Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st Test – Fresh off their recent World Test Championship triumph, South Africa will look to extend their winning momentum against inter-continental rivals Zimbabwe. Both nations are striving to increase the number of Test matches played, and they hope to deliver a compelling performance. This game is scheduled for June 28th, starting at 1:30 PM IST, at the historic Queen’s Sports Club and Ground in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe Preview
As Zimbabwe aims to re-establish itself in Test cricket, this series holds immense significance for their them in the WTC Cycle. Given that this squad has faced considerable challenges in the longest format for several years, veterans like Craig Ervine remain from their previous stint as a prominent Test-playing nation.
His leadership, coupled with his standing as one of Zimbabwe’s most successful batsmen, boasting a 34.48 average and 1690 runs in Tests, will be crucial in guiding young opener Nick Welch. Another key figure is Sean Williams, who possesses an impressive Test average of 44.94 and over 8000 runs across all formats, and he is expected to bolster the batting lineup alongside Brian Bennett.
With Tafadzwa Tsiga likely to take the gloves behind the stumps, the team will also rely heavily on young all-rounder Wesley Madhevere, who has six wickets and 199 runs in Tests, to play a significant role, as Tanaka Chivanga continues to make his mark.
Zimbabwe’s premier bowling option currently is Blessing Muzarabani, who has claimed 54 wickets in just 13 Test matches and was notably one of the first players from his country to feature in the IPL. He, alongside Wellington Masakadza, regarded as their second-best bowler, will look to wreak havoc and engineer an upset.
South Africa Preview
For South Africa, this marks their first match as champions since 1998, and they appear more than ready to assert their dominance. While several key players, including Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, and Temba Bavuma, will be rested for this fixture, it presents an opportunity for others to showcase their full potential.
Matthew Breetzke, playing only his second Test match, will aim to translate his impressive tally of over 3,400 domestic runs, accumulated in a relatively short period, into international success. Tony De Zorzi, with 600 runs and an average of 30 in Test cricket, is set to open the innings once more, seeking to solidify his place in South Africa’s main Test squad.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who scored 397 runs in the last SA20 tournament, has demonstrated his batting prowess in a different format and will be eager to make a similar impact in Test cricket. However, a significant talking point will be the performance of rising international star Dewald Brevis, especially with Zubayr Hamza consistently featuring as a dependable player for the South Africa A-Team in Tests.
With the inclusion of newer all-rounders like Codi Yusuf, there will be an emphasis on learning from Wiaan Mulder, who played a crucial role in South Africa’s victory against Australia, and Corbin Bosch, in becoming successful contributors.
Given that South Africa’s only two frontline bowlers are Keshav Maharaj, with 199 Test wickets, and the promising young quick Kwena Maphaka, there will be increased opportunities for the all-rounders to make a substantial impact with the ball.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st Test Probable Playing XI
Zimbabwe Probable Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine (C), Sean Williams, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Wesley Madhevere, Victor Nyauchi, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Wellington Masakadza, Nick Welch.
South Africa Probable Playing XI: Tony De Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, David Bedingham, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Zubayr Hamza, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Mphaka, Keshav Maharaj (C), Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Match Winner – South Africa to Win!
