Table of Contents
New Zealand, fresh off their dominant tri-series victory in Harare, are now poised to challenge Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series in Bulawayo. This red-ball contest presents a stark contrast in recent form, with the Kiwis aiming to extend their winning streak while the hosts desperately seek a resurgence after a string of heavy defeats, including a record-threatening performance from South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder.
New Zealand’s unblemished momentum meets Zimbabwe’s recent struggles
New Zealand arrives in Bulawayo brimming with confidence, carrying the significant momentum of their recent T20I tri-series triumph in Harare. The Black Caps showcased their dominance by winning the tournament without dropping a single game, culminating in a thrilling final victory. This impressive white-ball performance sets a high bar for their Test ambitions, as they look to replicate their success in the longer format.
In stark contrast, Zimbabwe’s recent cricketing journey has been fraught with challenges. Prior to the tri-series, they hosted South Africa for two Test matches and were comprehensively thrashed by the Proteas in both encounters. The second Test was particularly bruising, with South African stand-in captain Mulder scoring a monumental 367 not out before declaring.
This extraordinary innings not only underscored South Africa’s dominance but also famously put Brian Lara’s highest individual Test score of 400 not out in genuine danger, highlighting the vulnerability of the Zimbabwean bowling attack. Following these significant Test losses, Zimbabwe’s woes continued into the tri-series, where they were outplayed in all four matches. These consecutive setbacks leave the hosts with a strong desire for a ‘better showing’ in the upcoming Test series.
Also READ: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 2025: Test Stats and Records at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
ZIM vs NZ, 1st Test: Queens Sports Club Pitch Report
The Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo typically offers a surface that starts dry but can provide some assistance to seamers with the new ball due to early moisture, especially in cooler conditions. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to flatten out, becoming more conducive for batting, allowing set batters to score freely. However, with wear and tear over days three to five, the surface is expected to offer increasing turn and uneven bounce, bringing the spinners prominently into play. Teams winning the toss often prefer to bat first to capitalize on the initial good batting conditions. Historically, of 30 Tests played here, 12 have been won by the chasing team, indicating that there is enough for bowlers to work with later on.
ZIM vs NZ, 1st Test: Bulawayo Weather Report
The weather forecast for the first Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand, starting on July 30, 2025, in Bulawayo, indicates generally dry and increasingly pleasant conditions throughout the five days.
- Day 1 (Wednesday, July 30): Expected to be sunny with a high of 19°C and a low of 7°C, boasting clear skies and no chance of rain, ideal for cricket.
- Day 2 (Thursday, July 31): Forecast predicts continued sunny weather with temperatures rising slightly to a high of 21°C and a low of 8°C, with conditions remaining clear and dry.
- Day 3 (Friday, August 1): The sun is expected to persist with temperatures reaching a comfortable high of 23°C and a low of 7°C, though there’s a slight 10% chance of rain overnight.
- Day 4 (Saturday, August 2): Conditions shift slightly to partly cloudy with a cooler high of 17°C and a low of 6°C, carrying a 10% chance of rain during the day.
- Day 5 (Sunday, August 3): The final day is anticipated to be sunny once more, with temperatures returning to a high of 19°C and a low of 8°C, and no precipitation expected.
Also READ: Kane Williamson names the best all-format player of the past 15 years
