New Zealand are in Zimbabwe for the 2025 series, with live coverage under way from the current encounter. The context of the series includes the wider ICC Test Championship, in which nine teams compete over a two-year cycle before a final. New Zealand previously won the inaugural competition with a victory over India in June 2021.
On the field, Jacob Duffy struck early for the tourists by having Tanaka Chivanga caught behind by Conway. The dismissal came from a length ball outside off stump, with Chivanga edging to gully. Earlier, Zak Foulkes had conceded a burst of boundaries to Nick Welch, who slogged three fours in quick succession, but the bowler also produced a series of dot balls to maintain pressure.
The broader context of the match includes cricket's rich history in limited-overs formats. The 50-over World Cup has been contested since 1975, with Australia the most successful side, winning five titles. England famously claimed the 2019 crown after a super-over victory over New Zealand at Lord's, inspired by Ben Stokes.
In the shortest format, Twenty20 cricket has become a global phenomenon, with lucrative domestic leagues drawing huge audiences. Australia enter the match as reigning T20 world champions after their 2021 triumph.
Follow the live blog for further updates as Zimbabwe and New Zealand continue their contest.
