Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 1st Test is set to be played from 30 July to 3 August at Bulawayo. Notably, both teams are playing a Test match against each other after 9 years. The last time they clashed was in 2016, when the Kiwis dominated the Zimbabwe team by winning the match by 254 runs. Also, Zimbabwe has never defeated New Zealand in Test cricket. However, this time the team is looking solid with some prominent names like Craig Ervine, Blessing Muzarbani, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams. On the other hand, Kiwis have names like Tom Latham, Jacob Duffy, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner. Check out the ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Prediction, pitch report, H2H record, and other details.
Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Match Details
| Match | Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 1st Test |
| Date | 30 July to 3 August 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulwayo |
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Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe, led by Craig Ervine, features a good squad, including prominent names like Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, and Blessing Muzarbani. Zimbabwe is a good T20I side but struggled in the longest format of the game. After a tied series (1-1) against Bangladesh, the team lost both of their next two Test series to England and South Africa. Notably, Zimbabwe has never defeated New Zealand in Test matches, but with the home advantage of a balanced squad, this time they will try to make history. Sean Williams and Craig Ervine will be key in batting, while Blessing Muzarbani needs to do well with the ball.
Zimbabwe Squad: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Clive Madande, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Vincert Masekesa, Blessing Muzarbani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nick Welch, Sean Williams
New Zealand Preview
After defeating India by 3-0 in the Test series in India, New Zealand lost their next series to England by 2-1. The Kiwis are playing their first series in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027, and they will aim to kick off with a victory. Tom Latham will lead the team, which featuresprominent names like Rachin Ravindra, Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, and Devon Conway. However, they will miss Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips in this series.
New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young
Most Recent H2H Record Test
| Winner | Won by | Date |
| New Zealand | 254 runs | 06 Aug 2016 |
| New Zealand | Inning and 117 runs | 28 Jul 2016 |
| New Zealand | Inning and 301 runs | 26 Jan 2012 |
| New Zealand | 34 runs | 01 Nov 2011 |
| New Zealand | Inning and 46 runs | 15 Aug 2005 |
Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 1st Test Pitch Report
ZIM vs NZ, 1st Test is set to be played at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The pitch here is a balanced surface with assistance for both bowlers and batters once shine gone.
Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Prediction: Who Will win?
The 1st Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is set to be an exciting encounter, with New Zealand expected to come out on top. They have a better all-round squad with experienced names and a good head-to-head record.
