The Test battle between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is all set to start on July 30, 2025, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Fans from both nations are buzzing with excitement, eager to see how the game will play out. Before the action starts, let’s break down the key details of the Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 1st Test Pitch Report and the full five-day weather forecast.
Pitch Report Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo:
To begin with, the pitch at Queens Sports Club usually offers something for everyone. On Day 1, the surface remains dry but carries a bit of moisture from overnight dew. As a result, fast bowlers may enjoy some early swing and bounce. If a team wins the toss under cloudy or cool conditions, it may choose to bowl first.
However, the surface becomes easier for batting on Days 2 and 3. At this stage, the pitch flattens out, allowing batters to settle in and play longer innings. Those who stay patient and rotate the strike will likely score well.
As the match progresses into Days 4 and 5, the pitch begins to wear out. Cracks start to appear, and the surface becomes rougher. Consequently, spinners come into play, using the turn and uneven bounce to trouble batters. Captains must plan their bowling spells wisely, especially during the later stages of the game.
- Day 1: Favors fast bowlers
- Days 2 & 3: Good for batting
- Days 4 & 5: May helps spinners
Weather Forecast for ZIM vs NZ 1st Test:
Moving on to the weather, things look quite positive for cricket fans. The forecast suggests dry and cool conditions for most of the match. Here’s the day-by-day breakdown:
- Day 1 (July 30): Clear skies with a high of 19°C and a low of 7°C. Perfect for cricket.
- Day 2 (July 31): Slightly warmer with a high of 20°C. No rain expected.
- Day 3 (August 1): Warm and sunny, around 22°C. Great for batting.
- Day 4 (August 2): Partly cloudy with only a 17% chance of light showers.
- Day 5 (August 3): Clear again, with a cool morning start at 7°C to 20°C.
Overall, the weather should not disturb play. Both teams will likely get a full five-day match without major delays. Now, let’s look at how this pitch and weather may impact the teams.
On Day 1, fast bowlers like Matt Henry for New Zealand and Blessing Muzarabani for Zimbabwe could strike early. Then, in the middle of the match, batters will get their chance to shine. Players who focus on building partnerships and avoiding risky shots may post big scores.
From Day 4 onwards, spinners will take charge. New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel and Zimbabwe’s Wellington Masakadza might play a big role with the ball. In this phase, batters must stay alert and play spin carefully.
Winning the toss will give teams an advantage. Most captains will choose to bat first, hoping to score big before the pitch breaks down. In addition, smart field settings and proper use of bowlers will be key to winning this match.
To sum up, the Zimbabwe vs New Zealand 1st Test Pitch Report shows that the match in Bulawayo will test every skill, fast bowling, patient batting, and quality spin. The weather looks excellent, which means fans can expect a full and fair Test match. Both teams must stay sharp and adapt quickly to the changing conditions if they want to take the lead in the series.
