Zimbabwe vs New Zealand – ZIM vs NZ: Rivalry Revisited in 2025
Introduction
The Zimbabwe vs New Zealand (ZIM vs NZ) cricket rivalry has historically been lopsided in favour of the Black Caps. In 2025, New Zealand returned to Zimbabwe for a two‑Test series preceded by a T20I Tri‑Series also involving South Africa. This tour marked the first Test fixtures between the teams since 2016. While Zimbabwe remained winless, New Zealand continued to extend their dominance across formats. This article explores the rivalry’s legacy, key statistics, recent results from T20 and Test formats, and the series outlook.
Historical Head-to-Head Records
Test Cricket
Zimbabwe and New Zealand have faced each other in 17 Test matches since their inaugural Test in 1992. The results are unmistakable:
| Total Tests | NZ Wins | ZIM Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 11 | 0 | 6 |
Limited-Overs (ODI & T20I)
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ODIs: Played 38; New Zealand won 27, Zimbabwe 9, with one tie and one no-result.
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T20Is: Played at least 8; New Zealand has won all the head-to-heads so far, continuing into the 2025 Tri‑Series.
These records underscore the gap in competitive consistency between the two sides.
2025 Zimbabwe Tri-Series T20I Recap
Summary of Results vs Zimbabwe
In the 2025 Tri-Nation T20I Series (Zimbabwe, New Zealand, South Africa) held in Harare from July 14 to 26:
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New Zealand remained undefeated in all matches, including two wins over Zimbabwe (by 8 wickets and 60 runs respectively).
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Zimbabwe failed to win any match across formats. New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by 60 runs (190 vs 130) on July 24, with Ish Sodhi claiming 4/12 and Seifert & Ravindra contributing half-centuries.
Zimbabwe vs New Zealand – Tri-Series T20I Results
| Date | Match | Result | Notable Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 18, 2025 | ZIM vs NZ | NZ won by 8 wickets | NZ chased 122 in ~15 overs |
| Jul 24, 2025 | ZIM vs NZ | NZ won by 60 runs | Seifert 75, Ravindra 63; Sodhi 4/12 |
2025 Test Series Preview – Bulawayo Tests
Series Context
New Zealand’s first Test tour of Zimbabwe since 2016 comprised two Test matches (July 30–August 11, 2025), both scheduled at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This venue has witnessed six prior Tests between these sides, all in favour of New Zealand or draws.
Team Composition & Key Storylines
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Zimbabwe awaits the possible return of former star Brendan Taylor following the lifting of his ICC ban in late July. New players like Ben Curran and Brian Bennett have joined the squad in-form.
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New Zealand have drafted in fresh blood: Michael Bracewell was a late replacement for injured Glenn Phillips; bowlers Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke, and Matt Fisher bolster depth.
ZIM vs NZ – Test Series Summary
| Format | Total Matches | NZ Wins | ZIM Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Series | 2 | — | — | — |
| (series ongoing) |
Recent Trends and Key Takeaways
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Continuing NZ Dominance – New Zealand has won the last six Tests against Zimbabwe, many by innings or large margins.
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Zimbabwe’s Struggles – Winless in recent Tests and T20Is, with poor limited-overs results in the tri-series.
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New Faces in Both Squads – Zimbabwe considers Brendan Taylor's comeback; NZ gives opportunities to up-and-coming players like Fisher and Bracewell.
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Pitch and Conditions – Bulawayo's Queens Sports Club often favours Pacers early, turning for spinners later—advantage NZ’s depth in bowling.
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Leadership and Experience – Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine leads a team in transition, while NZ’s Mitch Santner captains in the absence of Tom Latham.
Standing Records: Broad Head-to-Head Across Formats
ODI Head-to-Head
| Matches | NZ Wins | ZIM Wins | Tie | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 27 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
Zimbabwe has yet to beat New Zealand in T20Is, including the 2025 tri-series.
Key Matches from 2025 Tour
Standout Performances
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Ish Sodhi’s 4/12 vs Zimbabwe – Decisive in the Harare T20I blowout.
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Matt Henry’s Final Over in Tri-series Final – Tight 2-overs (2/19) and nerve-wracking last over saved NZ victory.
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Seifert & Ravindra Partnership – 108-run stand set up NZ’s tri-series statement win over Zimbabwe.
Upcoming Outlook: Remaining Test & Potential Highlights
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Zimbabwe hopes to harness home conditions and experience (Taylor, Raza, Curran) to upset the script.
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New Zealand builds with a young squad, focused on maintaining supremacy and blooding new talent.
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Key aspects to watch: first-innings pace-led wickets, spinners’ role later, top batting cohesion under pressure, and captaincy effectiveness.
Conclusion
The ZIM vs NZ rivalry, especially in Test cricket, remains one-sided—New Zealand unbeaten, Zimbabwe yet to mark a win in 17 attempts. The 2025 tour reinforces this dominance, beginning with New Zealand dominating in T20Is and gearing up for commanding performances in Tests. Zimbabwe, however, enters the Test series with renewed optimism and possible strategic reinforcements, including the return of Brendan Taylor.
