Who Will Win South Africa vs Zimbabwe 1st Test 2025 Match Prediction – 28th June
The highly anticipated South Africa vs Zimbabwe 1st Test will kick off on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the historic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. As per our expert South Africa vs Zimbabwe prediction, South Africa comes into the match as overwhelming favorites given their World Test Championship (WTC) victory earlier this year and a dominant head-to-head record against Zimbabwe. This series will be South Africa’s first Test tour to Zimbabwe since 2011, and they are looking to use this opportunity to test their bench strength. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe are eager to fight back and register their maiden Test win over South Africa.
Match Details
| Match | Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 1st Test |
|---|---|
| Date | 28 June – 2 July 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Broadcast | Fancode (Live Streaming) |
Team Previews
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe have been active in Test cricket in 2025 but results haven’t been on their side. The team has shown glimpses of potential but converting starts into results remains a challenge. Their top order will be opened by Brian Bennett and Takudzwanashe Kaitano, while Nick Welch will bat at No. 3. The experienced trio of Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, and Craig Ervine will solidify the middle order.
Clive Madande will take up wicket-keeping duties. The bowling department relies on Blessing Muzarabani as the strike pacer, with Trevor Gwandu and Newman Nyamhuri providing support. Wellington Masakadza will be crucial in spin-friendly phases, alongside part-time options like Sean Williams.
Zimbabwe’s struggle has often been about stringing together good sessions and building pressure. They’ll need a near-perfect performance to challenge the Proteas.
South Africa Preview
South Africa arrive in Bulawayo high on confidence after clinching the 2025 World Test Championship. The selectors have chosen to rotate their senior players and give opportunities to emerging talents. Tony de Zorzi and teenage sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius will open the innings. The middle order features David Bedingham, Zubayr Hamza, Wiaan Mulder, and Kyle Verreynne.
Skipper Keshav Maharaj will command the bowling unit with support from pacers Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, and Kwena Maphaka. Mulder provides all-round stability, while the team might debate between Dewald Brevis and off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen depending on conditions.
This squad might be fresh-faced, but it carries formidable talent. With experience in key areas and depth in both departments, South Africa will aim for a clean sweep in the series.
Dream11 Prediction for Today South Africa vs Zimbabwe 1st Test
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| L Pretorius | Batter |
| Tony de Zorzi | Batter |
| David Bedingham | Batter |
| Sean Williams | All-rounder |
| Craig Ervine | Batter |
| Kyle Verreynne (WK) | WK-Batter |
| Wiaan Mulder (VC) | All-rounder |
| Keshav Maharaj (C) | All-rounder |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Bowler |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler |
| Wellington Masakadza | Bowler |
Captain Pick: Keshav Maharaj
Vice-Captain Pick: Wiaan Mulder
Players to Avoid:
- Sujit Nayak: Not a confirmed starter.
- Vincent Masekesa: May not get enough game time.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
South Africa Test History
South Africa have played 473 Tests, winning 186, losing 161, and drawing 126. They are traditionally strong in both pace-friendly and spin-friendly conditions and recently won the 2025 World Test Championship—highlighting their consistency across formats.
Zimbabwe Test History
Zimbabwe have played 124 Tests, managing to win only 14, while losing 80 and drawing 30. Their home advantage is useful, but they’ve struggled against top-tier sides. This match is another opportunity to test themselves against the best.
Head-to-Head Stats (Tests)
| Matches Played | South Africa Won | Zimbabwe Won | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 |
South Africa have dominated Zimbabwe in Tests, winning 8 out of the 9 meetings. Zimbabwe are yet to register a win.
Pitch Report – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
The Bulawayo surface offers early movement for pacers and slows down as the game progresses. Spinners have historically found help from Day 3 onward.
- Day 1 & 2: Favor seamers
- Day 3 to 5: Turn for spinners
- Average 1st innings score: 295
Weather Report
- Temperature: 22°C average
- Rain Forecast: Minimal
- Humidity: Around 60%
- Wind: Light breeze
Perfect weather for a full five-day match.
Favourite Team Today (Why?)
South Africa is the clear favorite. Despite rotating senior players, they have fielded a highly talented squad. Their batting depth, spearheaded by de Zorzi and Bedingham, and bowling unit led by Ngidi and Maharaj, makes them too strong for Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s inconsistency and weak record against top sides, especially South Africa, reduces their chances. Unless they deliver an exceptional performance, South Africa should control the match from Day 1.
Score Prediction
- If South Africa bat first: 425+
- If Zimbabwe bat first: 204+
Toss Prediction
Winner of Toss: South Africa
Decision: Bat First
Match Prediction
Winner: South Africa Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – SA vs ZIM 1st Test
Q1: Who will win the South Africa vs Zimbabwe 1st Test?
South Africa is predicted to win based on team strength and head-to-head record.
Q2: Where can I watch the SA vs ZIM 1st Test 2025?
You can stream it live on Fancode.
Q3: Who are the key fantasy picks for this match?
Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Sean Williams, and Lungi Ngidi.
Q4: What is Zimbabwe’s head-to-head record vs South Africa?
0 wins from 9 matches, with 1 draw.
Q5: Which pitch is hosting the match?
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo – a balanced Test venue with support for both pacers and spinners.
Q6: Who are the players to avoid in fantasy teams?
Sujit Nayak and Vincent Masekesa due to uncertain roles.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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