Zimbabwe Cricket Schedule 2025: Test Series vs South Africa & New Zealand

Zimbabwe Set for Blockbuster Cricket Season with South Africa and New Zealand in Multi-Format Home Series

In a major boost for its cricketing calendar, Zimbabwe is set to host South Africa and New Zealand in a packed multi-format contest that promises high-intensity international action. This highly anticipated home season will feature two Test matches each against South Africa and New Zealand, as well as a gripping T20I tri-series featuring all three sides. For Zimbabwean cricket fans, it's not just a return to the big stage it's a declaration of ambition.

The action kicks off with a significant milestone: Zimbabwe will take on South Africa in a Test series for the first time since 2017. The two-Test battle begins on June 28 at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, a venue that has witnessed some of the country's most memorable cricketing moments. This Zimbabwe vs South Africa Test series will be a major opportunity for the Chevrons to test their mettle against one of the strongest red-ball sides in the world. The Proteas, known for their depth in pace and technical batting, haven't played a Test in Zimbabwe in over seven years, making this series a rare and valuable occasion for fans and players alike.

What makes this season even more engaging is the return of T20I fireworks in the form of a tri-nation series, beginning July 14 at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand will face off twice each in a round-robin format, leading to a final on July 26 between the top two teams. This Zimbabwe tri-nation T20I series isn't just filler between the red-ball games it's a chance for Zimbabwe to sharpen its white-ball skills in front of a home crowd and showcase its younger talent on the international stage. New Zealand, known for its balanced squads and strong T20 form, will bring plenty of competition to the party, while South Africa’s aggressive style will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Following the T20I tournament, Zimbabwe switches gears back to red-ball cricket, hosting New Zealand for another two-Test series, starting on July 30. This marks the first Zimbabwe vs New Zealand cricket Test series since 2016, and it's a key moment for the home side, aiming to establish consistency across formats. Again taking place at Queens Sports Club, this leg of the home season provides not only continuity but also a chance for the team to adapt, grow, and battle through long-format pressure against one of the world's most tactically smart sides.

Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni spoke about the significance of this historic season, saying, “This is the biggest international home season we have had in years, and it is an incredible opportunity for our players to test themselves against two of the world’s cricketing powerhouses.” That sentiment is not just lip service. Zimbabwe’s schedule has often lacked the volume and competitive edge of more prominent Test nations, but this comprehensive fixture list signals a clear intent: Zimbabwe is ready to reassert itself as a competitive cricket nation.

On a global level, the series also carries weight for South Africa and New Zealand. For the Proteas, these matches could serve as a testing ground for emerging players and a chance to maintain Test rankings momentum. For New Zealand, balancing the shift between T20 and Test formats on foreign soil will be a challenge they are well equipped to meet. From Zimbabwe’s perspective, though, this home season is less about rankings and more about rebuilding pride, experience, and exposure.

There’s also a commercial and fan engagement angle to consider. Hosting two heavyweight cricket nations in both Test and T20 formats gives Zimbabwe Cricket a strong platform to reignite local interest in the game. After years of inconsistent fixtures, this is a clear step toward rebuilding the fan base and providing more regular opportunities for local talent. For players like Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, and the upcoming breed of fast bowlers and batters, this season could be defining.

Importantly, these matches are set at two of Zimbabwe’s most historic venues Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and Harare Sports Club in the capital. These grounds will play host to packed stands, passionate fans, and meaningful cricket. The choice of venues speaks to the intent of Zimbabwe Cricket to spread the excitement across the country and honor its rich cricketing heritage.

Looking deeper, the significance of hosting such a season goes beyond on-field performance. Zimbabwe’s political and sporting landscape has seen its share of turbulence, which has often affected the country’s ability to maintain regular fixtures against top-tier nations. This multi-format series represents not just a sporting event, but a moment of revival and progression. It's also a signal to the ICC and cricketing boards globally that Zimbabwe is ready to be a part of more regular and meaningful fixtures.

As preparations get underway, all eyes will be on how Zimbabwe prepares and performs. The road won't be easy facing South Africa's pace battery or New Zealand’s disciplined Test unit requires not just skill but resilience. But if there’s one thing Zimbabwean cricket has consistently shown, it's that the team can punch above its weight when given the stage.

In the coming months, the cricketing world will witness not just a series of matches, but potentially the rebirth of Zimbabwe as a serious cricketing nation. With the right mindset, tactical preparation, and home support, the Chevrons could use this season as a launchpad for a brighter, more competitive future in international cricket.