South Africa vs Zimbabwe: 1st Test Preview and Key Players
Match Overview
The first Test match of the two-match series between South Africa and Zimbabwe is set to take place at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, running from June 28 to July 2, 2025, starting at 1:30 PM IST.
Zimbabwe's Squad Insights
Zimbabwe, led by the seasoned Craig Ervine, is gearing up for their first Test series in seven years. Hosting the reigning World Test Champions is a significant event for the team. Although they have a robust lineup, they will be without some key players due to injuries. Ben Curran and Richard Ngarava are currently sidelined, while Sikandar Raza is participating in Major League Cricket. Zimbabwe's last Test match against England ended in a disappointing defeat by 45 runs, marking just one win in their last five Test appearances.
South Africa's Team Dynamics
On the other hand, South Africa, the newly crowned World Test Champions, enters this series following their victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's. However, they will be missing several players as many have been rested, and captain Temba Bavuma is out due to injury. Keshav Maharaj will step in as captain. The squad features young talents like David Beddingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, and Tony de Zorzi, along with 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Lesego Senokwane may also make his international debut. In terms of bowling, Maharaj and all-rounder Prenelan Subrayen are expected to play, with Kwena Mphaka likely joining them.
Pitch Conditions at Queens Sports Club
The pitch at Queens Sports Club is known for being balanced for red-ball cricket. Initially, it will be dry and grassy, providing minimal assistance to fast bowlers, but as the match progresses, it will dry out, making it more favorable for batsmen. By the third and fourth days, spinners are likely to find turn and bounce, becoming crucial to the game.
The average first innings score at this venue is 331, which tends to rise to 396 in the second innings before tapering off.
Weather Forecast
The weather during the first Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa is expected to remain dry, with no rain forecasted. However, conditions may be humid and sweaty during the early hours of play, with temperatures ranging from a high of 22°C to a low of 18°C.
Head-to-Head Statistics
In their Test history, Zimbabwe and South Africa have faced each other nine times, with South Africa winning eight matches and Zimbabwe yet to secure a victory. There has been one drawn match.
| ZIM vs SA head-to-head (in Tests) | |
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Won by Zimbabwe | 0 |
| Won by South Africa | 8 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Drawn | 1 |
Probable Playing XI
- Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Nicholas Welch, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu.
- South Africa: Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, David Bedingham, Lesego Senokwane, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynn (wk), Keshav Maharaj (c), Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, Lungi Ngidi.
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeeper
- Kyle Verreynne | SA: A seasoned batter in the South African lineup, Verreynne has played 25 Tests, scoring 1077 runs, including four centuries. His experience will be vital in the absence of key players.
Top Batters
- Craig Ervine | ZIM: The veteran Zimbabwean batter has a solid record at home, with 1690 runs in 52 Test innings, including four centuries. His inclusion is crucial for a competitive edge.
- David Bedingham | SA: With 711 runs in 11 Tests, Bedingham is expected to shoulder more responsibility. He recently scored 45 runs in the WTC final, showcasing his form.
Top All-Rounders
- Sean Williams | ZIM: With 1618 runs and 25 wickets in 20 Tests, Williams is a key player for Zimbabwe, known for his ability to perform under pressure.
- Wiaan Mulder | SA: An essential all-rounder for South Africa, Mulder has scored 622 runs and taken 31 wickets in 19 Tests, making him a valuable asset for the team.
Top Bowlers
- Blessing Muzarabani | ZIM: The most experienced pacer in the Zimbabwe squad, Muzarabani has taken 54 wickets in 13 Tests, including three against England last month.
- Keshav Maharaj | SA: With 199 wickets in 58 Tests, Maharaj is on the verge of a milestone and will be crucial on the dry pitch in Bulawayo.