ZIM vs SA, 2025: Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 2nd Test Match Preview

After gaining a massive 328-run win in the opening Test of the series, South Africa (SA) will once again enter as favourites against Zimbabwe (ZIM) in the second and final match of the series at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, starting Sunday, July 6 in an interesting five-day fixture.

The South African side is already 1-0 up in the series and cannot lose from here, whereas the hosts will be aiming to level the series with a win in the upcoming encounter against the current WTC winners. The Craign Ervine-led side did show moments of fight in the first game at the same venue, but it did not seem enough as the opposition walked away with a comprehensive win.

The Proteas, on the back of daddy hundreds from Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Wiaan Mulder in the first and second innings, respectively, managed to outclass the Chevrons, who had a challenging bowling unit. With a mammoth win from the previous game, the Test champions will be confident of whitewashing Ervine & Co. before the action moves to a tri-nation T20I series, where New Zealand will come in as the third opponent for a fierce competition.

Match Details

Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo — Pitch Report

Given the cold conditions expected to be around the city of Bulawayo, the venue at the Queens Sports Club might have seamers dominating the pitch, as was the case in the first Test as well. However, the pitch is expected to slow down a lot as the game progresses, and hence spinners are expected to come into play Day 3 onwards if the game lasts enough. Batting first is supposed to be a wise decision for the captain who wins the toss on Sunday, and doing so might give the side an upper edge into the contest even before it starts.

ZIM vs SA Head-to-Head Record in Tests

Probable Playing 11s

Zimbabwe

Prince Masvaure, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (captain), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wicketkeeper), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga

South Africa

Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder (captain), David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka

Note: Keshav Maharaj underwent an injury during the first Test and hence, will not be taking part in the second game.