ZIM vs SA Match Prediction : South Africa tour of Zimbabwe, Test, 2025, 1st Test

South Africa will be on a high after having just won the WTC Final against a very strong Australian team. This match against Zimbabwe, on paper, should be an absolute cakewalk. Of course, cricket has a funny way of making even the surest things look silly to begin with! Lets take a look at both teams and the different betting opportunities available in this contest.

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Zimbabwe vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record

South Africa and Zimbabwe have played 9 Test matches against each other. South Africa have won 8 of these encounters, while one ended in a draw. Zimbabwe have never beaten South Africa in this format.

Zimbabwe vs South Africa Live-streaming and Broadcast

This first Test will be aired on SuperSport and live-streamed on DStv app for South Africa and Zimbabwean territories. Indian viewers can follow updates on FanCode and the Disney+ Hotstar app.

Live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, and in-game betting odds will be updated on ocbscores.com.

ZIM vs SA Team Previews

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe will look to make the most of home advantage at Queens Sports Club, especially with their senior batters returning to bolster the middle order. Craig Ervine and Sean Williams provide experience and composure, both capable of anchoring the innings and pushing the scoring rate once they are set.

Opener Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano will need to be cautious against South Africa's new-ball attack to give the middle-order platform to build. Wessly Madhevere, still only 24 years old, will be eager to showcase his all-round skills with both bat and ball as Zimbabwe attempt to counter South Africa's depth.

With the ball, the absence of Richard Ngarava is a blow, leaving Blessing Muzarabani as the spearhead of the attack. Muzarabani’s pace and bounce will test the Proteas' top order, while left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza and leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa will look to exploit the traditionally slow and spinning surface in Bulawayo.

Youngster Trevor Gwandu could also add some X-factor to their pace unit. Playing at home, Zimbabwe will aim to leverage familiar conditions and look to surprise an inexperienced South African outfit.

Zimbabwe Expected Playing 11

Prince Masvaure, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande (wk), Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

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South Africa

South Africa arrive in Zimbabwe with an exciting, youthful squad and a point to prove after resting several senior players. Dewald Brevis and David Bedingham will attract most attention. Both are talented stroke-players capable of countering tough bowling spells and delivering big scores.

Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke will look to establish themselves at the top, knowing that good performances could secure spots long-term. Zubayr Hamza adds some much-needed experience in the middle order.

With Keshav Maharaj leading the side, the Proteas can rely on him to manage the innings from a tactical standpoint as well as troubling the batters with his left-arm spin. Prenelan Subrayen will partner him as an effective spinning option in these conditions. Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka offer pace variations, while Codi Yusuf provides extra depth in their pace attack.

South Africa's strength lies in their depth and skill across departments, and even though they lack their big-name quicks like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, they’ll back their inexperienced bowlers to thrive in these conditions. The Proteas will aim for dominance and a solid start to their new cycle of Test cricket.

South Africa Expected Playing 11

Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, David Bedingham, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Keshav Maharaj (c), Prenelan Subrayen, Kwena Maphaka, Codi Yusuf, Corbin Bosch

ZIM vs SA Toss Prediction

With the Bulawayo surface expected to deteriorate later in the game, the captain winning the toss will probably want to bat first and make full use of the best batting conditions early on.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is traditionally slow and spin-friendly. Scoring will become more difficult as the game progresses. The weather is expected to be dry and mostly sunny for all five days, providing a perfect setup for a decisive result.

ZIM vs SA: Who Will Win?

Despite missing senior players, South Africa's depth and skill level put them as clear favorites. Zimbabwe will fight hard at home, especially with a strong middle order and some handy spinners. However, with South Africa's all-round depth and experienced leadership under Maharaj, we predict they will come out on top.

Bet on South Africa to win this match.

ZIM vs SA win percentage stands at 76% in favor of SA.

Todays Match Prediction: South Africa to Win.