The much-anticipated 1st Test match between Zimbabwe and New Zealand kicks off on July 30, 2025, at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. This clash marks the beginning of a two-match Test series as part of New Zealand’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2025. With both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect a thrilling contest. Here’s everything you need to know about the Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 1st Test, including team news, key players, predictions, and how to watch the match live.
Match Overview: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 1st Test 2025
-
Date: July 30 – August 3, 2025
-
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
-
Time: 10:00 AM Local Time (8:00 AM GMT, 1:30 PM IST)
-
Series: New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe 2025
-
Live Streaming: FanCode app and website (India), ThreeNow (New Zealand)
The match is not part of the World Test Championship, offering both teams a chance to test their squads in red-ball cricket without the pressure of WTC points. New Zealand, ranked 5th in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, are favored, but Zimbabwe, playing at home, aim to leverage familiar conditions to challenge the Kiwis.
Recent Form and Context
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe enters the series after a disappointing 2-0 loss to a second-string South African side at home. Currently ranked 12th in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings with a rating of 10, the hosts face an uphill battle. Their batting struggled in the recent T20I Tri-Series, where they failed to secure a single win, raising concerns about their depth. However, the return of senior players like Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Blessing Muzarabani for the Test series bolsters their lineup.
New Zealand
New Zealand, ranked 5th with a rating of 95, are coming off a mixed 2024, having lost a home Test series to England 2-1. Despite missing key players like Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, and Glenn Phillips (ruled out due to a groin injury), the Black Caps have a strong squad led by stand-in captain Mitchell Santner. Their dominant performance in the T20I Tri-Series, where they remained unbeaten, showcases their depth and adaptability.
Squads
Zimbabwe
-
Captain: Craig Ervine
-
Key Players: Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, Clive Madande (wk), Ben Curran, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Nick Welch, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu
New Zealand
-
Captain: Mitchell Santner
-
Key Players: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, William O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Nathan Smith
Notable absences for New Zealand include Tom Latham (injured), Kane Williamson, and Kyle Jamieson, but the inclusion of fast bowler Matthew Fisher and all-rounder Michael Bracewell adds firepower.
Key Players to Watch
Zimbabwe
-
Brian Bennett: A promising batsman capable of playing long innings, Bennett is expected to anchor the batting lineup against New Zealand’s pace and spin attack.
-
Blessing Muzarabani: Zimbabwe’s premier fast bowler, Muzarabani’s form in Test cricket is exceptional. He is predicted to be the hosts’ leading wicket-taker.
-
Sikandar Raza: The all-rounder and T20I captain will be crucial with both bat and ball, especially after his leadership in the T20I Tri-Series.
New Zealand
-
Rachin Ravindra: Fresh off a stellar T20I Tri-Series performance, Ravindra’s all-round abilities make him a key player. He’s tipped to be New Zealand’s top run-scorer.
-
Matt Henry: The fast bowler was the leading wicket-taker in the T20I Tri-Series with 10 wickets and is expected to dominate in Tests.
-
Devon Conway: Conway’s gritty batting, showcased by a match-winning 59* in the T20I Tri-Series, will be vital for New Zealand’s top order.
Pitch and Conditions
Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo typically offers a balanced pitch, with assistance for seamers early on and spin coming into play as the match progresses. Recent T20I matches at Harare suggested dry surfaces, which could favor spinners like Sikandar Raza and Mitchell Santner. Weather in Bulawayo is expected to be clear, ensuring uninterrupted play over the five days.
Head-to-Head Record
Zimbabwe have never beaten New Zealand in Test cricket, with the Black Caps holding a dominant record. Their last Test encounter was in 2016, and New Zealand’s recent T20I victories (8 wickets on July 18 and 60 runs on July 24) underline their superiority. However, Zimbabwe’s home advantage could make this a closer contest.
Predictions
-
Toss: Zimbabwe are predicted to win the toss.
-
Match Winner: New Zealand are favorites to win, given their stronger squad and recent form.
-
Top Performers:
-
Batsmen: Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe), Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
-
Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe), Matt Henry (New Zealand)
-
Player of the Match: Matt Henry (New Zealand)
-
-
Team Scores (Batting First): Zimbabwe 230+, New Zealand 350+
How to Watch
-
India: The match will not be televised but can be streamed live on the FanCode app and website.
-
New Zealand: Stream live and free on ThreeNow or follow live scoring on the NZC app.
-
Global: Check local listings for geo-restricted streaming options.
Why This Match Matters
For Zimbabwe, this series is a chance to redeem themselves after a lackluster T20I campaign and a Test series loss to South Africa. The return of experienced players like Ervine and Williams offers hope, but their batting depth remains a concern. New Zealand, playing their first Test of 2025, aim to shake off rust and build momentum under Santner’s leadership. With both teams missing key players, this match could hinge on standout performances from emerging stars like Ravindra and Bennett.
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 1st Test promises an exciting battle between a dominant New Zealand side and a determined Zimbabwe team looking to make a mark at home. With players like Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, and Blessing Muzarabani in focus, fans can expect intense competition. Tune in on July 30, 2025, to catch all the action live from Bulawayo!
