ZIM vs SA, 2025: Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 1st Test Match Preview
The two-match series will get underway on June 28.
Zimbabwe are all set to host South Africa for a two-match Test series, with the first Test all set to commence at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from June 28 to July 2.
Hosts Zimbabwe will be led by veteran batter Craig Ervine. The team is currently dealing with multiple injuries, with Ben Curran and Richard Ngarava unavailable. Furthermore, star all-rounder Sikandar Raza has opted out, as he is occupied in Major League Cricket. The squad sees the return of Vincent Masekesa and addition of uncapped pacer Kundai Matigimu.
While this series is not part of the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) cycle, it is a good platform for South Africa to begin their title defence. With South Africa having won eight of their previous nine Tests against Zimbabwe, including a draw in their only previous Bulawayo clash in 2001, they are the favourites for the series.
On the other hand, South Africa will feature in their first Test assignment since winning the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final over Australia at Lord’s earlier this month. With skipper Temba Bavuma ruled out due to a hamstring injury, spinner Keshav Maharaj will lead the Proteas. The squad sees several new players as regular members like Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi, who have been rested for the opener.
Match Details
| Match | Zimbabwe vs South Africa, First Test, South Africa tour of Zimbabwe, 2025 |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Date & Time | June 28th to July 2nd, 3:30 PM (IST) |
| Live Broadcast and Streaming Details | Fancode (app & website) |
Queens Sports Club Pitch Report
The Queens Sports Club pitch in Bulawayo is expected to be on the drier side, with bowlers able to find some help in the initial phase of the game. Historically, teams bowling first have had more success, winning 12 of 28 Tests here. The surface is expected to favor batters as well, with the average second-innings score at 396. Spinners will likely come into play later. With no rain forecast, the toss-winning captain may look to bowl first.
ZIM vs SA Head-to-Head Record in Tests:
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Zimbabwe won | 0 |
| South Africa won | 8 |
| Draw | 50 |
| First Meeting | 13th to 16th October, 1995 |
| Last Meeting | 26th to 27th December, 2017 |
ZIM vs SA Probable Playing XIs
Zimbabwe
Playing XI:
Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Nicholas Welch, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu
South Africa
Predicted XI:
Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Keshav Maharaj (c), Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka
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