Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2025: Head to Head Record, Possible Playing XI for the first Test

New Zealand All are ready to join the two -match test series against all ZimbabweWith the prescribed red-ball action between July 30 to August 11, 2025. Both tests will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulwayo, with the first test on 30 July and the second on 7 August. The series will mark the first test encounters between these two countries after 2016. This will not be part of the series. World Test Championship 2025-27 The cycle for any team, as Zimbabwe is not one of the nine competitive countries, and the New Zealand’s WTC campaign is scheduled to begin in December. West indies,

New Zealand squad and leadership

New Zealand squad will be led Tom LathamWhich captains a well -round team with a mixture of youth and experience. Kiwi has named five expert batsmen, including Devon Conway, Henry Nichols And Will be youngAll of which are the major figures in their test batting lineups. Their bowling unit is scattered by the experienced speed of the unit Matte henry Even more included Jacob Die, Michael Fisher And Will o’erurkeWith specialist spinner – Ajaz Patel,

In particular, New Zealand will be without its two major players: Ken Williamson Not available because he is participating in a hundred T20 tournament, and Glen Philips A back injury is sidelined Michael Bracewell Step as your replacement for the first testing. This series will also mark Test debut for New Zealand’s new head coach, Rob walterWhich was appointed on 6 June.

Zimbabwe Squad and Leadership

Zimbabwe, led by experienced campaigner Craig erwinLooking to bring a strong battle on the soil of the house. The hosts have named the 16-member squad which includes eight expert batsmen, such as Roy Kaya And Clive MadandeHis bowling will be made in the headlines at the speed of the attack Blessing Mujarabani And the spin Welington masakadzaWith support from Tandai Chivanga And Victor Masekesa,

All -rounders return Alexander Raza And Scene Williams The squad provides a significant boost to their balance and experience. Zimbabwe has terminated a challenging period in Test cricket, 12 defeats with his last 15 tests, two draws, and only one win (against) Bangladesh), Including four consecutive heavy defeats before this upcoming series.

Also read: ECB announced the details of the house season for 2026 summer; India, New Zealand and Pakistan to visit England

Zim vs NZ, Head-to-head Record:

Historically, New Zealand has a major record against Zimbabwe in Test cricket. Dating back at their first meeting in 1992, both sides played 17 Tests, out of which black cap won. The remaining six matches have ended in the draw, which means Zimbabwe has so far won the test against New Zealand. Black Caps have won their last six direct tests against Zimbabwe, with the most recent draw back to the Basin Reserve. The last time these two teams met nine years ago, in a two-testing series in Bulwayo, which New Zealand overtook 2–0. Interestingly, only Latham, Nicols and Santner of the current New Zealand squad have faced Zimbabwe in a Test match.

• Play matches: 17 | New Zealand wins: 11 | Zimbabwe wins: 00 | Drawed matches: 04

Potential Games XI: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Test Series 2025

New Zealand (potential xi):

• Tom Latham (captain) – Experienced opener and captain, important to set tone.
• Devon Conway – A reliable opener with a strong test record.
• Will be young – Another solid top-order batter is looking to cement its place.
• Henry Nichols – Middle-order lynchpin proven tests with centuries.
• Derryl Michelle – All -rounder offers important runs and seam bowling options.
• Tom Blundel (wicketkeeper) – The primary wicket-keeper is also capable of bat in the lower-medium order.
• Rachin Ravindra – The exciting young all -rounder, there is a possibility of convenience for his left hand spin and batting.
• Matte henry – Spearhead of speed attack, important for early successes.
• Will o’erurke – Promised young pacer who has impressed in his small Test career.
• Ajaz Patel -Ter-arm spinner, especially effective if the bullwayyo pitch turns as the progress of the match.
• Jacob Dafi / Nathan Smith – One of these fast bowlers will probably carry the third seamor spot, providing additional speed and bounce. Matthew Fisher is also in the squad and may be considered.

Zimbabwe (potential xi):

• Tanunurwa Makoni – A opener wants to provide a solid start.
• Roy Kaya – Another batting option at the top of the order.
• Craig erwin (captain) – Experienced captain, important to lead the batting lineup.
• Scene Williams -Anubhavi all -rounders whose left -arm spin and aggressive batting are important for Zimbabwe.
• Alexander Raza -Giving the head all-rounder, important runs and effective off-spin. His return is a major boost.
• Nicholas welch – A relatively new face in the test setup is looking to create an effect.
• Clive Madande (wicketkeeper) -The wicket-keeper, aims to contribute with the bat.
• Welington masakadza -The-arrow spinner is important for controlling middle overs and taking wickets.
• Blessing Mujarabani – Lead fast bowler, important to ignore the top order of New Zealand with speed and boom.
• Tandai Chivanga – Another speed option supporting Mujrabani.
• Victor Masekesa – A promising spin option that can complement Masakadza.

Also read: Ben Curan and Alexander Raza as Zimbabwe reveal the 16-member squad for the New Zealand test series