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Raza, Bennett Return As Zimbabwe Unveil Full Strength Squad For New Zealand Tests

Jatin

Zimbabwe will play two Tests vs New Zealand [Source: @ZimCricketv/x.com]Zimbabwe will play two Tests vs New Zealand [Source: @ZimCricketv/x.com]

Zimbabwe are all set to don the whites again as they gear up for a historic two-match Test series against New Zealand at home. Led by Craig Ervine, the Chevrons have named a 16-man squad for the clash that kicks off July 30 in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe Welcome Big Guns For Historic Test Series Against Black Caps

After missing the South Africa series, Zimbabwe’s Test engine room is looking stacked again. Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, dependable opener Roy Kaia and the classy Tanunurwa Makoni have all been drafted back in. But the biggest boost comes in the form of 21-year-old sensation Brian Bennett, Zimbabwe’s man in form and one of the hottest young talents in red-ball cricket.

Bennett, who had suffered a concussion mid-series against South Africa, is now fully fit and cleared to play. The timing couldn't be better. The youngster was a livewire in Zimbabwe’s away series against Bangladesh earlier this year, racking up runs and helping his side notch their first Test win since 2018.

And let’s not forget his blockbuster ton against England at Trent Bridge during the one-off Test in May. He will be in the mood and New Zealand’s bowlers better come prepared.

To accommodate the returning heavyweights, Zimbabwe have made a few tweaks. Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere and Kundai Matigimu have all been left out from the group that took on South Africa.

Blessing Muzarabani To Lead The Bowling Attack; Ngarava Misses Out

But that doesn’t take away from how solid this squad looks on paper. With the experienced Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani in the mix and Clive Madande behind the stumps, the Chevrons are bringing serious muscle into the series. Meanwhile, Richard Ngarava has been left out of the squad.

Both matches will be held at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo with the first game from July 30 to August 3,and the second Test from August 7 to 11.

The two teams are currently battling it out in the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 with South Africa but come the end of July, it’s time for the red-ball grind.

Zimbabwe Squad For New Zealand Tests

Craig Ervine (c), Clive Madande (wk) Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams