Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st Test Bulawayo: South Africa Playing New WTC 2026 Cycle After Winning WTC 2025 Final Against Australia.
Country: Zimbabwe vs South Africa
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Date: June 28 – July 2, 2025
Match Type: 1st Test Match (non‑WTC)
Start Time (IST): 1:30 PM (Toss at 1:00 PM)
Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st Test Bulawayo: Toss, Pitch & Conditions
South Africa’s stand‑in captain Keshav Maharaj won the toss and chose to bat. A bold move—it’s their first Test in Zimbabwe in 11 years, and Maharaj (a veteran of 58 Tests) believes setting a target first could put pressure on the hosts.
Pitch Report & Weather of Test Match SA vs ZIM
Winter time in Bulawayo brings cool, sunny days.
The pitch has a thin grass cover—offers some seam movement early; moisture is light.
Historically, this wicket is flat and bat‑friendly, not much bounce or spin. Expect runs, more than wickets.
Team News & Squads of SA vs ZIM 1st Test Match
South Africa (Proteas)
Captain: Keshav Maharaj (stepping in for injured Temba Bavuma).
Three debutants: Dewald Brevis, Lhuan‑dre Pretorius, and all‑rounder Codi Yusuf.
Several senior players rested after the WTC win (Rabada, Ngidi, Markram).
Playing XI: Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Pretorius (deb), Brevis (deb), Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Maharaj (c), Yusuf (deb), Kwena Maphaka.
Zimbabwe (Chevrons)
Captain: Craig Ervine, back to exploit pitch moisture.
Four changes from Nottingham squad: Brian Bennett, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza.
Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Ervine (c), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga.
New Players (Debut Players to Watch), Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st Test Bulawayo
South Africa Debutants:
Dewald Brevis: T20 and franchise sensation, known as “Baby AB”, looking to translate power into red-ball form.
Lhuan‑dre Pretorius: All‑rounder, steady domestic performances.
Codi Yusuf: Seamer/all‑rounder brought fresh energy to attack.
Zimbabwe’s Key Debutants:
Brian Bennett: Viable opener, had a Test century and five‑for earlier in Bulawayo (against Afghanistan). Capable of multi‑discipline impact.
Sean Williams & Ervine: Veterans ready to anchor the innings.
Blessing Muzarabani: Tall pacer, aiming to unsettle the Proteas’ openers.
Live Score Update SA vs ZIM – Day 1 Test (Session 1)
After 4 overs, South Africa were 3/0, Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke starting steady.
Blessing Muzarabani opened the bowling for Zimbabwe—tight and probing.
The Proteas look to build a platform; no early wickets yet.
What’s at Stake between SA vs ZIM?
For South Africa: This tour tests their bench strength after peak performances at the WTC.
For Zimbabwe: A chance to taste victory against the world champions—on home soil, with momentum built over recent Tests.
Key Match Factors to Watch in 1st Test SA vs ZIM
- Opening stand – Will the debutants handle bounce and movement?
- Seam impact – Muzarabani, Masakadza supplying “green‑ish” assistance?
- Middle‑order depth – Ervine & Williams versus SA’s spin all‑rounders.
- Spin options – Maharaj may target late innings to make inroads.
How to Watch: In India & Global SA vs ZIM Match
India (IST): Live on FanCode, starting 1:30 PM IST. No TV broadcast.
International fans: ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz offer real‑time updates and commentary.
Session Wrap-Up & What to Expect Next
Morning session summary: Solid start for Proteas, no slip‑ups. Mumbai‑bruised debutants under early pressure.
Afternoon to evening: Expect middle‑overs acceleration if the pitch stays flat. Zimbabwe’s seamers must strike early. Evening could see debutant Brevis unleashing flashy shots.
Next sessions: Follow-up breathing space for Proteas, while Zimbabwe aims for early breakthroughs.
Final Take: Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st Test Bulawayo
This Test is more than a match—it’s a springboard. South Africa’s fresh squad will look to use this as a platform. Zimbabwe, fuelled by home support, wants a statement. With seamer-friendly moisture and debutant watch, watch for energetic cricket with passion.
We’ll continue live updates from Bulawayo, including performance breakdowns, key tipping points, post‑session wrap‑ups, and expert opinion.
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