ZIM vs NZ Match Prediction 2025 1st Test: Match Preview, Pitch Report and Who will win Today’s Match?

ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Match Preview

The New Zealand cricket team has been on a long tour of Zimbabwe. They earlier played a T20I Tri-Series which they eventually won. But it doesn't stop for them. Next they take on Zimbabwe in the red ball cricket in a 2 match Test series, the first of which will be played starting from 30 July.

The New Zealand team has been on a mixed run of form in red ball cricket. Whereas they beat Team India 3-0 in India in 2024, they then lost 2-1 in their next Test series vs England in the same year.

In their last match vs England, New Zealand delivered a stunning performance and won the match by 423 runs. New Zealand started strong with 357 runs in the first innings, and England couldn't quite keep up, finishing at 143. Then New Zealand scored another 453 runs, with Kane Williamson's 156 making him the highest scorer. England was all out for 234 runs, which helped New Zealand clinch the third Test victory, but ultimately, New Zealand lost the series 2-1.

As for the host Zimbabwe cricket team, they don't play regular Test cricket. But this year, they have had some matches under their belt prior to the series. They ended the two-match Test series against Bangladesh tied at 1-1. But that's been their only Test cricket win in 2025 as they lost the following matches vs England and South Africa.

In their most recent match vs South Africa, the Proteas scored 626 runs with Wian Mulder the top scorer with 367 runs. Zimbabwe were then bowled out for 170 runs and 220 runs in the 2nd inning after asked to follow on as South Africa won by an innings and 236 runs.

ZIM vs NZ Recent Form

Zimbabwe’s recent form in Test cricket is definitely not up to the mark for the hosts. In their last 5 matches, they have won only once, that was against Bangladesh earlier this year and since then have lost 4 matches in a row vs Bangladesh, England and South Africa.

As for New Zealand, in their last 5 Test matches, they have won 3 matches and lost 2. They obviously won the 3 match Test vs India 3-0 and then lost the following Test series vs England 2-1.

ZIM vs NZ Head-to-Head in Tests

Zimbabwe and New Zealand share a long history in Test cricket. There have been 17 prior head-to-head matches played between the two teams and New Zealand have won 11 matches while Zimbabwe have managed to win none with 6 matches ending in a draw.

Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo Pitch Report

The Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is pretty renowned because of its even surface, which really levels the playing field for bowlers and batsmen alike. The previous matches against South Africa and Afghanistan saw high scores, highlighting that the batters can be effective. At the same time, both pace and spin bowlers can be just as impactful. The pacers can make an impact with the new ball and bowling on the tighter length. The spinners are also expected to make an impact as the game progresses. However, the team that bowls first at this venue has been more successful. In the 29 matches, teams bowling first have won 12 matches while batting first teams have won 7 matches.

ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Predicted Playing XI

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine, Clive Madande, Roy Kaia, Nick Welch, Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (C), Sean Williams, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Tanaka Chivanga.

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel.

ZIM vs NZ Top Performers

Zimbabwe Top Batter: Brian Bennett

Young 21-years-old Zimbabwe batter Brian Bennett has been a revelation and is touted as one of Zimbabwe’s future star batter. He has been doing well in Test cricket as he scored a century against England to show his class.

Zimbabwe Top Bowler: Blessing Muzarabani

Blessing Muzarabani has really established himself as Zimbabwe’s leading fast bowler. He has an ample amount of experience. He took 3 wickets vs South Africa and 3 wickets vs England in the recent red ball matches for Zimbabwe.

New Zealand Top Batter: Will Young

32-years-old New Zealand batter Will Young has been consistently doing well for New Zealand. The opening batter scored 102 runs in 2 innings vs England and prior to that, he scored 244 runs vs India. The batter is a reliable batter who looks to play the longer innings to help his team put big totals on the board.

New Zealand Top Bowler: Matt Henry

Experienced New Zealand pacer Matt Henry is going to be the Kiwi bowler to watch out for. Henry bagged 15 wickets vs England and 10 wickets vs India in the previous series. He also picked 10 wickets in the Tri-series a few days back, showcasing that he can be really effective in these conditions in Zimbabwe.

ZIM vs NZ Today Match Prediction

This will be the first of the two match Test series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand. The Kiwis are rated better than the Zimbabwe cricket team and are considered the favorites to win this match.

While Zimbabwe have a decent squad mixed with players like Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Ben Curran etc, New Zealand just have the better quality players in every department. With batters like Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra and bowlers like Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, New Zealand definitely has better quality players.

The Kiwis have also dominated the previous head-to-head matches against the African team. Hence, New Zealand is definitely starting the match as the favourite to win this game.