ZIM vs NZ 2025: Ben Curran, Sikandar Raza return to Zimbabwe squad for upcoming Test series

Published - 22 Jul 2025, 02:37 IST | Updated - 22 Jul 2025, 02:44 IST

Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza returned to Zimbabwe's red-ball squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. The news about the same was known when Zimbabwe Cricket announced a 16-member squad via a press release on Monday, July 21.

Zimbabwe had recently played a two-match Test series against South Africa. Raza missed the Tests after opting to play in the recently-concluded edition of the Major League Cricket. On the other hand, Curran was sidelined from the series after breaking his hand in the one-off Test against England in May.

Yet another boost for Zimbabwe is that Brian Bennett has been declared fit to play. The opening batter had suffered a concussion in the series-opener against the Proteas after being hit on the helmet. Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni have also made their return to the squad. Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere, and Kundai Matigimu did not make it to the final squad.

Both the Tests will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The series is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, July 30. The Craig Ervine-led unit will be aiming on putting in much better showings compared to their lacklustre efforts against the Proteas.

They suffered heavy defeats in both their matches against South Africa a few weeks back. The margin of defeat was 328 runs and an innings and 236 runs, respectively. These two matches had been played in Bulawayo too.

This approaching assignment will be the first time Zimbabwe will be facing the Kiwis in this particular format of the game in nine years. They last played Test cricket against each other back in July and August of 2016.

Watch: Wessly Madhevere gets hit wicket in bizarre fashion

16-member squad for Test series against New Zealand: Craig Ervine (C), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch.