Bulawayo is the venue as South Africa and Zimbabwe lock horns in the red-ball format in an eagerly-awaited contest. Experienced Keshav Maharaj is leading a youthful South Africa outfit desperate to prove their worth in the longest format in the absence of regular skipper Temba Bavuma following an injury. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, finds hope in the calm heads of Sean Williams and Craig Ervine to steady the ship and set the seeds for the next generation. It’s fresh energy against time-hardened grit played out over five days when skill, patience, and heart are truly put to the test.

Match Details – South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 1st Match | SA vs ZIM 2025

• Date: June 28, 2025 (Today)
• Time: 1:30 PM IST
•  Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Player Battles to Watch Out For 
Dewald Brevis vs Blessing Muzarabani
"Baby AB" loves to go hard in the powerplay, but Muzarabani’s towering presence and new-ball swing could force Brevis to earn every run.

Sean Williams vs Keshav Maharaj
A battle of brains, Williams will try to sweep and nudge through gaps, but Maharaj’s subtle changes in flight and pace might spin a web.

Tony de Zorzi vs Wellington Masakadza
De Zorzi’s crisp drives vs Masakadza’s flat, fast spin it’s a test of timing vs trickery in the early overs.

David Bedingham vs Brian Bennett
Bedingham’s textbook strokes may be tested by Bennett’s raw pace and enthusiasm. One misread, and it could be game-changing.

Kyle Verreynne vs Vincent Masekesa
In the death overs, Verreynne’s calm presence might clash with Masekesa’s hunger to prove himself—will experience win or youthful fire?

ALSO READ:WTC 2027: ZIM vs SA, Match Prediction– Who will win the Test Match?

ZIM vs SA Predicted Playing XI

South Africa Playing XI 

Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, Lhuan Dre Pretorious, Dewald Brewis, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreyne, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphak, Codi Yusuf

Zimbabwe Playing XI

Nick Welch, Prince Masauvre, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Blessings Muzarabani, Vincent Masekesa