Zimbabwe and New Zealand will play a two-match Test series starting on July 30. This series is not part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle 2025-27 as the Chevrons, ZIM have never been part of the Test championship. Meanwhile, the former Test champions, NZ are playing their first Test match this year, having hosted England last December. After beating India in India, the former Blackcaps failed to qualify for the final of the 2023-25 cycle. Talking about Zimbabwe, they played a one-off Test in England and hosted the new Test champions South Africa recently.
Toss Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s Toss?
The toss always comes with some impact, but at this venue, it is all about batting well. The surface is a dream wicket for any bowler and is very tricky if you are a batter. The reason for that is it’s winter in the Southern African nation and it’s a day game. That is when you decide to chase when you don’t know what can be a good target at this venue. So, bowling second will be recommended here.
Our Toss Prediction: Zimbabwe likely to win the toss & chose to bowl
Zimbabwe Won The Toss & Chose To Bat
Historical Toss Record (NZ vs ZIM)
| Match | Date | Venue | Toss | Toss Winner | Match Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Test | Aug 6 – 10, 2016 | Bulawayo | NZ elected to bat | New Zealand | New Zealand |
| 1st Test | Jul 28 – 31, 2016 | Bulawayo | ZIM elected to bat | Zimbabwe | New Zealand |
| Only Test | Jan 26 – 28, 2012 | Napier | ZIM elected to bowl | Zimbabwe | New Zealand |
Toss Stats by Captains
Zimbabwe Toss Record (Captain):
- Matches: 11
- Tosses Won: 07
- Win %: 63
New Zealand Toss Record (Captain):
- Matches: 0
- Tosses Won: 0
- Win %: NA
The overall record and historical stats confirm that Zimbabwe have won more tosses in comparison to New Zealand.
Pitch & Weather Report – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- The forecast for Wednesday shows no chances of rain, with the maximum temperature being around 19°C.
- The surface at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo offers great help for the bowlers. It has enough zip from the surface, and the ball bounces pretty well off the seam.
- In 30 Tests played at this venue, eight have been won by the team batting first, while the other 12 have been won by the chasing side. The average first innings score is 324 and the second innings score is 384. The scores drop massively in the third (224) and fourth (182) innings.
- The new ball will be hard to hit as the surface produces good bounce and carry-through.
NZ vs ZIM – Head-to-Head Record (Tests)
| Total Matches | ZIM Wins | NZ Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 0 | 11 | 6 |
Probable Playing XIs
Zimbabwe Playing XI:
Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell / Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke
New Zealand Playing XI:
Craig Ervine (c), Ben Curran, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Clive Madande (wk), Roy Kaia / Nick Welch, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Vincent Masekesa, Brian Bennett
Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Given the exposure and skills, New Zealand won the recently-concluded T20I tri-series. The Blackcaps have the experience of winning the World Test Championship, which makes them favorites to win against the Chevrons, who hardly have exposure to Test match cricket.
Win Probability
| Team | Win Chance |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 5% |
| New Zealand | 95% |
Players to Watch
Best Batters:
Zimbabwe: C Ervine, Ben Curran
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway
Best Bowlers:
Zimbabwe: Blessing Muzarabani
New Zealand: Ajaz Patel, William o’Rourke
Final Prediction
Toss Winner: Zimbabwe (likely)
Match Winner Prediction: On the basis of the current form and momentum, New Zealand are best suited to win the first Test.
Without a doubt, home conditions make a big difference. Zimbabwe have done well with the ball and have experienced pacers, but New Zealand are relying on an inexperienced bowling attack. That has not helped them much. That is why Zimbabwe are likely to win here.
