Zimbabwe to Host New Zealand for Historic Test Series in 2025

In July-August 2025, Zimbabwe will host New Zealand for a two-match Test series, their first meeting in this format since 2016. This series offers Zimbabwe a chance to improve their performance after a challenging home season. New Zealand, having already qualified for the tri-series final, aims to continue their strong form. The article provides insights into the series schedule, team rosters, and historical records, making it a must-read for cricket fans eager for updates on this exciting matchup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2025, 16:11 IST

Overview of the Upcoming Test Series

In July and August 2025, Zimbabwe will welcome New Zealand for a two-match Test series, marking the first encounter between the two nations in this format since 2016. Their last series was also hosted in Zimbabwe, where New Zealand played two Tests.

This upcoming series presents Zimbabwe with an opportunity to improve their performance and provide their supporters with some positive moments during the home season. Despite hosting South Africa and New Zealand this season, Zimbabwe has struggled to make a significant impact.

So far, they have not secured a victory this season, having faced heavy losses in their initial two-match Test series against South Africa. Their disappointing performance continued in the T20I tri-series, where they lost all matches and failed to reach the finals.

The series against New Zealand represents Zimbabwe's final chance to regain some pride this season. Conversely, New Zealand has had a strong start in Zimbabwe, having already qualified for the tri-series final and aiming to win the Test series as well.

As the series approaches, we will explore the schedule, venues, team rosters, historical records, and other pertinent details.

Test Series Schedule and Venue

The Test series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is set to commence on July 30, with the second Test scheduled for August 7. Both matches will be held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, starting at 10:00 AM local time (01:30 PM IST).

1st Test: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, July 30 – August 3, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
2nd Test: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, August 7 – August 11, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Squads for the Test Series

New Zealand will be captained by Tom Latham during the two-match series. The team will be missing several key players, including Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Bracewell, and Ben Sears. However, pacer Matt Fisher has received his first Test call-up.

Spinner Ajaz Patel returns to the New Zealand Test squad for the first time since last year's tour of India, alongside Henry Nicholls, who is also back in the team after a long absence.

Zimbabwe Squad:

Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.

New Zealand Squad:

Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Michael Bracewell.

Head-to-Head Record

Total Tests: 17

Won by Zimbabwe: 0

Won by New Zealand: 11

Drawn: 6