The New Zealand cricket team is currently touring Zimbabwe for a two-match Test series, with the first Test underway at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The tour, part of the 2025 Zimbabwe home international season, is significant as it follows a tri-nation T20I series also involving South Africa[1][4].
As of the latest update from Day 1 of the 1st Test (July 30, 2025), Zimbabwe is batting at 27/2 in 8.5 overs. Nick Welch remains unbeaten on 2 (16 balls) and is partnered by Sean Williams, who has yet to score (0 runs off 6 balls). Both openers, Brian Bennett and Ben Curran, fell to Matt Henry, who currently boasts figures of 4.5 overs, 2 wickets for 18 runs. Will O’Rourke has bowled 4 overs without a wicket thus far[2].
Regarding squad news, Glenn Phillips was ruled out of the series with a right groin injury, impacting New Zealand’s lineup. Key players for Zimbabwe include Craig Ervine (captain), Sean Williams, and Sikandar Raza, while New Zealand’s side is led by Tom Latham, with notable names such as Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, and Rachin Ravindra included[1].
Before the Test series, New Zealand demonstrated strong form by winning all matches against Zimbabwe in the T20I tri-series. Notably, New Zealand defeated Zimbabwe by 8 wickets in the third T20I match and maintained their dominance throughout the tournament[3][5].
References
- [1] New Zealand cricket team in Zimbabwe in 2025 – Wikipedia
- [2] ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Match – Live Cricket Score, Full Scorecard – Indian Express
- [3] New Zealand in Zimbabwe – Fixtures & Results – ESPNcricinfo
- [4] New Zealand Tour of Zimbabwe 2025 – Player Squads, Fixtures and More – Cricket World
- [5] Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, 2025 schedule, live scores and results – Cricbuzz