When we take a closer look at the ZIM vs NZ Test Head-to-Head Records, one thing becomes very clear: New Zealand has completely dominated this rivalry. So far, the two teams have played 18 Test matches. Out of these matches, New Zealand has clinched victory 12 times, while 6 of them ended in a draw. Unfortunately for Zimbabwe, they are still searching for their first Test win against the Kiwis.
ZIM vs NZ Test Head-to-Head Records
| Match Date | Winner | Margin | Ground |
| Jul 30-Aug 1, 2025 | New Zealand | 9 wickets | Bulawayo |
| Aug 6-10, 2016 | New Zealand | 254 runs | Bulawayo |
| Jul 28-31, 2016 | New Zealand | 117 runs | Bulawayo |
| Jan 26-28, 2012 | New Zealand | 301 runs | Napier |
| Nov 1-5, 2011 | New Zealand | 34 runs | Bulawayo |
| Aug 15-17, 2005 | New Zealand | 46 runs | Bulawayo |
| Aug 7-8, 2005 | New Zealand | 294 runs | Harare |
| Dec 26-30, 2000 | drawn | – | Wellington |
| Sep 19-23, 2000 | New Zealand | 8 wickets | Harare |
| Sep 12-16, 2000 | New Zealand | 7 wickets | Bulawayo |
| Feb 26-28, 1998 | New Zealand | 13 runs | Auckland |
| Feb 19-22, 1998 | New Zealand | 10 wickets | Wellington |
| Sep 25-29, 1997 | drawn | – | Bulawayo |
| Sep 18-22, 1997 | drawn | – | Harare |
| Jan 20-24, 1996 | drawn | – | Auckland |
| Jan 13-17, 1996 | drawn | – | Hamilton |
| Nov 7-12, 1992 | New Zealand | 177 runs | Harare |
| Nov 1-5, 1992 | drawn | – | Bulawayo |
At the beginning of their Test rivalry, things looked more balanced. Zimbabwe and New Zealand kicked off their Test match rivalry back in November 1992, and it ended in a draw. In the years that followed, Zimbabwe impressively managed to stay unbeaten. Between 1992 and 2000, they played six Tests and drew five of them. New Zealand won the only match that had a result in 1992.
However, things changed quickly after the year 1997. New Zealand began to dominate. In 2005, they toured Zimbabwe and won both Tests by innings margins, showing a huge performance gap.
Then, in 2012, Zimbabwe travelled to New Zealand and played just one Test, which ended in a crushing defeat by an innings and 301 runs. This remains one of New Zealand’s biggest Test victories ever.
Furthermore, during their 2016 tour of Zimbabwe, New Zealand continued their winning ways. They played two Tests in Bulawayo and won both by more than an innings, proving how one-sided the rivalry had become.
Now, in 2025, Zimbabwe is once again facing New Zealand at home. New Zealand once again came out on top, winning the first Test of the current series by 9 wickets in Bulawayo. Even though Zimbabwe lost, they showed some fight, especially in their bowling performance.
Looking ahead, the second Test offers Zimbabwe another chance. With home support, familiar pitch conditions, and experienced players like Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Blessing Muzarabani, they will be hoping to finally end their losing streak.
On the other hand, New Zealand remains strong. Players such as Tom Latham, Matt Henry, and Rachin Ravindra continue to deliver consistent performances, making them a tough team to beat.
So far, the ZIM vs NZ Test rivalry has been one-sided. Yet, every new match brings new hope. If Zimbabwe can pull off a win in the upcoming Test, it will not only be a major confidence booster but also a historic moment for the team. More importantly, it would finally add a long-awaited win to the ZIM vs NZ Test Head-to-Head Records and perhaps signal a turning point in this Test rivalry.
