Published on: Jul 29, 2025 1:30 pm IST | Updated on: Aug 6, 2025 11:53 am IST
Zimbabwe’s congested cricketing calendar in June and July continues with yet another Test series. They will host New Zealand in a two-match Test series, with both games set to be played in Bulawayo. The first Test of the two-match series will commence on July 30. Zimbabwe lost their last Test series at home against South Africa by 2-0 (2-match series), whereas New Zealand last played a Test series at home against England, which they lost 2-1 (3-match series). In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st ZIM vs NZ Test at Bulawayo.
It’s a no-brainer which team has the upper hand. New Zealand will enter this contest with their tails up. New Zealand has never ever lost a Test match against Zimbabwe, and they will look to keep this record intact in this Test series. Therefore, the win probability will overwhelmingly go in favor of the visitors. Therefore, we are backing New Zealand to win this encounter. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the ZIM vs NZ 1st Test at Bulawayo.
NZ: 78% win chance ZIM: 22% win chance
Ben Curran was the leading run-getter for his side in the recently concluded Tri-Nation Series between Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams is one of the batting stalwarts of Zimbabwe cricket. In his last 9 test matches, the left-hander has amassed 841 at a breathtaking average of 60.07.
The left-hand middle-order batter has scored 683 runs in his last 10 Test match outings. He could be a player to watch out.
New Zealand skipper and opening batter Tom Latham is one of the most consistent batters in recent times for his side in red-ball cricket. Expect him to be among runs in this match.
Check out our prediction for the ZIM vs NZ 1st Test at Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe is getting its fair share of recognition in the world of Test cricket. The team has been fighting it out to earn some respect in the purest form of the game, and somehow, they are getting their fair bit of recognition, with this being their second Test series in under a month against a top Test-playing nation.
Zimbabwe last played a Test series against the reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, at this very venue. Although the hosts lost 2-0, but playing against a full-fledged Test nation must have infused confidence in their squad. Zimbabwe will look to take forward the confidence they gained from the South Africa series, and now, against New Zealand, they should come up with some good execution plans.
With their core Test group aging and key players nearing the twilight of their careers, New Zealand’s upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe presents an ideal opportunity to usher in the next generation of talent. While the Black Caps have leaned on the experience of Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Tom Latham for years, it’s time to look at promising youngsters who can carry the torch forward.
This low-pressure bilateral series offers the perfect setting to assess new players against unfamiliar conditions. The likes of Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, and Will Young deserve extended runs to showcase their red-ball credentials. It’s also a chance for the incredible captain Tom Latham to lead the way from the front with the bat.
Given Zimbabwe’s rebuilding phase, the series provides a balance of competition and experimentation. Blooding young players now could pay dividends when tougher assignments in Australia or India come calling. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 17 NZ won: 11 ZIM won: 0 Draw: 6 RECENT form ZIMBABWE: W L L L L RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: W W L L W
Zimbabwe and New Zealand have locked horns 17 times in Test matches. Zimbabwe is yet to win a Test match against the Blackcaps, whereas the latter have registered 11 wins to their name. 6 matches between these two sides ended as a draw.
How will the two teams, i.e., Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, fare in the 1st Test? Let’s take a look.
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
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
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st Test match between New Zealand and Zimbabwe at Bulawayo:
New Zealand might prefer to bowl first if they win the toss, banking on early seam movement. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, could opt to bat, hoping to build momentum before the spinners come into play. Either way, pitch conditions will influence strategic decisions heavily.
Where to Watch Today’s Match
The online live streaming of the 1st Test match of the New Zealand Tour of Zimbabwe will take place live on the FanCode App. There’s no TV streaming available for this series in India.
New Zealand enters this contest as the sheer favorites. They are tipped as favorites by all the bookmakers and have a brilliant record against Zimbabwe, having never lost to them in a test match. Expect them to beat Zimbabwe comfortably in this match. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, New Zealand, are expected to win the 1st ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Test match.