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Raza and Curran Return as Zimbabwe Announce Squad for New Zealand Tests
Zimbabwe Cricket has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, set to begin later this month. The return of experienced players Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran headlines the selections, as Zimbabwe looks to strengthen their squad after a challenging series against South Africa.
Key Inclusions and Changes in Zimbabwe Squad
Zimbabwe has made four changes to the squad that recently faced South Africa in a two-Test series. Apart from Raza and Curran, Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni also make a return to the red-ball setup.
Meanwhile, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere, and Kundai Matigimu have been left out of the squad. These changes reflect Zimbabwe’s intent to field a more experienced and balanced lineup against the visiting New Zealand side.
Raza and Curran’s Comeback Boosts Middle Order Stability
Ben Curran missed the South Africa series due to a broken hand sustained during the Test series against England in May. Now fully recovered, his return adds depth to Zimbabwe’s batting unit.
Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s most experienced all-format player, returns after a brief absence, bringing with him vital experience in high-pressure conditions. Raza’s leadership in the middle order and with the ball will be pivotal.
Also returning is opener Brian Bennett, who has recovered from a concussion sustained in the last series. His availability provides a timely boost to the top-order options.
📌 Related Article: Zimbabwe vs South Africa 2025 Test Series Recap
Full Squad for New Zealand Test Series
Zimbabwe’s squad for the New Zealand Test series includes:
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Craig Ervine (Captain)
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Brian Bennett
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Tanaka Chivanga
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Ben Curran
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Trevor Gwandu
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Roy Kaia
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Tanunurwa Makoni
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Clive Madande
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Vincent Masekesa
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Wellington Masakadza
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Blessing Muzarabani
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Newman Nyamhuri
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Sikandar Raza
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Tafadzwa Tsiga
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Nicholas Welch
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Sean Williams
Test Match Schedule and Venue Details
The two-Test series will be held at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo:
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1st Test: July 30 – August 3
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2nd Test: August 7 – August 11
Both Tests will be vital for Zimbabwe’s preparation and development as they look to re-establish themselves in red-ball cricket after a period of rebuilding.
What This Means for Zimbabwe Cricket
The inclusion of seasoned players signals Zimbabwe’s commitment to putting up a competitive fight against a strong New Zealand side. With home advantage and the return of key players, expectations are high that Zimbabwe can perform better than in the previous series.
For Zimbabwe fans and selectors alike, this series offers a fresh opportunity to assess squad depth and build continuity ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle.
