in the second innings, were the only commendable efforts in what was an otherwise a dismal show from the hosts, who went down by an innings and 117 runs in the first Test. Their inability to stitch solid partnerships and an insipid bowling performance meant that Zimbabwe suffered their fifth straight loss in the five-day format, since their historic win against Pakistan in 2013. A sixth loss on the trot is on the cards unless Zimbabwe come up with something special in the final game.
New Zealand, who hardly put a foot wrong in the first Test, will be looking to assert their dominance yet again. A strong batting performance, which included three centuries and a score of 91, powered the visitors to a 500+ total the only time they batted in the first Test. The bowlers too were mostly on the mark, with Neil Wagner, Tim Southee and Trent Boult doing the bulk of the damage. New Zealand do not have too many concerns, although they will be hoping that Boult can bowl a lot more quicker than he did in the opening Test and Ish Sodhi to show better control with the ball.
When: August 6-10, 9:30 AM local time (1:00 PM IST)
Where: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
What to expect: Sunny conditions are forecast for the entire duration of the game. The pitch is likely to be a batting-friendly wicket, similar to the first Test
Team News:
Zimbabwe: The hosts will have to do without the services of experienced batsman Hamilton Masakadza, who has been ruled out of the second Test due to a back injury. Tino Mawoyo, the opening batsman, has recovered from his hand injury and is likely to be included in the eleven. John Nyumbu, the off spinner, has been included in the squad and might partner skipper Graeme Cremer in the spin department.
New Zealand: Boult, Wagner, Southee and BJ Watling, who suffered stomach illness following the opening Test, have recovered in time for the second game. Not finding any need to change a winning combination, New Zealand have named an unchanged eleven.
Did you know?
- Kane Williamson and Tim Southee will become the 19th and 20th players to feature in 50 Tests for New Zealand.
- Williamson will become the first New Zealand player to win two Tests in his maiden series as captain, should the visitors win this game.
- None of Zimbabwe players from the current squad has a five-fer. The last such instance was against Sri Lanka at the same venue 12 years ago.
What they said:
"There is a little bit more for the spinners here in Bulawayo compared to those green [wickets] back home. It's quite a fair test with both bat and ball," said Mitchell Santner.
Teams:
Zimbabwe (From): Chamu Chibhabha, Brian Chari, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Prince Masvaure, Regis Chakabva(w), Graeme Cremer (Captain), Donald Tiripano, Michael Chinouya, N Ncube, Taurai Muzarabani, Richmond Mutumbami, Peter Moor, Tino Mawoyo
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (Captain), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, BJ Watling(w), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult
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