South Africa to Face Zimbabwe in Test Series Without Temba Bavuma

South Africa is set to face Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series starting June 28, but will do so without their captain Temba Bavuma, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Keshav Maharaj will lead the team in his absence. The squad includes several uncapped players, while key players like Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada have been rested. Zimbabwe recently faced England in a Test match, showcasing some strong performances despite their loss. This series promises to be an exciting contest as both teams look to make their mark.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2025, 22:02 IST

South Africa's Upcoming Test Series Against Zimbabwe

The reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, are gearing up to compete against Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series commencing on June 28 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Unfortunately, they will be missing their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who sustained a hamstring injury while batting during the recent World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s.

Keshav Maharaj, a seasoned left-arm spinner who also participated in the WTC final, will take over the captaincy for this series. Bavuma is set to undergo further examinations to determine the extent of his injury, marking yet another setback for the South African skipper, who has faced similar issues in the past.

This marks the third hamstring injury for Bavuma in under two years, having previously suffered injuries during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the Boxing Day Test that year.

South Africa has announced a squad of 15 players for the upcoming red-ball series, with the second Test scheduled to begin on July 6. The team includes up to five uncapped players, while key players like Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada, who were instrumental in South Africa's WTC final triumph, have been rested.

Zimbabwe recently played a four-day Test against England in Nottingham, where they faced a defeat by an innings and 45 runs. However, Brian Bennett shone with a remarkable century, scoring 139 runs off 143 balls, including 26 boundaries.

Veterans Sean Ervine and Sikandar Raza also contributed with impressive half-centuries during that match, while Blessing Muzarabani took the wickets of notable players such as Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes.

South Africa Squad for the Test Series

The squad for South Africa includes: David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj (captain), Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi (only for the second Test), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, and Codi Yusuf.