South Africa are back on Zimbabwean soil for their first red-ball series here in over a decade, with the opening Test beginning on June 28 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Fresh from lifting the World Test Championship at Lord’s, the Proteas will be led by Keshav Maharaj in the absence of injured Temba Bavuma. They have also opted to rest several big names, including Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs.
Three promising newcomers, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan‑dre Pretorius and Codi Yusuf, will make their Test debuts.
The Zimbabwe side, led by Craig Ervine, has also seen some changes. They have lost the likes of Sikandar Raza (in the MLC), Ben Curran and Richard Ngarava to injury or unavailability.
The Chevrons have never claimed a win in the nine Test matches they have played against South Africa. They beat Bangladesh earlier this year and would take confidence from that win.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Where to Watch Live
MATCH | DETAILS |
|---|---|
DATE | June 28-July 2 |
TIME | 1:30 PM IST |
VENUE | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
BROADCAST | NA |
STREAMING OTT | FanCode |
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Pitch Report: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
The pitch at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo usually starts off good for batting. In the first two days, the surface is quite flat and makes it easier for batters to score runs if they get set. Fast bowlers might get some movement early in the morning, especially with a new ball. As the match goes on, the pitch begins to slow down. By the third or fourth day, spinners start to get some help, and batting becomes harder.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Predicted Playing XIs
Zimbabwe: Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Nick Welch, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (c), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Dream11 Top 5 Players
Zimbabwe | South Africa |
Sean Williams | David Bendigham |
Blessing Muzarabani | Kyle Verreynne |
Craig Ervine | Keshav Maharaj |
Wessly Madhevere | Wiaan Mulder |
Brian Bennett | Corbin Bosch |
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Dream11 Fantasy Team
For more Live Updates of Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st Test:
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Live Scorecard
