Cricket Match Prediction | South Africa tour of Zimbabwe, 2025 | Zimbabwe vs South Africa | 1st Test | June 28 – Proteas Poised to Extend Dominance

ZIM vs SA Match Analysis

The inaugural Test of the South Africa tour of Zimbabwe is set to commence on June 28, 2025, at the esteemed Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo. Play is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM (local time)—which corresponds to 4:00 AM EDT—with traditional five-day contest proceedings concluding on July 2. This match marks the opening salvo of a two-Test series, in which South Africa, resting key World Test Championship players, will field a rejuvenated line-up under the captaincy of Keshav Maharaj.

At the same time, Craig Ervine leads a resilient Zimbabwean side determined to defy its historical form.

ZIM vs SA Team Preview & Squads

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has been actively participating in Test matches throughout 2025. Brian Bennett is expected to open the innings alongside Takudzwanashe Kaitano, with Nick Welch taking the No. 3 spot. The middle order boasts a wealth of experience, featuring Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, and Craig Ervine. Clive Madande will don the gloves as the designated wicketkeeper.

Blessing Muzarabani will spearhead the pace attack, supported by Trevor Gwandu and the young Newman Nyamhuri. Spin responsibilities will largely rest on the shoulders of Wellington Masakadza and Sean Williams, with several all-rounders available to contribute with the ball if required.

Zimbabwe Squads

Zimbabwe Squads

Craig Ervine, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Prince Masvaure, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nick Welch, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Kundai Matigimu

South Africa

South Africa is set to open the batting with Tony de Zorzi and the 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius in this encounter. The middle order will rely heavily on the contributions of David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, and Zubayr Hamza. The team is likely to make a final decision between Dewald Brevis and Prenelan Subrayen for the remaining spot, depending on pitch conditions.

Lungi Ngidi will spearhead the pace attack, supported by Kwena Maphaka, Corbin Bosch, and Wiaan Mulder. Captain Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin department, with Prenelan Subrayen expected to feature if the surface offers assistance to spinners.

South Africa Squads

South Africa Squads

David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Kyle Verreynne, Zubayr Hamza, Temba Bavuma, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Codi Yusuf, Wiaan Mulder, Prenelan Subrayen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka      

Zimbabwe vs South Africa outfield report

Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

As the game goes on, the pitch gets harder to bat on, hence teams will choose to bat first. The weather in Bulawayo is predicted to be sunny and bright for the game. Additionally, there shouldn’t be any delays during the game. One of the sluggish pitches where the ball may not come off the bat smoothly is the Bulawayo pitch. We anticipate that spinners will be crucial in an old ball contest.

Zimbabwe vs South Africa Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last 5 clashes, RSA won 4 of them against ZIM.

Zimbabwe vs South Africa Prediction

Cricket analysts predict that South Africa has an 85% chance of winning.