ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction 1st Test, Team News, Pitch Report, Squad, Fantasy Teams

Zimbabwe is up for yet another home Test series, this time against the Blackcaps, New Zealand. The two teams will be going on a collision course in a 2-match Test series commencing on July 30 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Both Tests of this series will be played at this very venue.

New Zealand will be playing a Test after 7 months. They last played a Test match on December 14 against England at home and won by a whopping margin of 423 runs. However, they lost that series at home (3 matches) by 2-1. After a disappointing show in their last Test series, the Blackcaps will head into this game as the firm favorites against a team they have never lost a Test match to.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are heading into this Test after hosting the reigning WTC champions, South Africa, in a 2-match series last month. They lost the series 0-2, but playing against a well-oiled Test nation must have infused confidence in them to perform to their full potential in this series. Will they be able to pull off a miraculous and historic Test win over New Zealand, or will the Blackcaps register their 12th Test win over Zimbabwe?

Let’s delve deeper into this post for the ZIM vs NZ Dream11 prediction.

Also Read: ENG vs IND Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: India Tour of England, 4th Test, July 23

ZIM vs NZ: Match Details

Date: 30th July 2025
Time: 01:30 PM IST
Venue: Queens Sports Club,  Bulawayo

ZIM vs NZ Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 17
NZ won: 11
ZIM won: 0
Draw: 6
Tied: 0

New Zealand and Zimbabwe have collided 17 times in Test cricket. It’s been a one-way traffic between the two sides, as New Zealand has registered 11 wins and Zimbabwe has managed 0. Six games between these two sides ended in a draw.

ZIM vs NZ, 1st Test, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Pitch Report

The pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is known for offering a balanced contest between bat and ball across five days of Test cricket. Early in the match, seamers can expect assistance with swing and movement, especially during the morning sessions. As the surface settles, batting becomes more comfortable from Day 2 onward, allowing top-order batters to build substantial innings. However, by Day 3 and beyond, the pitch tends to wear down, bringing spinners into play with increasing turn and variable bounce. The outfield is relatively slow, which means batters must rely more on timing and placement than power. Historically, a first-innings score of around 300 is considered competitive at this venue, and teams winning the toss often prefer to bat first to capitalize on the early batting-friendly conditions before the pitch deteriorates.

Here are some key Test match stats of Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo:

ZIM vs NZ Team News and Expected Playing XI

ZIM Team News

• Zimbabwe’s squad sees key additions, headlined by the return of Sikandar Raza, who was unavailable for the previous Test series due to MLC commitments.
• Ben Curran has fully recovered from his hand fracture and is back in contention, adding strength to the top order.
• The selection committee has opted for a revamped lineup, leaving out Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere, and Kundai Matigimu from the South Africa series.
• Roy Kaia has earned a spot in the middle order, while Tanunurwa Makoni is set to bolster the opening combination.
• The 16-player squad looks more balanced and competitive compared to the previous outing.

ZIM Expected Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Nicholas Welch, Craig Ervine (C), Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Wellington Masakadza, Tanaka Chivanga, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Takudzwa Nyamhuri

NZ Team News

• New Zealand’s squad for the series comprises 15 players, with Tom Latham stepping in as captain once again.
• Kane Williamson has chosen to skip the series to participate in The Hundred for London Spirit, a decision supported by head coach Rob Walter since this series falls outside the WTC 2025–27 cycle.
• Fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears are also out of action, Jamieson is on paternity leave, while Sears is recovering from a side strain.
• Michael Bracewell has joined the ranks as Glenn Phillips’ injury replacement, though he’s only available for the opening Test.
• There’s buzz around a potential debut for exciting quick Matt Fisher, who’s being closely considered by selectors.

NZ Expected Playing XI: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (C), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell/Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Matt Fisher, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke

Who Will Win ZIM vs NZ 1st Test?

As per the betting odds provided by most of the bettors, the visitors, New Zealand, are tipped as the favorites to win this match and take a 1-0 lead in the 2-match Test series.

Where to watch ZIM vs NZ 1st Test?

The clash between Zimbabwe and New Zealand will take place on Wednesday, July 30, at 01:30 PM (IST). Online live streaming will take place on the FanCode app. No TV streaming is available for this series in India.

ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Fantasy Team

Wicket-keepers: Devon Conway
Batters: Ben Curran, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Tom Latham
All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Brian Bennett
Bowlers: Jacob Duffy, Blessing Muzarabani

C/VC Options- Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Mitchell Santner, Sean Williams