ZIM vs NZ 2025: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 1st Test Match Preview
The last time the two teams faced each other in a red-ball game was way back in August 2016.
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The first Test of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The last time the two teams faced each other in a red-ball game was way back in August 2016.
Both teams recently played each other in the 20-over tri-series, but the stakes will be higher as they move to the longest format. The Kiwis, who eventually emerged victorious in the triangular series, won both their matches against Zimbabwe.
The hosts are coming on the back of a series whitewash against South Africa, where both the matches were played at the same venue Bulawayo. Zimbabwe have been boosted by the return of Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran to their squad.
This will be the first Test New Zealand will play in 2025. The last time they played red-ball cricket, they lost to England by a 1-2 scoreline at home. Kane Willamson will not be present in the red-ball squad after recently declining the offer for a central contract.
Match Details
| Match | Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, First Test, New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe 2025 |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Date & Time | July 30 to August 3, 1:30 pm (IST) |
| Live Broadcast and Streaming Details | FanCode (app & website) |
Pitch Report
The surface at Queens Sports Club did not disintegrate in the previous Tests. It is expected to become better for batting. The new-ball bowlers may find more assistance but spin will have its say as the game goes on.
Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 17 |
| Won by Zimbabwe | 0 |
| Won by New Zealand | 11 |
| Drawn | 6 |
| First-ever Fixture | November 1 to November 5, 1992 |
| Most-recent Fixture | August 6 to August 10, 2016 |
Probable Playing XIs
Zimbabwe
Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Trevor Gwandu, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
New Zealand
Tom Latham (c), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, Matthew Fisher, Ajaz Patel
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