 New Zealand take on Zimbabwe in the one-off Test match that will begin
from January 26.
While the more renowned teams are muscling their prowess against each other
across continents, a low-profile (and almost unnoticed) test match starts from
Thursday when New Zealand host Zimbabwe for the one-off test match. Not quite
the force they once were, New Zealand are second from bottom on the ICC
Test Rankings. Zimbabwe are unranked having played insufficient number of matches
as they gradually look to stage a comeback to test cricket.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs Zimbabwe
The signs were impressive from Zimbabwe when they hosted New Zealand three
months ago. In the only test match, they came Zimbabwe came close to an upset
win, only for their inexperience to cost them the match by 34 runs. Yet the
effort to put together 300+ totals in each innings received plenty of praise
from all corners. The test will be difficult when they walk out under challenging
Kiwi conditions as they will look to survive for longer periods. The team is
captained by Brendan Taylor while Tatenda Taibu, Malcolm Waller
and Regis Chakabva were amongst the runs in the drawn warm-up match. The bowlers
though presented a story of struggle and will be tested in the test match as
well.
New Zealand have ebbed to lows one after another that their bright points often
get ignored. After the scare against Zimbabwe, they were outplayed by Australia
only to bounce back and clinch a thrilling win to level the series. That victory
though has given them plenty of confidence as skipper Ross Taylor looks
to carry forward the momentum from Hobart as they look to rebuild their side.
The squad sees a couple of new additions as all-rounder Sam Wells earned a surprise
call-up. Also likely to make debut is South African-born Kruger van Wyk though
Reece Young is likely to don the gloves.
Of the nine test matches played at this ground, only two have ended in a result
with New Zealand on the losing end each time. This time though, the home side
start as overwhelming favorites to win the match. The weather is also predicted
to stay with just the occasional shower predicted for Friday.
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