Match Details: ZIM vs NZ
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Time: 4:30 PM IST
- Match: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 3rd T20 – ICC T20I Tri-Series 2025
Zimbabwe will take on New Zealand in the third T20I of the tri-series on 18 July at the Harare Sports Club. After two matches between the two teams, this match could prove to be decisive for New Zealand’s momentum in the final stages of the tournament. They are already on a roll, while Zimbabwe will need to put in a special performance to bounce back. Give you some key details about the match – pitch analysis, playing XI, key players, Dream11 team combination, and who we think can win this match
Match Context: ZIM vs NZ, 3rd T20I
Zimbabwe suffered a crushing defeat in their first match against South Africa. Sikandar Raza once again put up a valiant performance but did not get much support from the other players. Zimbabwe’s bowling – especially Richard Ngarava’s – performed well, but it was not enough to defend a paltry 141.
New Zealand, on the other hand, won their first match with a bang. Tim Robinson’s unbeaten 75 on debut and Bevon Jacobs’ 44* gave them a solid platform. With their bowlers, especially Duffy and Henry, performing very well, they look like a very strong team in this tri-series.
Pitch Report – Harare Sports Club
The pitch at Harare offers something for both bowlers and batsmen. Early on, pacers get bounce and seam movement. As the innings progresses, batsmen can get the right rhythm on the pitch. The spinners will dominate in the middle overs, especially later in the day..
- Nature: Balanced – movement for pacers in the early overs, good grip for spinners later on
- Average first innings score: 155-175
- Best toss decision: Bat first (more wins have come while defending than in previous matches)
- Weather: Sunny, clear sky, 24-26°C. No rain expected.
The outfield is slightly faster, and once you get set, there is always a good chance to hit shots. However, batting later on can be a bit tricky as the pitch is a bit slow.
Head-to-Head – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand
Total T20I matches: 6
• New Zealand wins: 6
• Zimbabwe wins: 0
New Zealand have dominated every previous T20I against Zimbabwe. Although the sample size is small, it paints a clear picture of experience and execution. This record will certainly be on Zimbabwe’s minds as they look to change that.
Zimbabwe – Team Preview and Strategy
Zimbabwe have potential, especially in the bowling department, but their top order continues to let them down. In the loss to South Africa, Raza once again performed brilliantly with 54, while Bennett also did well. But the rest of the batting lineup has not been able to put up much of a performance.
Key Players:
• Sikandar Raza: Zimbabwe’s best player. With 624 runs and 17 wickets on this ground, he is always in the game.
• Richard Ngarava: Did well with 3 wickets in the last match, and bowls very economically at the start.
• Ryan Burl: Expect better performances from him—a dynamic player, but has not been able to put up a good performance yet.
Concerns:
• Weak batting top order
• Lack of finishers
• The whole team depends on Raza
New Zealand – Team Preview & Strategy
New Zealand came into the tournament without several senior players but haven’t missed a beat. Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs have already made a mark, and the bowling unit—led by Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy—looked sharp. This is a team that can adapt well to different conditions.
Key Players:
- Tim Robinson: Impressive debut, confident and attacking at the top.
- Daryl Mitchell: Brings experience, can anchor or finish innings.
- Jacob Duffy & Matt Henry: Three wickets each in the last match—good rhythm.
- Ish Sodhi: Spinners have a role to play here, and Sodhi will be crucial.
With Mitchell Santner leading this side, there’s enough balance between youth and control.
Predicted Playing XIs
| Zimbabwe Playing XI | New Zealand Playing XI |
|---|---|
| 1. Brian Bennett | 1. Tim Seifert (wk) |
| 2. Wessly Madhevere | 2. Devon Conway |
| 3. Clive Madande (wk) | 3. Tim Robinson |
| 4. Sikandar Raza (c) | 4. Daryl Mitchell |
| 5. Ryan Burl | 5. Mitchell Hay |
| 6. Tony Munyonga | 6. Bevon Jacobs |
| 7. Tashinga Musekiwa | 7. James Neesham |
| 8. Wellington Masakadza | 8. Mitchell Santner (c) |
| 9. Richard Ngarava | 9. Matt Henry |
| 10. Blessing Muzarabani | 10. Ish Sodhi |
| 11. Trevor Gwandu | 11. Jacob Duffy |
Dream11 Team Prediction – Fantasy Tips for ZIM vs NZ
Top Captain Choices:
- Daryl Mitchell: Very reliable, plays both roles well. A go-to for all formats.
- Sikandar Raza: If Zimbabwe are to fight, it’ll come from Raza—he bowls, bats, and rarely has a quiet game.
Vice-Captain Options:
- Tim Robinson: High upside as an opener—strike rate and confidence make him an exciting pick.
- Jacob Duffy: If bowling first, could grab early wickets.
Small League Team Picks:
- Wicketkeeper: Tim Seifert
- Batters: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Brian Bennett
- All-rounders: Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Mitchell Santner
- Bowlers: Richard Ngarava, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
Grand League Differentials:
- Dion Myers (ZIM): 267 runs at this venue. Low ownership but a potential match-winner.
- James Neesham: Can make big impact with ball in middle overs.
- Brian Bennett: Showed promise recently—worth a gamble in GL.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Toss Prediction: New Zealand to win and bat first.
Likely Winner: New Zealand (70–30)
Why NZ?
- More depth across batting and bowling
- In-form top order
- Zimbabwe rely too much on one or two players
That said, if Zimbabwe bowls first and makes early breakthroughs, things could get interesting. They’ll need a big effort from Raza, Burl, and their pace unit.
Score Predictions
| Segment | Predicted Score |
| Powerplay (1st Inn) | 45–50 runs |
| 1st Innings Total | 160–175 runs |
Final Thoughts
This match will depend on how Zimbabwe’s bowlers perform in the powerplay and the middle of the match. And whether their batting performs well under pressure. New Zealand has an edge over Zimbabwe in every department, but the Harare crowd will expect a good performance from Raza and his team.
