New Zealand and Zimbabwe return to the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo for the second Test of their two-match series, starting August 7 at 1:30 PM IST. The visitors are riding high after a dominant nine-wicket win in the first Test, led by Matt Henry’s nine-wicket haul and solid support from Mitchell Santner. Zimbabwe will need a much-improved effort to level the series and avoid a clean sweep on home soil.
Before the action begins, here’s a look at the Queens Sports Club pitch report, historical records, and the highest Test scores at the venue ahead of the New Zealand vs. Zimbabwe 2nd Test.
How many Test matches has Queens Sports Club hosted?
Queens Sports Club has hosted 31 Test matches to date.
How many spectators can Queens Sports Club hold?
Queens Sports Club can hold up to 9,000 spectators for a Test match.
Queens Sports Club: Pitch report
The pitch at Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo helps fast bowlers early in the game, offering swing and slight seam movement with the new ball. As the sun dries the surface, batting becomes easier due to the pitch's consistent pace and bounce.
Spinners may find some turn in the middle overs, but batting conditions improve significantly in the afternoon. Pacers can use cutters and hit hard lengths to make an impact with the older ball.
Queens Sports Club: Average scores and toss results in Test matches
Total Matches | 31 |
Matches won batting first | 8 |
Matches won bowling first | 13 |
Average 1st innings Score | 324 |
Average 2nd innings Score | 384 |
Average 3rd innings Score | 224 |
Average 4th innings Score | 182 |
What happened in the previous Test match at Queens Sports Club?
In the previous Test at Queens Sports Club, New Zealand crushed Zimbabwe by nine wickets, sealing the win within three days and taking a 1–0 lead in the series. After Zimbabwe chose to bat first, Matt Henry ripped through their top order with figures of 6 for 39.
The hosts were bundled out for just 149, their lowest total in seven innings and the second-lowest of 2025. Nathan Smith also impressed with 3 for 20 in only his third Test.
What is the highest score by a team at Queens Sports Club in Test matches?
The highest team score in Test matches at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, is 713/3 declared, achieved by Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe on May 14, 2004. Batting in the second innings, Sri Lanka posted this mammoth total at a run rate of 4.30.
What is the lowest score by a team at Queens Sports Club in Test matches?
The lowest team score in Test matches at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, is 104 all out, recorded by Zimbabwe against the West Indies on November 12, 2003. This fourth-innings collapse came during a losing effort, as Zimbabwe struggled to chase down the target and folded quickly under pressure.
What is the highest individual score at Queens Sports Club in Test matches?
The highest individual score in Test matches at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, is 367 not out, made by PWA Mulder of South Africa against Zimbabwe on July 6, 2025.
Batting in the first innings, Mulder's marathon knock came off 334 balls in just 410 minutes, featuring 49 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 109.88. His record-breaking innings played a key role in South Africa’s dominant victory.
What is the best bowling figure at Queens Sports Club in Test matches?
The best bowling figures in a Test match at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, belong to Gudakesh Motie of the West Indies, who took 13 wickets for 99 runs against Zimbabwe on February 12, 2023. His outstanding performance came off 32.2 overs, including 5 maidens, at an economy rate of 3.06.
Which batter has the most runs at Queens Sports Club in Test matches?
The batter with the most runs in Test matches at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, is Craig Ervine of Zimbabwe. Between 2011 and 2025, Ervine has scored 899 runs in 11 matches (22 innings) at an average of 42.80. His highest score at the venue is 146, and his record includes 2 centuries and 4 fifties, with 100 fours and 4 sixes.
Which bowler has the most wickets at Queens Sports Club in Test matches?
The bowler with the most wickets in Test matches at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, is Heath Streak of Zimbabwe. Between 1994 and 2005, Streak took 37 wickets in 14 matches (21 innings) at an average of 32.40.
All stats via ESPN cricinfo
NZ vs. ZIM betting odds and tips, 2nd Test match
According to Dafabet, New Zealand are heavy favourites heading into the second Test, priced at just 1.06 to win. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are massive underdogs with odds of 9.41, reflecting the gap in form and quality between the two sides.
Given New Zealand’s dominant performance in the first Test and their perfect record against Zimbabwe in the format, the visitors clearly hold the edge in this contest.
Odds | |
Zimbabwe | 9.41 |
New Zealand | 1.06 |
* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change
TSN’s Betting Tips:
- Back New Zealand to win outright: Despite Tom Latham’s absence, the visitors bring a balanced side with plenty of red-ball experience.
- Matt Henry to be top wicket-taker: With 72 wickets in 22 Tests, Henry’s ability to exploit early swing makes him a key threat on a potentially lively pitch.
- Mitchell Santner for an all-round performance: His dual skill set offers great fantasy value and could influence both innings with bat and ball.
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