Zimbabwe vs South Africa Test Match Preview – June 28, 2025

Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Date & Time: June 28, 2025 | 09:00 GMT (01:30 PM IST)
Format: Test Match
Series: South Africa’s Two-Test Tour of Zimbabwe

Match Overview

South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship (WTC) champions, are set to begin their two-Test tour of Zimbabwe with a match at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The Proteas enter the game on the back of a historic victory at Lord’s, where they clinched their first ICC trophy in 25 years by defeating Australia in a thrilling final. With eight consecutive Test wins under their belt, South Africa are in formidable form and are overwhelming favorites to extend their dominance in this encounter.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be aiming to break a long winless streak in Tests, having won just once in their last 13 matches. The hosts will look to capitalize on home advantage and the pace-friendly conditions, but they face a daunting challenge against a red-hot South African side.

Team Form & Momentum

South Africa – The WTC Champions

• Current Form: South Africa are riding a wave of momentum, having not lost a Test in their last eight matches. Their historic win in the WTC final showcased their depth and resilience.
• Key Players: Aiden Markram (136 vs. Australia), Temba Bavuma (66), and Kyle Verreynne have been instrumental in the batting, while Kagiso Rabada (9 wickets) was the standout performer with the ball.
• Tactics: With a balanced squad featuring world-class batters, spinners, and pace bowlers, South Africa are well-equipped to dominate in all conditions.

Zimbabwe – Searching for Consistency

• Current Form: Zimbabwe have struggled in recent Test cricket, managing just one win in their last 13 games. However, the home conditions could offer them an opportunity to perform.
• Key Players: Brian Bennett (331 runs in 2025) is leading the batting charge, while Craig Ervine is expected to deliver a crucial performance. In bowling, Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu will look to exploit any pitch assistance.
• Tactics: Zimbabwe will need to focus on building partnerships and maintaining composure against a formidable South African attack.

Head-to-Head Record

• Zimbabwe: 0 wins
• South Africa: 8 wins
• Draws/Ties: 1

South Africa have dominated the series historically, and their current form only adds to their advantage.

Player Spotlight

• Zimbabwe – Brian Bennett & Craig Ervine: Bennett is the top run-scorer for Zimbabwe in 2025, and Ervine is expected to provide valuable support with the bat.
• South Africa – David Bedingham & Lungi Ngidi: Bedingham has emerged as a key batter, while Ngidi remains a potent pace threat with his ability to generate pace and bounce.

Match Predictions & Betting Odds

• Zimbabwe to win: 8%
• South Africa to win: 92%
• Zimbabwe to win the toss: Low
• South Africa to win the toss: High
• Best Odds:
  • South Africa to have a better opening partnership than Zimbabwe: 1.08 (PariMatch)
  • Zimbabwe to win: 7.92
  • South Africa to win: 1.08

Weather & Pitch Conditions

• Temperature: 20°C (Max), 8°C (Min)
• Weather: Expected to be clear with minimal disruption
• Pitch: The pitch at Queens Sports Club is generally true in the early stages, favoring aggressive batting. However, it tends to offer assistance to bowlers later in the game.

Match Toss Prediction

Given the pitch conditions and Zimbabwe’s home advantage, both teams may prefer to bat first. However, South Africa’s recent dominance and preference for chasing suggest they may opt to field.

Final Verdict

South Africa are the clear favorites in this Test match. With a balanced squad, a winning mentality, and the momentum of a WTC triumph behind them, the Proteas are well-positioned to register a convincing victory. Zimbabwe will need to perform at their best in all departments to pose a threat, but the odds are firmly stacked in South Africa’s favor.

Our Prediction: South Africa to win by a margin in a match that could be wrapped up swiftly, given their current form and depth.

Match of the Series?
While this is the first of a two-Test series, it will be crucial for both teams to set the tone. South Africa are expected to come out with a statement win, while Zimbabwe will look to avoid a heavy defeat.

Key Match to Watch: Zimbabwe vs South Africa, June 28, 2025 – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
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