As the red-ball cricket calendar moves forward in 2025, fans are in for a fascinating battle as Zimbabwe gear up to host New Zealand for a two-match Test series starting July 30 at the iconic Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo. This series brings together two teams at different points in their cricketing journeys—Zimbabwe, seeking to re-establish their presence in Test cricket, and New Zealand, fresh off a triumphant run in the T20I Tri-Series, bringing confidence, consistency, and flair.
From Sikandar Raza’s seasoned off-spin and strokeplay to Devon Conway’s batting artistry and Matt Henry’s precision with the red ball, expect the contest to be rich in skill, strategy, and surprises.
Context and Significance of the Series
Zimbabwe has long fought valiantly to assert itself in the Test arena, especially against top-tier opponents. Hosting New Zealand is not just a competitive engagement—it’s an opportunity to test their mettle against one of the most well-rounded teams in international cricket. The timing of the series—following a high-profile T20 tri-series also held in Zimbabwe—adds a layer of continuity and spotlight to the nation’s cricketing calendar.
On the other hand, New Zealand approach this series with buoyancy. They lifted the T20I Tri-Series trophy after an unbeaten run, culminating in a nail-biting 3-run win over South Africa in the final. Their depth across formats has proven instrumental, and now, they’ll look to replicate their dominance in the longest form of the game.
Match Schedule & Timings
The series will be played across two back-to-back weeks at a single venue, Queen’s Sports Club, in Bulawayo. The familiar conditions for Zimbabwe could play a pivotal role, especially with the pitch offering assistance to both spinners and seamers.
Test Match | Dates | Venue | Time (IST) | Time (Local – Bulawayo) | Time (GMT) |
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1st Test | 30 July – 3 August 2025 | Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo | 1:30 PM | 8:00 AM | 7:00 AM |
2nd Test | 7 – 11 August 2025 | Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo | 1:30 PM | 8:00 AM | 7:00 AM |
Team Analysis: Zimbabwe
Captain: Craig Ervine
Key Players: Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Blessing Muzarabani
Zimbabwe’s squad mixes experience with promising young talent. Veteran campaigners like Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza bring a wealth of experience in both batting and bowling, while Blessing Muzarabani leads the pace attack with genuine threat.
Craig Ervine, an experienced and composed presence at the top, will shoulder the responsibility of guiding this unit against a formidable Kiwi side. The likes of Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, and Ben Curran are names to watch—especially under pressure situations where partnerships matter.
Zimbabwe Squad:
Craig Ervine (c), Ben Curran, Roy Kaia, Clive Madande, Tanunurwa Makoni, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nick Welch, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri.
Strengths:
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Spin-allrounders Raza and Williams can exploit the slower Bulawayo surface.
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Muzarabani’s bounce and movement could trouble even top Kiwi batters.
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Home advantage and pitch familiarity.
Challenges:
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Fragile batting under pressure.
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Inconsistent lower order contributions.
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Lacking recent red-ball match practice against top-10 teams.
Team Analysis: New Zealand
Captain (likely): Tom Latham / Mitchell Santner
Key Players: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner
New Zealand’s squad has depth, balance, and composure. Conway, Nicholls, and Latham form a technically sound top order. Rachin Ravindra, fresh from his rising stock in all formats, offers the x-factor with both bat and ball. Matt Henry’s consistency and Ajaz Patel’s control round off a potent bowling unit.
What makes New Zealand truly dangerous is their adaptability. Whether it’s pace-friendly or spin-assisting conditions, they have the personnel to adjust and dominate. Their discipline in batting, athleticism in the field, and structured bowling patterns have been a hallmark of their Test cricket in recent years.
New Zealand Squad:
Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Glenn Phillips, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel.
Strengths:
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Rich blend of experience and youth.
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Strong lower-middle order led by Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.
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Ravindra and Santner form a spinning duo that adds variety and control.
Challenges:
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Adjusting to Zimbabwe’s spin-friendly conditions quickly.
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Young pace bowlers like Fisher and O’Rourke are relatively new to Test cricket.
Key Battles to Watch
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Sikandar Raza vs Rachin Ravindra
Both allrounders, both match-winners. This duel might well decide sessions—Raza’s aggressive strokeplay against Ravindra’s guile and vice versa. -
Devon Conway vs Blessing Muzarabani
Conway’s solid technique will be tested by Muzarabani’s steep bounce and late movement with the new ball. -
Sean Williams vs Ajaz Patel
A battle of the lefties—Williams, with his calm approach and precise footwork, against Patel’s variation and accuracy, will be key during the middle overs. -
Tom Latham vs Wellington Masakadza
If Masakadza gets early purchase from the track, Latham’s famous patience and defensive technique will be in the spotlight.
Recent Form and Momentum
New Zealand:
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Unbeaten in the recently concluded T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe.
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Narrow 3-run win in the final against South Africa, showing composure under pressure.
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Strong individual form: Ravindra, Conway, and Henry in particular.
Zimbabwe:
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Yet to register consistent Test performances in the past two years.
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However, playing at home has historically brought out stronger showings.
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The team is gradually transitioning with new talent filling experienced shoes.
Pitch and Conditions: Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo
The Queen’s Sports Club pitch in Bulawayo typically offers assistance to spinners as the match progresses, though early on there is help for seamers with the new ball, especially during morning sessions. Batting is usually easiest on Day 2 and 3.
Weather forecast: Mostly dry weather with mild temperatures. Mornings can be cool, affecting the swing. Afternoon conditions tend to favor spinners.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Fans across the globe can tune in via multiple official broadcasters:
Region | Broadcaster |
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India | Fancode (App & Website) |
Zimbabwe | ZTN Prime (Channel 294), DStv app |
South Africa | SuperSport, DSTV app |
New Zealand | ThreeNow |
Pakistan | Tapmad |
USA & Canada | Willow TV |
Rest of the World | ICC TV |
What’s at Stake?
For Zimbabwe, this series is about revival and pride. Test matches at home are precious occasions, and upsetting a higher-ranked side like New Zealand would signal their return to relevance.
For New Zealand, it’s about consistency. With the ICC World Test Championship cycle always in view, a 2-0 away win would go a long way in boosting points and morale, especially ahead of tougher tours later in the year.
The 2025 Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Test series may be short in length but is loaded with potential drama, individual brilliance, and national pride. Both teams have a point to prove—Zimbabwe with resurgence, New Zealand with consistency—and the cricketing world will be watching.
With the red ball set to swing, spin, and thrill, Bulawayo is all set for five-day battles that could swing either way. Whether you’re cheering for the Chevrons or backing the Black Caps, get ready for riveting Test cricket in its purest form.
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