Outperformed and outclassed in the first Test, Zimbabwe’s Chevrons are in search of a better show when they take on New Zealand – leading the series 1-0 – in the second and final Test at Queens Sports Club on Saturday.

So bad was the batting that tail enders Donald Tiripano (49*) and Prince Masvaure (42) had to show the batsmen how it’s done but Zimbabwe were all out just before the end of Day One.

Zimbabwe’s batting woes started in the first innings where seasoned batsmen in the form of Chamunorwa “Tsano” Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza (ruled out for the second test) and Brian Chari gave away too easily, New Zealand grabbing their first eight wickets for 72, before Masvaure and Tiripano offered some resistance and took the total to 164.

Likewise, Zimbabwe’s bowl attack was poor and New Zealand had no option than to capitalise on the poor attack as they went on to win by an innings and 117 runs.

And that is the reason medium pacer Chris Mpofu and off-spinner John Nyumbu have been called into the squad to bolster the bowl attack.

Nyumbu has two Tests in his cricket playing career, his maiden was against the Black Caps also at the same venue five years ago while his second came against Bangladesh. However, Mpofu has more experience with nine Tests to his name and his experience is expected to bring stability into the attack.

Chibhabha, Chari and Masakadza were also not in the best form in the second innings as they gifted New Zealand with five wickets after posting just 86 runs and a century from Sean Williams tried to resuscitate the hosts but it was all in vain.

It, however was Zimbabwe’s fastest Test century his 119 coming off 148 deliveries with 21 fours.

There are chances that opener Tino Mawoyo, could miss the second Test having suffered an injury off a Tim Southee delivery that cracked his thumb in the preceding tour match.

Zimbabwe will be hoping that the top order fires for them to have a memorable battle against the Black Caps and while the middle order looked almost promising more would be expected from Sikanda Raza-Butt, while Williams and Ervine need to keep the tempo.

Mpofu and Njabulo Ncube are expected to lead the pace attack while spin responsibility would alternate between Nyumbu and Cremer.

New Zealand also have a headache of their own – selection.

Preparing for their series against South Africa, the Black Caps bowl attack was very sharp, Neil Wagner claiming eight wickets in the match Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee providing invaluable assistance.

Uncapped opener Jeet Raval might get a chance, but the batting order does not need much change for New Zealand given that former captain Ross Taylor, BJ Watling and Tom Latham all came out with tons in the previous match while captain Kane Williamson was nine short of a century.

Squads

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Mark Craig, Jeet Raval, Luke Ronchi.
Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer (capt), Brian Chari, Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Prince Masvaure, Regis Chakabva (wk), Donald Tiripano, Michael Chinouya, Tino Mawoyo, Peter Moor, Richmond Mutumbami, Njabulo Ncube, Taurai Muzarabani.