ZIM vs NZ Match Prediction- Who Will Win 1st Test? New Zealand Tour of Zimbabwe 2025

Zimbabwe Vs New Zealand: First Test Match Predictions

As Zimbabwe prepares to face off against New Zealand in the first of a two-match Test series, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this thrilling cricket matchup. In this article, we will delve into the ZIM vs NZ Match Prediction, Toss Prediction, Score Prediction, Best Batter Prediction, and Best Bowler Prediction for the upcoming 1st match.

Match Details

The first Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is scheduled to take place from July 30 to August 3, 2025, at 1:30 PM IST at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Cricket enthusiasts can catch all the action on Fancode.

Head-to-Head Record

The historical rivalry between these two teams spans 17 matches in the longest format of the game, with New Zealand emerging victorious in 11 encounters, while six matches have ended in a draw.

Pitch Report & Conditions

The pitch at the Queens Sports Club is known to present some challenges for batting, particularly if the bowlers find the right areas. The team winning the toss is likely to opt to bat first and set a competitive total, similar to the strategy employed by South Africa in the previous Test series at this venue. A target of 330-340 runs could be considered respectable on a wicket offering assistance to the bowlers.

Weather Report

Fans can expect clear skies during the first match of the series, as there is no prediction of rain. The temperature will range from a maximum of 19-24 degrees Celsius to a minimum of 6-8 degrees Celsius, providing comfortable playing conditions for the teams.

Probable XIs

Here are the expected playing XIs for both teams:

Zimbabwe Playing 11: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Clive Madande (wk), Nicholas Welch, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

New Zealand Playing 11: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Ajaz Patel

Form and Fitness

Both teams have no significant concerns regarding form and fitness heading into the first Test match, ensuring a level playing field for the players.

Score Prediction

The team batting first will aim to set a target of 330-340 runs in the initial innings of the game, setting the stage for an exciting battle between bat and ball.

Players to Watch

Key players to watch out for in this match include Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu from Zimbabwe, and Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy from New Zealand.

Best Batsman and Bowler Predictions

Who will emerge as the top run-scorers and wicket-takers in the match? Keep an eye on Sikandar Raza or Brian Bennett for Zimbabwe, and Daryl Mitchell or Will Young for New Zealand in the batting department. For the bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani or Trevor Gwandu could shine for Zimbabwe, while Mitchell Santner or Jacob Duffy may lead the charge for New Zealand.

Match Conclusion

As the match approaches, New Zealand is considered the favorite to secure a victory in this highly anticipated Test clash, showcasing their prowess on the field. Cricket fans can expect an intense battle between these two competitive teams, with each side eager to claim bragging rights in this Test series.

Team Strategies

Zimbabwe, led by Craig Ervine, will be looking to put up a strong fight against the formidable New Zealand side. With players like Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza in good form, Zimbabwe will aim to capitalize on their home advantage and adapt to the conditions at Queens Sports Club. On the other hand, New Zealand, under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner, will rely on their balanced squad to dominate the proceedings. Players like Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell will be crucial in setting up a solid foundation for the Kiwi innings.

Key Factors

One key factor that could influence the outcome of the match is the performance of the spinners on both teams. With pitches in Zimbabwe known to assist spin bowling, players like Mitchell Santner and Sikandar Raza could play pivotal roles in restricting the opposition’s scoring. Additionally, the ability of the top-order batsmen to handle the new ball and set up a strong platform for their respective teams will be crucial in determining the course of the match.

Recent Form

Looking at the recent performances of both teams, New Zealand comes into the series with a slight edge, having performed well in their previous Test matches. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be keen to make a statement and upset the higher-ranked opposition with a spirited display of cricket. The pressure will be on the players to deliver under such circumstances, making for an exciting contest for fans to witness.

Player Match-ups

One intriguing aspect of the match will be the individual battles between players from both teams. For instance, the contest between Blessing Muzarabani and Devon Conway could prove to be an exciting battle, with Muzarabani’s pace against Conway’s technique. Similarly, the clash between experienced campaigners like Sean Williams and Mitchell Santner in the middle overs could sway the momentum of the game in favor of their respective teams.

Final Prediction

As the teams gear up for the first Test match, all eyes will be on the players to deliver their best performance on the field. While New Zealand might have the upper hand on paper, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and Zimbabwe could spring a surprise with an inspired display. Ultimately, it will come down to which team can execute their plans effectively and handle the pressure situations better during the course of the match.

With anticipation building up for the exciting encounter between Zimbabwe and New Zealand, cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat as the action unfolds at the Queens Sports Club. Stay tuned for an enthralling contest between bat and ball as these two teams battle it out for supremacy in the longest format of the game.