After a competitive Tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and South Africa, the teams are now set to face in the bilateral tour. The series now offers the two sides a chance to test their skills in red ball format following limited over face-offs. New Zealand won the tri-series and now will look to carry the winning momentum in the Test format too.
The two-match Test series will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The first test is scheduled from July 30 to August 3 and will start at 1:30 PM IST, and the second and final Test will follow from August 7 to 11 at the same venue at the same time. For Zimbabwe, this series is a chance to regroup and deliver a strong performance at home. Playing in the familiar conditions, they will hope to put New Zealand under pressure with both bat and ball. Both teams are enriched with competitive squads, and the series promises engaging sessions of Test cricket. With recent form, momentum, and individual performances at stake, fans can expect a gripping battle between Zimbabwe and New Zealand in this short but vital Test series.
With all the stakes in favor of New Zealand, the First test match of the New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe, 2025, between New Zealand and Zimbabwe promises an exciting fantasy cricket showdown. So let’s look at the best fantasy cricket tips, pitch report, and captaincy choices for ZIM vs NZ 1st Test in the series.
ZIM vs NZ Match Details, 1st Test New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe, 2025
| League | New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe, 2025 |
| Match | New Zealand vs Zimbabwe, 1st Test |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
ZIM vs NZ Pitch Report at Queens Sports Club:
The pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo offers a fair contest between bat and ball, making it a classic Test match surface. Early on, especially on Day 1, fast bowlers are likely to find movement off the seam, helped by a bit of moisture in the surface. Batters will need to show caution and solid technique to get through the initial spells with the new ball. As the match progresses, particularly on Days 2 and 3, the pitch tends to settle down and become more favorable for batting. This is usually the best time to score big runs, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely during the middle sessions.
By Day 4 and 5, the surface starts to wear. It slows down, and cracks may develop, offering turn and variable bounce for the spinners. Chasing in the fourth innings can be tough, and batters need to be extra cautious. The outfield is generally quick, which rewards well-timed shots and placement.
Read Also:- ZIM vs NZ Match Prediction
ZIM vs NZ 1st Test: Batters to watch(Recent Stats)
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Williams | ZIM | 8 | 841 | 60.07 | 78.52 |
| Craig Ervine | ZIM | 9 | 603 | 35.47 | 50.67 |
| Rachin Ravindra | NZ | 10 | 683 | 35.95 | 62.14 |
| Daryl Mitchell | NZ | 10 | 562 | 29.58 | 50.13 |
ZIM vs NZ 1st Test: Bowlers to watch(Recent Stats)
| Player | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blessing Muzarabani | ZIM | 9 | 38 | 3.56 | 44.94 |
| Wellington Masakadza | ZIM | 5 | 13 | 3.56 | 75.23 |
| Matt Henry | NZ | 7 | 42 | 3.51 | 31.26 |
| Will O’Rourke | NZ | 9 | 27 | 3.90 | 45.59 |
ZIM vs NZ Prediction 2025: Small League & Grand League Teams
We have outlined the top fantasy picks for you to consider adding to your team for today’s match. If you’re interested in participating in mega leagues on fantasy platforms, take a look at our Grand League Team below to finalize your today ZIM vs NZ fantasy team.
ZIM vs NZ Today Small League Team:
ZIM vs NZ Today Grand League Team:
ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Captain and Vice Captain choices
| Role | Players |
| Captain | Rachin Ravindra, Sikandar Raza, Daryll Mitchell |
| Vice-Captain | Tom Lathan, Brian Bennett, William O’Rourke |
Try rotating the mentioned players across multiple fantasy teams to boost your chances of scoring big. Creating different combinations enhances your chances of winning. Use these ZIM vs NZ Fantasy tips to create your fantasy team and to build your lineup today.
ZIM vs NZ Predicted Playing XI
Zimbabwe Playing XI: Craig Ervine (c), Tanunurwa Makoni, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande (wk), Roy Kaia, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Newman Nyamhuri.
New Zealand Playing XI: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke.
Disclaimer: This fantasy cricket advice is based on the author’s analysis, experience and public available data. Users are advised to use this information as a guide and make their own informed decisions. Crichourly does not support or provide insider information and is not liable for any financial losses resulting from the team selections
