[Match Thread] Zimbabwe v New Zealand: 1st Test

[maehara]

Zimbabwe v New Zealand: 1st Test
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, 28 July - 1 August 2016

We always seem to fare better in Tests than in shorter forms (although that's not saying much these days), and last time New Zealand were in Bulawayo we came within a whisker. What are the odds this time around..?

[sixes fan]

we have 0 chances of winning or forcing a draw, pushing
them to bat 2 innings or up to day 5 will be our best
success which we also have 0 chances to do so

[TapsC]

it all depends on our batting as I think our bowling is going to struggle. the lads need to dig deep and bat for as long as possible in their first innings. let's hope NZ make the same mistake SA A made in their first game and don't accumulate runs quickly. that's the only chance we have.if they bat for too long and we dig deep we might miraculously get a draw.

[foreignfield]

Who do we think has the right temperament to play a long and patient innings at this level? Mawoyo and Hammy have done it, Regis to a lesser extent, maybe Ervine and the new-look Masvaure. I would love to be proven wrong by Sean Williams, though.

Having the right technique to survive against quality bowling is a different matter of course.

[zimstarr]

We will lose this test like we always do

[Mr Twig]

It really does seem like doom and gloom.

Maybe the star align and Masakadza and Ervine score centuries with a 50 from Chari. Too much to ask for?

[TapsC]

Mawoyo has been ruled out of the first test. so it looks like Chari and Prince will definitely play. where does Raza fit in this team?

[zimbofan88]

I don't think Raza will get a chance to play. My guess is Chibabha might open, or like most of you guys are mentioning we might play 8 batsmen and include PJ in the middle order.

Chari
Masvaure
Hami
Ervine
Williams
PJ
Chakbava
Chibabha
Cremer
Tiripano
Chinouyo

Tiripano,Chinoyo, Cremer, Masvaure, Chibabha and Williams( bowlers)

[aydee]

I don't think Raza will get a chance to play. My guess is Chibabha might open, or like most of you guys are mentioning we might play 8 batsmen and include PJ in the middle order.

Chari
Masvaure
Hami
Ervine
Williams
PJ
Chakbava
Chibabha
Cremer
Tiripano
Chinouyo

Tiripano,Chinoyo, Cremer, Masvaure, Chibabha and Williams( bowlers)

I think I'd have to go for another out and out seamer. Unbelievably, I'd pick Muzarabani. In for Chibhabha from that lineup.

[zimbofan88]

One of Hami, Craig, Sean, Chakava must score big for us. I doubt Sean has potential to score 100, but he can score that useful 50-60s. If Chari and Masvaure can survive and score runs like how they did against SA, then we could expect some fight. Our main fear lies in the bowling department. Tiripano and Chinoyo haven't been tested against NZ, so nothing could be predicted at the moment. I hope Cremer comes back to his form, and our part time spinner/medium pacers: Williams, Masvaure and Chibabha bowl well. Let's hope they don't play Mutumbami, Muzarbani or Raza in any of the games.