ZIM vs NZ, 1st Test Dream11 Prediction, Match Preview, Pitch Report

ZIM vs NZ: The New Zealand team is on a tour of Zimbabwe, where a two-match Test series will be played between the two teams. The first Test match of the series will be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from July 30. The New Zealand team looks very strong on paper, but Zimbabwe cannot be taken lightly in its home conditions.

ZIM vs NZ Match Details

Match: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 1st Test
Series: New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe, 2025
Date: July 30, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM (IST)
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Broadcaster: FanCode / Sony Sports Network (Expected)

ZIM vs NZ Match Preview

New Zealand have a balanced and experienced team under the captaincy of Kane Williamson. Batsmen like Tom Latham, Devon Conway and bowlers like Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson can be a threat to any team. At the same time, the Zimbabwe team would like to take advantage of their home ground. The team will be led by Craig Ervine and experienced all-rounders like Sikandar Raza can prove to be a trump card for the team.

It will be interesting to see how long Zimbabwe's bowlers are able to stop the Kiwi batsmen and how their batsmen face New Zealand's strong bowling attack.

ZIM vs NZ Pitch Report

The pitch at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo is generally considered balanced.

Opening day: The pitch is quite good for batting on the first two days of the match. Batsmen will not find it very difficult to score runs here.

Later days: As the match progresses, the pitch will slow down and spin bowlers will start getting help. From the third day onwards, spinners can play a big role in the game.

Fast bowlers can also get some help from the new ball in the morning session. Winning the toss and batting first on this ground can be a good decision.

ZIM vs NZ Probable Playing XI

Zimbabwe (ZIM): Innocent Kaya, Craig Ervine (captain), Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wicketkeeper), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchee, Tanaka Chivanga.

New Zealand (NZ): Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee (captain), Matt Henry, Ejaz Patel.

ZIM vs NZ Fantasy Cricket Tips

Wicket-Keeper

• Tom Blundell: New Zealand's reliable wicketkeeper-batsman and can score important runs in the lower order. He is a safe option.

Batsmen

• Kane Williamson: One of the best Test batsmen in the world. It is very important to keep him in your team. Excellent choice for captain or vice-captain.
• Tom Latham: Performs consistently well as an opener and has the ability to play long innings.
• Craig Irvine: One of the most experienced batsmen of Zimbabwe and can play well in home conditions.

All-Rounders

• Sikandar Raza: He can be the most important player for your fantasy team. Will get points with both bat and ball. Strongest contender for captaincy.
• Daryl Mitchell: Along with scoring fast runs in the middle order, he can also bowl a few overs.
• Rachin Ravindra: Along with batting, he can also do wonders with his spin bowling, especially in the second innings of the match.

Bowlers

• Tim Southee: Can take early wickets with his swing bowling.
• Blessing Muzarabani: Zimbabwe's main fast bowler and can trouble batsmen with his speed and bounce.
• Ejaz Patel: If the pitch helps spin, this player can take wickets in bunches.

ZIM vs NZ Dream11 Team Suggestion

• Wicketkeeper: Tom Blundell
• Batters: Kane Williamson (Vice-Captain), Tom Latham, Craig Ervine
• All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza (Captain), Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra
• Bowlers: Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Blessing Muzarabani, Ejaz Patel

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection

• Captain (C): Sikandar Raza is the best choice to be made captain due to his all-round ability. He will bowl the most number of overs for Zimbabwe and will also play a key role in batting.
• Vice-Captain (VC): Kane Williamson is a very safe and reliable choice. He has the ability to play big innings.

Disclaimer: This team is based on our analysis and understanding. Use your discretion and keep the given points in mind while making your team.