Predicted Playing XIs & Key Players to Watch: NZ vs ZIM Test Series

In this preview, we will go over the potential outlook for New Zealand vs Zimbabwe playing XI’s Test series of 2025. We will cover the most likely XIs, top batsmen, star bowlers, and summaries of both the NZ squad and the ZIM squad. All of this based on the players’ past form and performances.

Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand

Coach Rob Walter named a balanced squad that blends experience with new talent. For the Test series opener vs Zimbabwe:

Likely XI:

• Tom Latham (c)
   
• Devon Conway
   
• Henry Nicholls
   
• Rachin Ravindra
   
• Daryl Mitchell
   
• Tom Blundell (wk)
   
• Mitchell Santner
   
• Matt Henry
   
• Jacob Duffy
   
• Will O’Rourke
   
• Matt Fisher
   

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe announced their 16-man squad ahead of the Test series. The following are the predicted playing XI:

• Craig Ervine (c)
   
• Brian Bennett
   
• Ben Curran
   
• Nick Welch
   
• Sean Williams
   
• Wessly Madhevere
   
• Clive Madande (wk)
   
• Wellington Masakadza
   
• Vincent Masekesa
   
• Blessing Muzarabani
   
• Tanaka Chivanga
   

 

Top Batsmen to Watch

New Zealand

• Rachin Ravindra: A rising star in Test cricket, with a career average near 36 and recent form that includes substantial contributions in Tests and the Champions Trophy.
   
• Tom Latham: Steady top-order leader with experience and reliability—crucial against Zimbabwe’s seam attack.
   

Zimbabwe

• Brian Bennett: A major talent, his Test batting average of 38 includes centuries and finisher performances, making him Zimbabwe’s key middle-order bat.
   
• Craig Ervine: He is the captain and backbone of Zimbabwe’s batting; his experience will come in handy in guiding the innings.
   

 

Star Bowlers to Monitor

New Zealand

• Matt Henry: He has significant experience as a strike bowler and is set to exploit early seam movement.
• Mitchell Santner: He will be useful in mid-late innings with his spin control and variation.
   

Zimbabwe

• Blessing Muzarabani: Their pace leader, offering crucial experience with new-ball aggression.
   
• Vincent Masekesa: A young leg-spinner with a five-for on Test debut. This adds spin depth and control.
   

 

Squad Summaries & Player Form

Team	Squad Highlights
NZ	The inclusion of Matt Fisher, Jacob Duffy, and Ajaz Patel indicates squad rotation. Tom Latham and Santner provide leadership
ZIM	A good mix of seasoned players like Ervine and Bennett, as well as new faces such as Masekesa, for balance and freshness

 

Why They Matter 

On paper, New Zealand has the edge with their squad and depth. In reality, however, they are hoping some of their batsmen in form, such as Ravindra and Henry, will contribute at the top. Zimbabwe's selection shows there is a will to go against the grain, especially with bowlers like Muzarabani and Masekesa, and batsmen like Bennett. 

In terms of player form, we will rely on Ravindra's rhythm, Bennett's reliable Test batting and Santner's spin.

Final Thoughts

This look back at the presumed playing XI summarising the top batsmen, marquee bowlers, and the team situation, offers insight into the gamesmanship chess match in Tests between New Zealand and Zimbabwe.