Zimbabwe vs South Africa – 1st Test Match 2025
Zimbabwe and South Africa have faced each other nine times in tests since 1995, and the latter have managed to win eight of these. In a series that does not contribute to any points in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, South Africa’s 2025 tour of Zimbabwe will be seen as a farm of new seeds being sown for both countries. Seven of the eleven players who brought glory to South African cricket by winning the 2025 WTC Final against Australia won’t be a part of the series against Zimbabwe.
The Proteas will be led by veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj. On a Queen’s Sports Club pitch that has usually been very kind to batters, the top order of Bavuma-Markram-Rickleton-Stubbs won’t be available. Neither will the seam duo of Rabada-Jansen will feature in this series. It will rather see Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Lesego Senokwane prominently feature in an international test fixture. Prenelan Subrayen and Codi Yusuf are likely to make their appearances as the series progresses. The potential of 19-year-old Kwena Mphaka’s to be South Africa’s future pace bowlers will also be realized.
Zimbabwe too have three key players cut down from the squad. Sikandar Raza would be busy at the Major League Cricket, and opening bowler Richard Ngarava also won’t be available. Ben Curran has been sidelined with an injury, which has thus led to captain Craig Ervine lead the batting with a young and experienced lineup consisting of Clive Madande, Newman Nyamhuri, and Nick Welch.
Wicket-keeper Tafadzwa Tsiga has played less than five tests and will look to play a knock for cementing his place in the side for the long run. Brian Benett, who recently scored a century in a losing cause against England in a one-off test will supposedly be the mainstay for Zimbabwe. He will be supported by Sean Williams, who averages the highest among batters who have scored over 1000 runs since 2020.
The Muzarabani-led bowling attack will have to topple David Bedingham, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne and Tony de Zorzi to have a shot at the match, and the series
Prediction
South Africa to win (85%)
