South Africa vs Zimbabwe 1st Test Day1: The red-ball rivalry between South Africa and Zimbabwe reignites in Bulawayo after over a decade. Day 1 of the 1st Test saw stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj elect to bat first, guiding a refreshed Proteas side in Temba Bavuma’s absence.
Cricket fans are in for a nostalgic showdown as South Africa and Zimbabwe lock horns in the 1st Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, marking the end of an 11-year Test cricket hiatus between the two nations on Zimbabwean soil. With Keshav Maharaj leading South Africa in Temba Bavuma’s absence and Zimbabwe banking on young talents like Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, the clash promises a fresh chapter in their regional rivalry.
This isn’t just another red-ball encounter — it’s a comeback moment for Test cricket in Zimbabwe, rich in emotion, expectation, and competitive edge. As Wiaan Mulder and Maharaj shoulder responsibility for the Proteas, Zimbabwe aims to make a statement at home. With Bulawayo’s pitch expected to offer turn and bounce later in the game, Day 1 holds key insights into how this long-awaited series will unfold.
South Africa vs Zimbabwe 1st Test: Date, Time, Venue and Match Details
The Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st Test match is set to begin on June 28, 2025, and will run through July 2 at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This marks South Africa’s return to Test cricket on Zimbabwean soil after over a decade, reviving a dormant bilateral rivalry. The opening day’s play will begin at 1:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 1:00 PM IST.
This much-anticipated Test is a key fixture in both teams’ red-ball calendar, offering crucial points and international exposure. With Keshav Maharaj stepping in as South Africa’s stand-in captain and Zimbabwe banking on home advantage, the five-day clash promises a mix of experience and youth, strategy and skill. Fans can expect an exciting contest between two southern African cricketing nations.
ZIM vs SA 1st Test: South Africa Win Toss, Debuts for Brevis, Pretorius, Yusuf
South Africa have won the toss and chosen to bat first in the ZIM vs SA 1st Test at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, marking a significant moment in the return of bilateral Test cricket between the two nations. Stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj made a bold call on a batting-friendly surface as the Proteas eye a strong first-innings total.
The match is also memorable for handing three debut Test caps—to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, and Codi Yusuf—ushering in a fresh generation of South African talent. With Zimbabwe playing on home soil and aiming to capitalize on local familiarity, Day 1 promises an intriguing battle between youthful exuberance and seasoned strategy.
How to Watch South Africa vs Zimbabwe 1st Test Live in India?
For Indian cricket fans eager to catch the South Africa vs Zimbabwe 1st Test action, there’s a slight disappointment. The match won’t be available on television in India. However, there is a digital alternative.
The entire Test series is being live-streamed exclusively on the FanCode app and website, available through a subscription-based model. Viewers can choose from daily or series passes, offering uninterrupted streaming and in-depth match coverage. This provides Indian fans with a convenient way to follow the ZIM vs SA 2025 Test series from anywhere.
Full Playing XIs and Key Players to Watch
The South Africa vs Zimbabwe 1st Test brings together a blend of fresh energy and seasoned leadership from both sides. As the action unfolds at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, both teams have revealed strong lineups with a few surprise inclusions.
South Africa XI:
Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (c), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka.
Zimbabwe XI:
Brian Bennett, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga.
Both squads look forward to a gripping contest, with South Africa’s new-look team looking to dominate and Zimbabwe banking on home advantage. This Test match could set the tone for an exciting new chapter in their cricketing rivalry.
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