South Africa, fresh off their historic World Test Championship (WTC) victory against Australia at Lord's earlier this month, have embarked on a new chapter in their cricketing journey with a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. The first Test kicked off on June 28, 2025, at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and is scheduled to run until July 2.
This series marks South Africa's return to Zimbabwe after an 11-year hiatus and their first Test encounter since December 2017. However, the Proteas are fielding a significantly altered lineup, resting seven of the eleven players who featured in their WTC final triumph. Notably, captain Temba Bavuma remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during the final, paving the way for left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj to lead the side for the first time in Test cricket.
South Africa’s squad features several fresh faces, with three players set to make their Test debuts: 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, and Codi Yusuf. These debutants have been entrusted with the responsibility of carrying forward the momentum from their recent success. The team also includes Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Corbin Bosch, and Kwena Maphaka, rounding out a side that blends youth and experience.
Zimbabwe, led by seasoned batter Craig Ervine, face a daunting task against the formidable South African lineup. The hosts are missing key players such as opening batter Ben Curran and fast bowler Richard Ngarava due to injuries, as well as star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who is currently participating in Major League Cricket. Despite these absences, Zimbabwe will rely heavily on the experience of pacer Blessing Muzarabani, dependable middle-order batter Sean Williams, and promising youngster Brian Bennett.
Historically, Zimbabwe have struggled against South Africa in Test cricket, having lost eight of the nine matches between the two sides. The only exception was a drawn match back in 2001, underscoring the challenge that lies ahead for the hosts. The last Test meeting in the longest format was in December 2017, making this series a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe to challenge the reigning world champions on home soil.
The first Test began with South Africa winning the toss and electing to bat. Early wickets fell quickly, with Tony de Zorzi dismissed for a duck and Mathew Breetzke and David Bedingham also departing cheaply, leaving South Africa at 23 for 3 in the 15th over. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, particularly Tanaka Chivanga and Blessing Muzarabani, exploited the extra bounce on the pitch to good effect.
However, the spotlight soon shifted to the debutants, especially Lhuan-dre Pretorius. The 19-year-old made a sensational entrance, scoring a commanding 153 runs off 160 balls, becoming the youngest player ever to score 150 in men’s Test cricket. Pretorius’s innings was marked by resilience and flair, but also a fair share of fortune, as he was given four reprieves on scores of 30, 54, 55, and 127. Despite the lack of Decision Review System (DRS) adding to Zimbabwe’s frustrations, Pretorius capitalized on these chances to anchor the innings.
Alongside Pretorius, fellow debutant Dewald Brevis impressed with an aggressive 51 off 41 balls, including three sixes in a single over, showcasing his attacking instincts in the longest format. The duo forged a pivotal 95-run partnership that steadied the innings after early setbacks.
After Brevis’s dismissal, Pretorius continued to dominate, reaching his century off 112 balls with a stylish six over long-off. He shared a vital 108-run stand for the seventh wicket with Corbin Bosch, who also made his maiden Test hundred, finishing unbeaten on 100 off 124 balls. Bosch’s composed innings included five boundaries and was crucial in pushing South Africa’s total past the 400-run mark.
Keshav Maharaj contributed a handy 21 runs, including two sixes, while Codi Yusuf, another debutant, supported Bosch with 27 runs. South Africa ended the first day at an imposing 418 for 9, setting a strong platform for the remainder of the match.
For Zimbabwe, Tanaka Chivanga was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 82 runs. Muzarabani also bowled tightly, maintaining pressure despite not capturing wickets early on.
The match is not part of the current World Test Championship cycle, but it presents a valuable opportunity for South Africa to test their bench strength and for Zimbabwe to make a statement on home turf. Fans in India will miss out on live television coverage, as the match is not being broadcast on TV there; however, streaming is available through the FanCode app and website.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on the young South African debutants to see if they can maintain the high standards set by their predecessors, and on Zimbabwe to determine whether they can overcome historical challenges and pose a genuine threat to the reigning world champions.
