TOP STORIES
ZIM vs NZ 1st Test: All you need to know, head to head, playing XI
The first Test of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is set to start on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Both tests will be held at the historic Queens Sports Club. Zimbabwe will host New Zealand in what is not a part of the current World Test Championship cycle, giving teams the freedom to play with less pressure.
Zimbabwe, who will be led by Craig Ervine, have a very solid lineup boasting the likes of Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, and Brian Bennett and emerging talents such as Ben Curran, and Tanaka Chivanga. New Zealand's team will be captained by Mitchell Santner in the absence of regular captain Tom Latham, who has been ruled out of the first Test with a shoulder injury.
The Black Caps will have support from players like Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra. Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway. Notably, Glenn Phillips, part of New Zealand’s T20 squad in Zimbabwe, has been sidelined due to a groin injury. Michael Bracewell has been named as his replacement in the Test side. Both teams will look to play high-octane cricket and gain an upper hand in the series.
Head-to-head
Matches - 17
ZIM won - 0
NZ won - 11
Drawn - 6
Zimbabwe likely XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
New Zealand likely XI: Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, Matt Fisher
Tags
More News
IPL 2026 final: Rain threat looming over Ahmedabad
The IPL 2026 final is just hours away, but weather conditions could play a decisive role as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to face Gujarat Titans (GT) in the title clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Both teams are aiming to secure their second Indian Premier League trophy; however, the skies above Ahmedabad could pose a massive threat....
"Everyone is talking about Sooryavanshi": Sachin Tendulkar hails the young talent
Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been hailed by legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, describing the Rajasthan Royals star as a "truly special" talent and expressing his desire to see the youngster represent India in Test cricket in the future. However, Tendulkar also emphasised the importance of allowing the teenager to develop naturally rather tha...
RCB seek consecutive IPL trophies as GT hunt historic glory
The culmination of the action-packed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 comes tonight as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in the title clash at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday in Ahmedabad. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a fruitful campaign, and now they are only one victory away from creating history. After winning the...
"We're focused on giving our best": RCB captain Rajat Patidar ahead of IPL final against GT
As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to defend their crown in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday, captain Rajat Patidar is approaching the occasion with great calmness. There is always a spotlight on the captain, but Patidar has chosen to focus on the journey rather than the pressure that comes with it.
"I've never thought about what ...
GT and RCB gear up for blockbuster IPL final in Ahmedabad
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to lock horns with Gujarat Titans in a mouthwatering showdown in the IPL 2026 final, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. It is the face-off between contrasting styles and philosophies, with both teams looking to stamp their authority.
Royal Challengers Be...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram