Cricket fans who follow the zimbabwe national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline know that this rivalry stretches back more than three decades. While New Zealand have largely dominated these encounters, the history between these two sides is filled with memorable moments, close finishes, and record-breaking performances. From the very first Test in 1992 to the latest clashes in 2025, this complete guide gives you every detail you need. Whether you are looking for the New Zealand National cricket team vs Zimbabwe National cricket team match scorecard or want to check the Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Live scores, this article covers everything.
Quick Answer
New Zealand lead Zimbabwe 48-9 across 65 men’s internationals. New Zealand have won 13 of 19 Tests, with six draws; 27 of 38 ODIs, while Zimbabwe have won nine and one has been tied and one abandoned without a result; and all eight T20Is have gone to New Zealand. Zimbabwe’s only success against the Black Caps has come in ODIs, where they have won 9 matches and tied one.
Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
Understanding the overall numbers helps you appreciate this rivalry better. Here is the complete head-to-head record across all formats.
| Format | Total Matches | New Zealand Wins | Zimbabwe Wins | Draws / Ties | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Cricket | 19 | 13 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| ODI Cricket | 38 | 27 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| T20I Cricket | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
New Zealand have never lost a Test or T20I to Zimbabwe. The Black Caps have been the superior team across all eras, though Zimbabwe have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the ODI format.
Full Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Timeline
Now let us go through the complete history year by year, series by series. This detailed breakdown covers every major tour, every Test match, and every limited-overs encounter.
1992–2000: The Early Years of the Rivalry
The earliest chapter in this rivalry opens in 1992. Zimbabwe had just gained Test status, and New Zealand were their first major opponents at home.
| Year | Tour / Series | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992/93 | New Zealand in Zimbabwe | 2 Tests | New Zealand won 1-0 |
| 1st Test (Bulawayo) | Test | Match Drawn | |
| 2nd Test (Harare) | Test | New Zealand won by 177 runs | |
| 1995/96 | Zimbabwe in New Zealand | 2 Tests | Series Drawn 0-0 |
| 1997 | New Zealand in Zimbabwe | 2 Tests | Series Drawn 0-0 |
| 1st Test (Harare) | Test | Match Drawn | |
| 2nd Test (Bulawayo) | Test | Match Drawn | |
| 1997/98 | Zimbabwe in New Zealand | 2 Tests | New Zealand won 2-0 |
| 2000 | New Zealand in Zimbabwe | 2 Tests | New Zealand won 2-0 |
| 2000 | New Zealand in Zimbabwe | 3 ODIs | Zimbabwe won 2-1 |
The 1990s showed a competitive Zimbabwe side at home. In the very first Test at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe batted well to save the match. However, the second Test at Harare saw New Zealand win comfortably. The 1995/96 series in New Zealand saw both Tests drawn.
A crucial correction involves the 1997 and 1998 tours. In 1997, New Zealand toured Zimbabwe and both Tests were drawn. Then in 1997/98, Zimbabwe toured New Zealand and the hosts won both Tests convincingly.
The 1997 Tied ODI
The first ODI between these two sides, played on October 1, 1997, at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, ended in a tie. Zimbabwe scored 233 for 8 in their 50 overs, and New Zealand replied with 233 for 9. This remains one of the most memorable matches in the rivalry.
The 2000 ODI Series Victory
The 2000 ODI series remains a bright spot for Zimbabwe, as they won the series 2-1 against a strong New Zealand side.
| Match | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Sep 27, 2000 | Harare | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| 2nd ODI | Sep 30, 2000 | Bulawayo | Zimbabwe won by 21 runs |
| 3rd ODI | Oct 1, 2000 | Bulawayo | Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets |
Alistair Campbell scored an unbeaten 99 in the final match to seal the series win. This was Zimbabwe’s first ODI series victory over New Zealand.
2000–2010: New Zealand Establish Complete Dominance
As the new millennium began, New Zealand became ruthless, especially in Test cricket.
| Year | Series | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000/01 | Zimbabwe in New Zealand | 1 Test | Match Drawn |
| 2005 | New Zealand in Zimbabwe | 2 Tests | New Zealand won 2-0 |
| 2005/06 | Zimbabwe in New Zealand | 3 ODIs | New Zealand won 2-0 |
The 2005 series in Zimbabwe was particularly brutal for the hosts. In the first Test at Harare, New Zealand declared at 452 for 9 and bowled Zimbabwe out for 59 and 99, winning by an innings and 294 runs. The second Test at Bulawayo saw New Zealand win by an innings and 46 runs. This phase saw New Zealand’s fast bowlers running through Zimbabwe’s batting lineup with ease.
2011–2016: Memorable Test Battles
This period gave us some of the most closely fought matches between these two sides. Zimbabwe came closest to winning a Test during this time.
| Date | Match / Venue | Format | Result | Scorecard Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1-5, 2011 | Only Test, Bulawayo | Test | New Zealand won by 34 runs | NZ 426 & 252/8d; ZIM 313 & 331 |
| Jan 26-28, 2012 | Only Test, Napier | Test | New Zealand won by innings & 301 runs | NZ 495/7d; ZIM 51 & 143 |
| Jul 28-31, 2016 | 1st Test, Bulawayo | Test | New Zealand won by innings & 117 runs | ZIM 164 & 295; NZ 576/6d |
| Aug 6-10, 2016 | 2nd Test, Bulawayo | Test | New Zealand won by 254 runs | NZ 582/4d & 166/2d; ZIM 362 & 132 |
The 2011 Bulawayo Test remains one of the most thrilling matches in this rivalry. Zimbabwe were set a target of 366 runs to win. They fought hard and reached 331 before being bowled out, falling short by just 34 runs. Brendan Taylor scored a brilliant 117 in that chase, and Kyle Jarvis took 5 for 64. This was Zimbabwe’s closest ever Test match against New Zealand.
The 2012 Napier Test is infamous for Zimbabwe’s collapse to 51 runs in their first innings. That remains the second-lowest Test total in Zimbabwe’s history. The 2016 series marked New Zealand’s last Test visit to Zimbabwe before the 2025 tour.
2025: The Historic Return to Zimbabwe
After a nine-year gap, New Zealand returned to Zimbabwe in 2025. This became a landmark chapter in the rivalry.
Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series (July 2025)
Before the Tests, both teams played in a T20I tri-series also involving South Africa. The two meetings between Zimbabwe and New Zealand were:
| Match | Date | Venue | Result | Scorecard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Match | July 18, 2025 | Harare | New Zealand won by 8 wickets | ZIM 120/7; NZ 122/2 (13.5 overs) |
| 6th Match | July 24, 2025 | Harare | New Zealand won by 60 runs | NZ 190/6; ZIM 130 (18.5 overs) |
In the July 24 match, Tim Seifert scored 75 from 45 balls, Rachin Ravindra made 63 from 39 deliveries, and Ish Sodhi took 4 wickets for just 12 runs. For fans looking for NZ vs ZIM T20 2025 results, these matches showed New Zealand’s class in the shortest format.
The 2025 Test Series
The Test series was the main event of the rivalry for that year.
| Match | Dates | Venue | Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Jul 30 – Aug 1, 2025 | Bulawayo | New Zealand won by 9 wickets | Matt Henry (6/39 & 3 wickets) |
| 2nd Test | Aug 7-9, 2025 | Bulawayo | New Zealand won by innings & 359 runs | Conway 153, Ravindra 165, Nicholls 150 |
The second Test was historic. New Zealand declared at 601 for 3, with three centurions. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 125 and 117. New Zealand won by an innings and 359 runs, their biggest Test victory over Zimbabwe and the largest victory by an innings and runs in this rivalry. Overall, this is the third-biggest innings win margin in Test cricket history.
The New Zealand National cricket team vs Zimbabwe National cricket team match scorecard for the second Test shows absolute dominance. Matt Henry took 16 wickets in the series and was named Player of the Series.
Zak Foulkes’ Record-Breaking Test Debut
Debutant Zakary Foulkes starred with remarkable match figures of 9 for 75 (4/38 in the first innings and 5/37 in the second), setting a new record for a New Zealand bowler on debut. This surpassed Will O’Rourke’s 9/93 against South Africa.
2026 Context: Zimbabwe and New Zealand Cricket
The rivalry does not end in 2025. To understand the current landscape of international cricket, we must look at what happened in 2026.
2026 T20 World Cup Final
One of the most searched questions is: Are New Zealand out of the T20 World Cup? The answer is that the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup has already concluded. New Zealand reached the final, which was played on March 8, 2026, in Ahmedabad. India scored 255 for 5, and New Zealand were bowled out for 159, losing by 96 runs. New Zealand finished as runners-up.
India Tour of Zimbabwe 2026
Another common query is: What is the schedule for the India tour of Zimbabwe in 2026? This tour has already happened. India toured Zimbabwe in July 2026 for three T20Is at the Harare Sports Club.
| Match | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | July 23, 2026 | India won by 7 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | July 25, 2026 | India won by 90 runs |
| 3rd T20I | July 26, 2026 | India won by 35 runs |
India won the series 3-0. While this is not directly part of the Zimbabwe-New Zealand head-to-head, it adds valuable context to Zimbabwe’s current form and cricketing calendar.
Biggest Test Margins of Victory
The rivalry features some massive victories and a few nail-biters.
Biggest Test Margins of Victory
| Rank | Margin | Winner | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Innings & 359 runs | New Zealand | 2025 | Bulawayo |
| 2 | Innings & 301 runs | New Zealand | 2012 | Napier |
| 3 | Innings & 294 runs | New Zealand | 2005 | Harare |
| 4 | Innings & 117 runs | New Zealand | 2016 | Bulawayo |
| 5 | Innings & 46 runs | New Zealand | 2005 | Bulawayo |
Closest Matches
| Year | Format | Margin | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Test | 34 runs | Zimbabwe almost chased 366 |
| 1997 | ODI | Tied | First ODI ended in a tie |
| 2000 | ODI | 21 runs | Zimbabwe’s series-clinching win |
Top Performers in This Rivalry
Best Match Bowling Figures
| Player (Team) | Figures | Match | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zak Foulkes (NZ) | 9/75 | 2nd Test, Bulawayo | 2025 | Best by a NZ debutant |
| Kyle Jarvis (ZIM) | 5/64 | Only Test, Bulawayo | 2011 | Best by a Zimbabwean |
Best Series Bowling
| Player (Team) | Figures | Series | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Henry (NZ) | 16 wickets @ 9.12 | 2025 Test Series | 2025 |
Best Batting Performances (Innings)
| Player (Team) | Runs | Match | Year | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rachin Ravindra (NZ) | 165* | 2nd Test, Bulawayo | 2025 | Part of historic innings |
| Devon Conway (NZ) | 153 | 2nd Test, Bulawayo | 2025 | Player of the Match |
| Henry Nicholls (NZ) | 150* | 2nd Test, Bulawayo | 2025 | Three centurions in one innings |
| Brendan Taylor (ZIM) | 117 | Only Test, Bulawayo | 2011 | Almost won the match |
| Martin Guptill (NZ) | 109 | Only Test, Bulawayo | 2011 | Set up the win |
Notable Players in This Rivalry
Notable New Zealand Players
| Player | Role | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Devon Conway | Batter | Consistent runs in 2025 Tests |
| Rachin Ravindra | All-rounder | 165* in 2025, rising star |
| Matt Henry | Fast Bowler | 16 wickets in 2025 series |
| Mitchell Santner | All-rounder | Captain in 2025 Tests |
| Zak Foulkes | Fast Bowler | Record debut figures in 2025 |
Notable Zimbabwe Players
| Player | Role | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Brendan Taylor | Batter | 117 in 2011, best ZIM batter vs NZ |
| Sikandar Raza | All-rounder | Current star, experienced campaigner |
| Craig Ervine | Batter | Captain during 2025 series |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Fast Bowler | Pace spearhead in 2025 |
Where to Watch Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Matches
For fans wondering where to watch Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team, broadcasting rights change per series and territory. For a specific upcoming match, check the broadcaster announced for that series. In general:
| Region | Common Broadcaster / Platform |
|---|---|
| India | FanCode app and website |
| New Zealand | Three Now / TVNZ |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports |
| Other Regions | ICC.tv (global streaming) |
For Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Live updates, fans can follow ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, or LiveScore.com. For the Zim vs NZ Live Score, these platforms provide ball-by-ball coverage.
FAQs: Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
1. Did Zimbabwe run 344 in the T20 match against New Zealand?
Answer: No. Zimbabwe have never scored 344 in a T20 match against New Zealand. In fact, Zimbabwe have never scored 344 in any T20I against any team. Their highest T20 total against New Zealand is 147, which they scored in a losing cause. The 344 figure might be a mix-up with a different score in another format or match.
2. Are New Zealand out of the T20 World Cup?
Answer: The 2026 T20 World Cup has finished. New Zealand were not “out” early; they reached the final. On March 8, 2026, in Ahmedabad, India scored 255/5 and bowled out New Zealand for 159, winning by 96 runs. New Zealand finished as runners-up.
3. What is the schedule for the India tour of Zimbabwe in 2026?
Answer: The India tour of Zimbabwe has already been completed. It took place in July 2026. The three T20Is were played on July 23, July 25, and July 26 at the Harare Sports Club. India won the series 3-0.
4. Has NZ won any ICC trophy?
Answer: Yes. New Zealand have won the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000. They have also been runners-up in the ODI World Cup (2015, 2019) and the T20 World Cup (2021, 2026).
5. How many Tests have Zimbabwe won against New Zealand?
Answer: Zero. In the entire history of this rivalry, Zimbabwe have never won a Test match against New Zealand. Out of 19 Tests, New Zealand have won 13 and 6 have been draws.
6. Where can I find the New Zealand National cricket team vs Zimbabwe National cricket team match scorecard?
Answer: You can find the full New Zealand National cricket team vs Zimbabwe National cricket team match scorecard on official cricket websites like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and the ICC website.
Conclusion
The history between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is a story of dominance by one side and resilience by the other. From the first Test in 1992 to the record-breaking innings victory in 2025, New Zealand have consistently outperformed Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe have never given up without a fight. The 2011 Test where they fell just 34 runs short remains a testament to their fighting spirit.
For fans searching for New Zealand National cricket team vs Zimbabwe National cricket team match scorecard details, this timeline provides comprehensive coverage. Whether you are checking the Zimbabwe vs New Zealand today match updates or looking back at NZ vs ZIM T20 2025 results, this article serves as your complete guide.
Has NZ won any ICC trophy? Yes, and they continue to be a top side in world cricket. Are New Zealand out of the T20 World Cup? No, they were runners-up in 2026. What is the schedule for the India tour of Zimbabwe in 2026? It happened in July 2026, with India winning 3-0.
As international cricket continues to evolve, this rivalry will undoubtedly add more chapters. For now, this complete history covers everything a fan needs to know about this one-sided but entertaining rivalry.
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