ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Match Preview: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Pitch Report, Stats & Prediction

ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Match Preview: Zimbabwe and New Zealand will face off in the 1st Test of the two-match series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting July 30, 2025. Zimbabwe will aim to bounce back after a poor run against South Africa, while New Zealand arrives with a strong squad and an unbeaten record against Zimbabwe in Tests.

Here’s a detailed preview of ZIM vs NZ 1st Test, including date, venue, team news, pitch report, key players, weather, and winning prediction.

Match Details – ZIM vs NZ 1st Test, 2025

ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Match Preview and Team Analysis

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is entering this series on the back of a 0-2 defeat to South Africa, with both batting and bowling units underperforming. Skipper Craig Ervine will need to lead from the front and inspire the team to deliver better results on home soil.

Ben Curran’s return strengthens the top order, while Sean Williams and Nick Welch will be expected to build the middle innings. The lower middle order will rely on Madhevere and Madande to provide stability.

With the ball, Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza will aim to exploit home conditions, assisted by Chivanga and Masekesa.

Key Players:

• Craig Ervine – Experienced leader and key middle-order batsman

• Blessing Muzarabani – Strike bowler with pace and bounce

• Sean Williams – Reliable all-rounder in the XI

Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI:

Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga

New Zealand

New Zealand returns to Test cricket after a break of over six months. They lost their previous Test series against England but come into this match as favorites, having never lost to Zimbabwe in Test history.

Latham and Conway will look to provide a solid start, while Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, and Rachin Ravindra form a dependable middle order. The presence of Santner and Blundell adds depth.

With the ball, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy will lead the pace attack, supported by the spin of Mitchell Santner and the promising William O’Rourke.

Key Players:

• Tom Latham – Experienced opener and captain

• Matt Henry – Leading pace bowler

• Mitchell Santner – Crucial spinner on a turning surface

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Nathan Smith, Henry Nicholls

ZIM vs NZ: Pitch and Weather Report

Pitch Report – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Pitch Type: Slow and dual-paced with early seam and later spin
Average 1st Innings Score: 314
Batting 4th: Difficult due to surface deterioration
Toss Prediction: Bat first – expect turn and cracks from Day 3 onward

Weather Forecast – July 30

Clear skies and consistent weather are expected throughout the day.

ZIM vs NZ Match Prediction: New Zealand Favourites

Zimbabwe’s recent form and lack of consistency with the bat remain concerning. While they have home advantage, the depth and experience in New Zealand’s batting and bowling units give them a clear edge. Unless Zimbabwe produces something extraordinary, New Zealand is well-placed to dominate.

Prediction: New Zealand to win the 1st Test and take a 1-0 lead in the series.