ZIM vs SA, 2025: Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 1st Test Match Preview

Zimbabwe is all set to face South Africa in a 2-match Test series set to commence on June 28 at Queen’s Sports Club Cricket Ground, Bulawayo. The series will be a great test for the host nation as they will face the champion of the World Test Championship 2025 (WTC 2025).

With a few changes, South Africa has sent a young squad to face the home team. On the other side, Zimbabwe will push for the best results with the full squad. The Chevrons had some memorable encounters in recent times. Blessing Muzarabani's spell against Bangladesh is considered one of the standoutperformances in recent times.

Before facing the WTC champions, Zimbabwe rehearsed well against England in a one-off Test in Trent Bridge, where Ben Stokes's team won the contest by an innings and 45 runs. Before that, the Craig Ervine-led troop tied with Bangladesh in a 2-match Test series. In the series, they defeated the Tiger Brigade in Sylhet. Along with Muzarabani, Brian Bennett, Wesley Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza can make some promising impact on South Africa. 

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On the other hand, in the absence of Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj will lead South Africa. With multiple upcoming talents, the defending champions will look at the whitewash of Zimbabwe to get the required momentum for a fresh WTC circle. David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, and others will try their best to offer their country commendable results. 

Full Squads

Zimbabwe: Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Nicholas Welch, and Sean Williams.

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