ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Playing 11: Craig Ervine-led Zimbabwe will square off against Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand in the first test between July 30 and August 30 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

The New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe 2025 comprises two tests, which will not be part of the WTC 2025-27 cycle.

Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat first. Speaking at the toss, Craig Ervine said, “We will bat first. I think the wicket looks good, bit dry, you want to get some runs on the board and bring our spinners into play.”

“A lot of stuff have been spoken, the mindset as a batting group needs to improve, have to have the right mindset, we went into a shell a bit against South Africfa, but the mindset needs to be clear,” he added.

“The tri-series in between, the guys came in and had 2 days of preparation which has been good. Few guys have come back, Ben Curran and Brian Benett are back, so id Raza. Vincent Masekese and Nyamhuri are back in,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner said, “We would have batted first as well, might do a bit in the first hour though and we would have to exploit it. It’s an honour, unfortunate for Tom (Latham), but he should be fine for the second Test.”

“A great opportunity to play a Test against a good team, that’s how we’re going to treat it. We’ve a big summer coming ahead both home and away – two spinners with Bracewell coming in and three pacers – Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O’Rourke – same make-up like Zimbabwe,” said Mitchell Santer.

ZIM vs NZ 1st Test Playing 11

Zimbabwe Playing 11: Ben Curran, Bain Bennett, Sean Williams, Crus, Syman’s background, Vincent Chiza, Blessing in Fambani, are beautiful

New Zealand Playing 11: Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William ORourke