ZIM vs NZ Match Prediction 2025 3rd T20I: Match Preview, Pitch Report and Who will win Today’s Match?

ZIM vs NZ 3rd T20I Match Preview

The tri-series, involving New Zealand and South Africa, is being hosted by Zimbabwe. They faced a tough challenge from the fellow African team South Africa in their first match of the season.

But it was not a great performance from the hosts in their opening fixture as they lost by 5 wickets against the Proteas side. Zimbabwe had a difficult outing in the match with 3 down for 55 runs in 10.5 overs. However, captain Sikandar Raza’s half-century with decent contributions from Brian Bennet and Ryan Burl helped Zimbabwe to post 141 runs on the board.

Zimbabwe fought hard though as they got three South African batters out early. But eventually key knocks from Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis and Corbin Bosch helped South Africa win by 5 wickets. Zimbabwe will be looking to move on from this setback and bounce back strong in this match.

Meanwhile, New Zealand didn't really have a great game, especially from its batting unit. The Kiwis suffered badly in this game as they were 5 down for 70 runs in 9.3 overs.

However, the duo of Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs played hugely important knocks. Robinson scored 75 runs off 57 balls while Jacobs scored 44 runs off 30 balls while both batters remained not out to help New Zealand post 173 runs on the board.

South Africa were off to a good start as Lhuan-dre-Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks scored 34 runs in 3 overs before the former departed. After that, South Africa were soon 5 wickets down for 62 runs. Although Dewald Brevis and George Linde contributed significantly, New Zealand ultimately dismissed South Africa for 152 runs.

For the Kiwis, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy all picked 3 wickets each. Experienced spinner Ish Sodhi delivered a commendable performance, claiming two wickets in the match. New Zealand will be hoping to carry on their winning momentum against the hosts.

ZIM vs NZ Recent Form

Zimbabwe’s recent form doesn't look good as they have lost 3 out of their last 5 matches. The two wins for Zimbabwe came against Afghanistan during their 3 match T20I series. They obviously lost the opening match of the tri-series vs South Africa.

As for New Zealand, they are in great form in their last 5 matches. In the last five matches, New Zealand have won 4 and lost only one match. The only defeat came against Pakistan during the two teams series earlier in which New Zealand won 4 matches. They have already won the first match of the tri-series against South Africa.

Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Team Preview

Zimbabwe 

The Zimbabwe cricket team would certainly be disappointed with their performance in the first match vs South Africa. However, they are unlikely to make any changes in the team.

Wesley Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl are the key batters in the line-up. Meanwhile, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava serve as the leading bowlers for the team.

New Zealand

Meanwhile, the New Zealand cricket team is also unlikely to make any changes in the team despite their batters having a terrible game.

They have a great and explosive batting line-up. The opening duties may continue for Tim Seifert and Devon Conway, with Tim Robinson and Daryl Mitchell contributing robust middle-order batting strength. They have also got some great all-rounders in the set-up.

Meanwhile, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy displayed their brilliance with the ball. The duo picked 3 wickets each while the experienced Ish Sodhi was amongst the wickets too.

ZIM vs NZ Head-to-Head in T20Is

Both New Zealand and Zimbabwe have previously played 6 T20I matches between them in which New Zealand have won all the Six matches.

Harare Sports Club, Harare Pitch Report

The Harare Sports Club pitch is pretty balanced. There's some moisture on the surface, which should give the pace bowlers an edge early on with extra bounce and pace when they bowl with the new ball. The spinners might come into play a bit in the middle overs.

This game could turn into a high-scoring affair, so if you win the toss, it’s probably smart to bowl first. Then, when it's your turn to bat in the second inning, the pitch should be much better for hitting, just like in the first match. Chasing could be the way to go here.

ZIM vs NZ Predicted Playing XI

Zimbabwe: Wesley Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.

New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay, James Neesham, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry.

ZIM vs NZ Key Performers

Zimbabwe Top Batter: Sikandar Raza

Zimbabwe cricket team captain Sikandar Raza is the best batter in the team. He was the team's best batter in the last match as he scored a half-century, which eventually wasn't enough though.

Zimbabwe Top Bowler: Richard Ngarava

Zimbabwe cricket team's left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava has been in brilliant form. The left-arm pacer displayed his quality in the previous match as well he picked 3 wickets in a failed attempt for Zimbabwe to win the match.

New Zealand Top Batter: Tim Seifert

New Zealand cricket team’s wicketkeeper batter Tim Seifert has been one of the best Kiwi batters in T20 international cricket. He scored 22 runs in the first match but prior to that, he scored 249 runs in 5 innings vs Pakistan.

New Zealand Top Bowler: Jacob Duffy

Meanwhile, 30-year-old Jacob Duffy has been one of the best bowlers in the New Zealand bowling line-up. He already displayed his quality in the first match taking 3 wickets. He was in great touch before the series as well, taking 13 wickets in 5 matches.

ZIM vs NZ Today Match Prediction 

This is going to be an important match in the context of the series as Zimbabwe need a win to remain in the competition while New Zealand will be hoping to carry on their winning run.

The two teams will be all guns blazing for the victory, but there is no denying that New Zealand is a much better side quality wise compared to Zimbabwe. The Kiwis have a great mix of batters and bowlers. 

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe can outsmart New Zealand with individual performances, the chances of which look unlikely. So we back New Zealand to win this match.