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New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe - 2 Test matches (2025)

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Fisher earns maiden Test call up for Zimbabwe

Northern Districts pace bowler Matt Fisher has been called up to the BLACKCAPS for the first time as part of the 15-strong squad for the two Test tour of Zimbabwe later this month.

Widely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the country, the former New Zealand Under-19 representative has taken 51 First Class wickets at an average of 24.11 across 14 matches.

Fisher has been contracted to Northern Districts since 2018 when he began his recently completed Bachelor of Laws at Otago University. He played a key role early in the associations’ victorious 2024/25 Plunket Shield campaign, taking 14 wickets at 17.71 across just three matches, before being sidelined by injury.

BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter said Fisher’s pace was a valuable asset.

“Matt’s someone we’re really excited about,” said Walter.

“He’s one of the fastest bowlers in the country and we think he’s got an X-factor.

“We’re blessed to have a large number of strong fast bowlers in this country and we’re looking forward to adding Matt into that mix now, giving him a little bit of touring experience and a taste of what it means to be part of the BLACKCAPS.”

Red-ball captain Tom Latham will lead a largely settled squad on New Zealand’s first Test tour to Zimbabwe since 2016.

Fisher’s opportunity comes during a transitional period for the BLACKCAPS Test bowling attack, following the departure of veteran Tim Southee, and the emergence of Wellington duo Nathan Smith (two Test caps) and Ben Sears (one Test cap), alongside uncapped Otago Volts quick Jacob Duffy.

Sears was ruled out of the white and red-ball tours of Zimbabwe with a side injury which will require a further two to four weeks recovery, while Kyle Jamieson made himself unavailable as he awaits the birth of his first child.

Kane Williamson also made himself unavailable as he manages his playing commitments, while Michael Bracewell was unavailable due to his commitments at The Hundred - which was previously agreed and factored into his NZC central contract.

Walter said he understood and respected the decision of both players.

“Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process.

“While all Test matches are hugely special and important, the fact these Tests aren’t part of the ICC World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion.

“We will obviously miss their talent and class, but it allows an opportunity to others and we’re lucky to be able to call on the likes of Ajaz and Henry who are both proven performers at Test level.”

The remainder of the squad mirrors that which took part in the home Tests against England, with additional recalls of specialist spinner Ajaz Patel and batsman Henry Nicholls.

Patel’s last outing with the BLACKCAPS was a Player of the Match performance (5-103 and 6-57) in the historic three-nil sweep over India last November.

Left-handed Nicholls returns to the Test squad for the first time since December 2023, bringing 56 Test caps of experience and nine Test hundreds to his name.

BLACKCAPS Test squad v Zimbabwe


Tom Latham (C) Canterbury
Tom Blundell Wellington Firebirds
Devon Conway Wellington Firebirds
Jacob Duffy* Otago Volts
Matt Fisher* Northern Districts
Matt Henry Canterbury
Daryl Mitchell Canterbury
Henry Nicholls Canterbury
Will O’Rourke Canterbury
Ajaz Patel Central Stags
Glenn Phillips Otago Volts
Rachin Ravindra Wellington Firebirds

Mitch Santner Northern Districts
Nathan Smith Wellington Firebirds
Will Young Central Stags

 
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Matthew Fisher’s first-class record is quite promising.

51 wickets in just 14 matches at an average of 24.11 shows he has the potential to be a consistent red-ball performer, especially with his ability to take 4-fors and 5-wicket hauls

For the Zimbabwe Test series, his red-ball skills should serve New Zealand well if conditions offer some seam movement.
 
I like to see Conway, Mitchell or any other batsman toppling Lara's record. Zimbabwe are anyway slated to play eleven test matches this year. In any match I like to see someone making quadruple ton.
 
I like to see Conway, Mitchell or any other batsman toppling Lara's record. Zimbabwe are anyway slated to play eleven test matches this year. In any match I like to see someone making quadruple ton.

Yes. I would love to see it too. Not because I am anti-Lara but because I like it when records are broken. :inti

I think Kiwi batters are likely to go for it if they get chances. Not everyone is a cuck like Mulder.
 
Zimbabwe name squad for New Zealand Tests

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a 16-man squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

The first Test will take place from 30 July to 3 August, with the second following from 7 to 11 August 2025. There are four changes to the Zimbabwe side that featured in the recent Test series against South Africa.

Ben Curran, who missed the South Africa matches due to a hand fracture, returns to the fold after regaining full fitness. He is joined in the squad by Sikandar Raza, Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni, with the quartet of Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere and Kundai Matigimu making way.

In a further boost, Brian Bennett, who missed part of the South Africa series after suffering a concussion, is back and, as a result, Dion Myers, who had been drafted in as cover, has been left out.

The team will be led by Craig Ervine, with experienced campaigners Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani providing key support in the batting and bowling departments respectively.

The upcoming series will mark the first Test meeting between Zimbabwe and New Zealand since July-August 2016, when the visitors claimed a 2-0 series win at the same venue in Bulawayo.

ZIMBABWE SQUAD FOR TEST SERIES VERSUS NEW ZEALAND:

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

Source: https://www.zimcricket.org/news/4050/Zimbabwe-name-squad-for-Test-series-against-New-Zealand
 
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