New Zealand are touring Zimbabwe and will be taking on The Chevrons in a two Test series, both taking place at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The sides will first lock horns on 30th July 2025 before the second Test begins on August 7th.
Zimbabwe have a tough task ahead of them, hosting a star-studded New Zealand side that currently sits 5th in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings. As a result, New Zealand are firm favorites to dominate the series, but if Zimbabwe’s leading men can find form, an upset could be possible along the way.
Current Form:
Zimbabwe
Craig Ervine’s Zimbabwe side arrive to the series on the back of a recent 2-0 home defeat against South Africa. The Proteas were superior for the entirety of that series, despite resting many of their usual first choice selections.
Bowling seemed to be the primary cause for concern for Zimbabwe, who never kept South Africa to under 350 in an innings during the series. The second Test in particular exposed some vulnerabilities in Zimbabwe’s bowling outfit, as The Proteas amassed a whopping 626 runs with stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder going close to the world record with his score of 367 not out.
In response Ervine’s side were bowled out for 170 and 220, never coming close to the posted totals. In fact, The Chevrons’ top score in an innings was 251. There were however, some positive performances with the bat from experienced individuals such as Sean Williams, which will provide hope for the upcoming series.
New Zealand
Comparatively, The Kiwis are yet to play any Test cricket in 2025 with their last match being played in mid-December 2024. On that occasion, they beat a powerful England side by 423 runs but lost the series overall.
New Zealand’s usual performers were on form then with Tom Latham scoring 63 and Matt Henry taking 4-48 with the ball, dismissing England for just 143. In the second innings of that match, the ever-reliable Kane Williamson produced another batting masterclass, registering another century. The current world number three Test batter is unavailable for this series with Zimbabwe due to his involvement in the Hundred as captain of London Spirit, giving extra belief to the Chevrons that an upset may be possible.
Head-to-Head
The last five Test matches between these two nations have all gone New Zealand’s way.
Let’s have a look at the squads:
New Zealand
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, William O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Michael Bracewell
Zimbabwe
Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu
Players to look out for:
Zimbabwe
Brian Bennett – Is a hot prospect for Zimbabwe cricket, already demonstrating adept performances while being just 21 years of age. Bennet is an accomplished player of both spin and fast bowling and has proven his ability at the top level, scoring a century against England in May 2025. He is anticipated to produce this series and be amongst the runs against the Kiwis.
Blessing Muzarabani – His form in Test Cricket is extraordinary with the ball. Muzarabani is expected to be the highest wicket taker for Zimbabwe in the Test Series.
New Zealand
Rachin Ravindra – He showed signs of good form in the recently concluded T20I Tri Series with knocks of 47 & 63 and will have ample opportunity to impress with the bat again in the upcoming matches against Zimbabwe.
Matt Henry – He recently took two vital wickets to help secure victory in the Tri Series Final against South Africa, meaning confidence will be high entering his first Test of the year. Henry has also kept well practised with the red ball by competing with Somerset in the 2025 Rothesay County Championship, taking 14 wickets in four matches and will undoubtedly be eager to step back into the international Test cricket spotlight.
With the stage set for a thrilling Test series, all eyes will be on whether Zimbabwe’s blend of experience and emerging talent can rise to the occasion and keep the contest competitive. Or will New Zealand’s quality and depth ultimately prove too strong for the hosts?
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Cricket Betting Tips and Match Predictions* – PrePlay
Who will win the series?- New Zealand
Top Batter (Runs Scored) – Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe), Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
Top Bowler (Wickets taken) – Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe), Matt Henry (New Zealand)
Most Sixes – Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
Player of the Series – Matt Henry (New Zealand)
Fixtures:
30th July – 3rd August 2025
1st Test Match – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
7th August – 11th August 2025
2nd Test Match – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
