Zimbabwe vs New Zealand: First Test Preview and Dream11 Predictions

Zimbabwe is gearing up to face New Zealand in the first Test of their two-match series, starting on July 30 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This match presents Zimbabwe with a chance to redeem themselves after a disappointing home season. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner in the absence of key players, is favored to win. Fans can look forward to detailed Dream11 predictions, playing XI, and weather updates. Will Zimbabwe turn their fortunes around, or will New Zealand continue their dominance? Read on for more insights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2025, 11:51 IST

Match Overview

Zimbabwe is set to clash with New Zealand in the opening Test of their two-match series on Wednesday, July 30. The match will commence at 1:30 PM IST at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Before the game, fans can find the latest Dream11 predictions, fantasy cricket tips, and probable playing line-ups for this exciting encounter.

Match Details

NBC vs GUG Dream11 Prediction – Match details:

Match: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand

Date: July 30, 2025

Timing: 01:30 PM IST

Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Match Preview

ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction – Match Preview:

This Test series against New Zealand presents Zimbabwe with a crucial chance to redeem themselves after a disappointing home season. What began as a promising campaign has turned into a struggle for the Zimbabwean team.

Their home season kicked off with a two-match Test series against South Africa, where they faced defeats in both matches. Following that, they had a disappointing run in the T20I tri-series, failing to secure a win against either South Africa or New Zealand. Now, Zimbabwe is eager to turn their fortunes around in this Test series.

While New Zealand is favored to win, they might encounter challenges as this will be their first Test since December of the previous year. The team will also miss key players, including captain Tom Latham, former captain Kane Williamson, and all-rounders Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson. In Latham's absence, Mitchell Santner will take over the captaincy.

Head-to-Head Record

ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction – Head-to-head:

Historically, New Zealand has dominated this rivalry. Out of the 17 Tests played between the two nations, New Zealand has emerged victorious in 11, while Zimbabwe has yet to secure a win.

Tests: 17

Zimbabwe wins: 0

New Zealand wins: 11

Drawn: 6

Weather and Pitch Conditions

ZIM vs NZ Weather & Pitch Report:

The temperature is expected to hover around 15 degrees Celsius during the match.

Forecasts indicate clear skies for the day.

The pitch is anticipated to be balanced, with an average first innings score of 325 runs.

Predicted Playing XI

ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction – Playing 11s (Predicted):

Zimbabwe Playing 11:

Sean Williams, Nick Welch, Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Clive Madande (wk), Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Tanaka Chivanga, Vincent Masekesa, Trevor Gwandu

New Zealand Playing 11:

Will Young, Devon Conway (wk), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke

Dream11 Team Suggestions

ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

Wicketkeepers– Devon Conway, Tom Blundell

Batsmen– Daryl Mitchell, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Will Young

Allrounders – Sikandar Raza (vc), Brian Bennett, Mitchell Santner (c)

Bowlers – Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel

ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction (Credits: Dream11)

ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

Wicketkeepers– Devon Conway

Batsmen– Daryl Mitchell, Sean Williams (vc), Craig Ervine, Will Young

Allrounders – Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Mitchell Santner

Bowlers – Matt Henry (c), Blessing Muzarabani, Ajaz Patel

ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Prediction (Credits: Dream11)

Predictions

ZIM vs NZ – Who will win?

New Zealand is heavily favored to secure victory in the first Test against Zimbabwe.