New Zealand start as favorites
The hosts Zimbabwe will be contesting against the much experienced team New Zealand in two match Test Series beginning July 28 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. For obvious reasons, team NZ will start as favorites. The hosts will be entering this game on the back of a 2-1 T20 series loss to India in May. As for Kiwis, they last played a Test series in February against Australia. However, their players have been involved in different Championships, so there is no lack of exposure.
The Black Caps have already started their tour on a winning note by sealing a fantastic 259- run victory in warm-up game against Zimbabwe A. Read through the following text for New Zealand vs Zimbabwe 1st Test preview, betting tips, star players and more…
As per records, this is the first Test match at this ground in Queens Sports Club since the year 2011. In this game, New Zealand had won toss, opting to bat first and eventually winning the game. As weather forecasts predict Sunny days ahead, so expectations are that the already slow pitch may crack up further. This is going to be a good sign for spinners. Whosoever wins the toss in 1st Test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe, is likely to opt to bat first and sum up a good total to avoid batting any further.
Although chances are bleak, but Zimbabwe has to be lucky to win this toss and put up a good total near about 370 to have their chance at win, if it happens at all.
Predicted Score: 250-300
Inspite of all the statements having been made regarding their incompatibility, the team Zimbabwe is very well geared up to put up a tough fight in the captainship of Graeme Cremer. Donald Tiripano is a reliable man in the squad. He is one of the players to have taken responsibility in the win against India in May as well. Hamilton and Craig Ervine can are the two most sought after names in the Zimbabwean batting line-up. These two are good betting options for the upcoming match.
Likely Playing XI for Zimbabwe:
Regis, Graeme Cremer, Hamilton Masakadza, Peter Moor, Sean Williams, Taurai, Chamu Chibhabha, Richmond Mutumbami, Donald Tiripano, Sikandar Raza and Prince Masvaure
Predicted Score: 350-400
The visitors are entering this tournament as favorites. It cannot be ruled out that it is not the best ever squad against the minnows Zimbabwe but, together they are a tough side to beat. As is the role of Chamu for hosts, so is Mitchell Santner's presence in the visiting side. He has been keeping good form off-late with his slow deliveries. Santner is a good betting choice as well. The all-rounder Tim Southee is another reliable man to put your money on. As for batting, a flying start depends largely on Martin Guptill's performance, so he must click this time. The youngster, Ish Sodhi, who is famous for his leg-break googlies is a good bet.
Likely Playing XI for New Zealand:
Kane Williamson (C), BJ Watling (WK), Tom Latham, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Matt Henry, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner/ Santner
Till date, the two teams have played each other 15 times, and New Zealand leads the score board with nine wins and the rest of the games ending in a draw. On this ground, Zimbabwe has till date registered one win, and that too against minnows Bangladesh, who were back then new to Test Cricket. A draw against England in the year 1996 is though the most cherished memory from this ground. The last game against New Zealand on this ground was won by visitors.
Under the Captainship of Kane Williamson, this will be the 1st Test match of visitors. The hosts are known to put up a good show with the bat and ball. However, in all respects, New Zealand is a way better side. Despite the fact that they are playing at the home grounds, they are likely to be discomforted by the absence of key players including Chatara and Mawoyo due to injury.
Therefore, we predict New Zealand as favorites for the 1st Test of this tournament to march ahead with a 1-0 lead.
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