On July 30, 2025, at the prestigious Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, the much‑anticipated first Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand commenced, sparking a fascinating opening day of red‑ball cricket. Zimbabwe won the toss under skipper Craig Ervine and opted to bat first, but their innings soon unravelled under relentless New Zealand bowling. The hosts were bundled out for 149 runs in 60.3 overs, with only Ervine’s gritty 39 off 116 balls and a determined 54‑run partnership with Tafadzwa Tsiga offering any real resistance. The Kiwi pace spearhead Matt Henry proved unstoppable, claiming an outstanding six for 39, while Nathan Smith supported splendidly with three for 20, as Zimbabwe’s top order tumbled early.
In reply, New Zealand made a confident start with the openers Devon Conway, who remained unbeaten on 51, and Will Young, unbeaten on 41, combining for 92 opening runs in just 26 overs. At stumps, the tourists trailed by only 57 runs, yet held a clear advantage with all ten wickets intact and a solid foundation laid for a commanding lead in their first innings.
Captained by Mitchell Santner, standing in for the injured Tom Latham, New Zealand looked composed and disciplined both with bat and ball. Zimbabwe, having lost early wickets cheaply in the first session, were never able to recover fully. The visitors’ fast bowlers exploited the conditions expertly, while their batters seized the initiative at the close of play.
As play moves to Day 2, the visitors are well‑placed to build a significant first‑innings advantage, while Zimbabwe must regroup and show greater resilience if they are to keep their hopes alive in this opening Test.
