ZIM vs RSA 1st Test Match：Day 4

Stumps：South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 328 runs.

South Africa came out swinging, and never let up. From Bosch’s fiery opening spell that left Zimbabwe scrambling, to debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashing 153 on day one, it was a show of dominance. Bosch had a dream match: a hundred with the bat, a five-wicket haul with the ball, and enough swagger to make it look easy. Wiaan Mulder wasn’t far behind, cracking 147 and grabbing wickets like candy. Zimbabwe, chasing a mountain of 537, folded for 208, losing by a mammoth 328 runs.

Wiaan Mulder’s stellar ton propelled South Africa to a huge second innings total 👌

📸: @ProteasMenCSA#ZIMvSA 📝: https://t.co/90VEx8mROF pic.twitter.com/SktuQAZkxg

— ICC (@ICC) June 30, 2025

Still, there were sparks. Sean Williams played a gem in the first innings with 137, and the Ervine-Masakadza partnership gave South Africa a brief headache. Masakadza even hit his maiden Test fifty! But Bosch’s relentless pace and Yusuf’s sharp spells snuffed out the resistance. Even a brief cameo from Muzarabani, who went full T20 mode with fours and sixes, couldn’t stop the inevitable. South Africa now lead the series 1-0, looking every bit the powerhouse.

The Proteas secure a comprehensive victory against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo 💪

📸: @ZimCricketv #ZIMvSA 📝: https://t.co/90VEx8npEd pic.twitter.com/mFVSDs9lju

— ICC (@ICC) July 1, 2025

ZIM vs RSA 1st Test Match：Day 3

Stumps：Zimbabwe need 505 runs to win.

Day three in Bulawayo turned into a Wiaan Mulder masterclass as South Africa tightened their grip on the Test. Mulder wasn’t just batting—he was building a monument, smashing a career-best 147 and pushing Zimbabwe further into the corner. With help from Kyle Verreynne and a handy cameo by skipper Keshav Maharaj, the Proteas racked up a hefty second-innings total of 369. Wellington Masakadza did his best to slow the charge, picking up four wickets, but the damage was well and truly done. Zimbabwe were left staring at a monster 537-run target.

A quickfire half-century from Keshav Maharaj as the skipper continues to drive the Proteas forward after tea. 🇿🇦💪#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/9EZrsBlQud

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 30, 2025

By the end of the day, Zimbabwe looked more interested in surviving than chasing. Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Prince Masvaure dug in, but progress was painfully slow, just 32 runs on the board by stumps, and one wicket down after Kaitano edged Bosch late in the day. With Blessing Muzarabani briefly back from illness and a mountain of runs to climb, it’s going to take something miraculous to avoid defeat.

Zimbabwe face a mammoth chase in Bulawayo 🏏#ZIMvSA 📝: https://t.co/90VEx8npEd pic.twitter.com/xxHJiyNHmA

— ICC (@ICC) June 30, 2025

ZIM vs RSA 1st Test Match：Day 2

Stumps：South Africa lead by 216 runs.

South Africa are sitting pretty after Day 2 in Bulawayo! They kicked off by declaring at a massive 418 for 9, thanks to a smashing 153 from Pretorius and an unbeaten ton by Bosch. Zimbabwe’s reply looked wobbly at 23 for 2, but then Sean Williams turned up the heat. He played a gutsy knock of 137, standing tall while wickets fell all around him. Despite a few bright moments like Bennett’s unfortunate concussion exit and Ervine’s gritty 36 — Zimbabwe could only muster 251, with Wiaan Mulder chipping in a handy 4-for.

Sean Williams leads Zimbabwe’s fightback with a sparkling ton 💯#ZIMvSA 📝: https://t.co/90VEx8npEd pic.twitter.com/O145QsaxVO

— ICC (@ICC) June 29, 2025

Back with the bat, South Africa lost Breetzke early but Mulder and de Zorzi calmly added 49 by stumps. With a hefty 216-run lead and momentum on their side, the Proteas are in full control. Zimbabwe will need something special on Day 3 to stay in the hunt, and maybe a bit of magic from Williams again!

South Africa take control on Day 2 after bundling out Zimbabwe for a low total 🏏#ZIMvSA 📝: https://t.co/90VEx8npEd pic.twitter.com/Xg7NzZLGyd

— ICC (@ICC) June 29, 2025

ZIM vs RSA 1st Test Match：Day 1

Stumps：South Africa choose to bat.

South Africa’s first day in Bulawayo was anything but boring, and it all started with 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who seemed to have a four-leaf clover tucked in his batting gloves. Dropped (or spared) not once, not twice, but four times, the teenager rode his luck to smash a rapid 153, becoming the youngest man ever to hit 150 in a Test. Walking in with his team tottering at 23 for 3, he threw the script out the window and launched a counterattack that left Zimbabwe fuming especially without DRS to back their appeals.

A maiden half-century in Test cricket for Lhuan-dré Pretorius! 💪🏏

What a way to announce yourself on the ultimate stage: composed, classy, and fearless! 🇿🇦🔥 #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/sKb2WxYtdp

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 28, 2025

Joining the party was Dewald Brevis, who batted like it was still T20 season, hammering a 51 off 41. And just when Zimbabwe thought they’d seen the worst, Corbin Bosch quietly built his own masterpiece — an unbeaten century on debut. With the tail wagging just enough to frustrate the hosts, South Africa ended day one sitting pretty on 418 for 9. Let’s just say, if cricket had a chaos meter, this day would’ve broken it.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ dream debut sparked a remarkable turnaround on Day 1 for the Proteas 💪#ZIMvSA 📝: https://t.co/90VEx8npEd pic.twitter.com/zO1OSSWE3f

— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2025

ZIM vs RSA 2025 1st Test: For Zimbabwe, gaining experience may matter more than chasing a win.

This match marks the opening Test of the South Africa tour of Zimbabwe series, being played at the iconic Queen’s Sports Club Cricket Ground in Bulawayo. While Zimbabwe enjoys the advantage of playing on home soil, the challenge of defeating a team like South Africa is nothing short of uphill. The Zimbabwean cricket system, which has long struggled with inconsistency and structural issues, finds itself up against a South African side known for its rich cricketing heritage and vast overseas experience.

Looking at the head-to-head history, things look even tougher for the hosts, since 2001, the two sides have faced off in four Test matches at this very venue, and all have ended in favour of the Proteas. This clearly gives South Africa a significant mental edge coming into the contest. All things considered, this match may well serve more as a learning curve and a chance for Zimbabwe to gain valuable exposure at the international level, rather than a realistic shot at victory.

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Zimbabwe’s Key Players to Watch

• Sikandar Raza (All-rounder) – A match-winner with bat and ball, Raza’s aggressive batting and handy off-spin make him crucial on Bulawayo’s slow pitch. His experience in pressure situations could decide Zimbabwe’s fate.
• Blessing Muzarabani (Fast Bowler) – At 6’6″, his steep bounce and seam movement will trouble batters early on. If he strikes with the new ball, Zimbabwe can control the game.
• Craig Ervine – Ervine is Zimbabwe’s most reliable Test batter. His patience and technique against both pace and spin will be key on a pitch that might not offer huge runs. If he bats long, Zimbabwe can post a competitive total.
• Brandon Mavuta – Since Queen’s pitch tends to wear down, Mavuta’s leg-spin could be dangerous in the later innings. He’s improved his control and can exploit any rough patches against right-handers.

South Africa’s Key Players to Watch

• Dean Elgar – Elgar’s experience in Test cricket is unmatched. On a tricky Bulawayo pitch, his ability to grind out tough runs will be crucial. He’s strong against spin and can blunt Zimbabwe’s new-ball attack.
• Kagiso Rabada – Rabada’s pace and bounce will be a nightmare on this surface. He can exploit any early movement and clean up the tail. His aggression and skill make him South Africa’s biggest threat.
• Keshav Maharaj – Maharaj is a proven match-winner on turning tracks. If the pitch cracks up, his accuracy and subtle variations will trouble Zimbabwe’s middle order. He can also hold down an end.
• Aiden Markram – Markram’s attacking style can take the game away quickly. If he settles in, he can dominate Zimbabwe’s spinners and put South Africa in a commanding position.

ZIM vs RSA 2025 1st Test Possible Squad List

ZIM vs RSA 2025 1st Test – Preview & Match Details:

Match Name: South Africa tour of Zimbabwe series

Match Date: 28th Jun 2025

Match Time: 01:30 PM IST

Competing Teams: Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st TEST (ZIM vs RSA)

Venue: Queen’s Sports Club Cricket Ground

Note：The match has not started yet, but updates will be provided regularly once it begins.

ZIM vs RSA 2025 1st Test – Venue: Queen’s Sports Club Cricket Ground

Stadium Capacity: Approximately 12,500 spectators

Stadium Address: VH4Q+2HV, A5, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Stadium Features: Queen’s Sports Club Cricket Ground is located in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The stadium was built and opened in 1890. However, it was not originally designed specifically for cricket – it was initially used for sports like rugby and tennis. As cricket gradually became more popular, the venue evolved into a dedicated cricket ground. The first international Test match at this venue was held in 1994, 24 years after its establishment. Since then, Queen’s Sports Club has become a regular host for international cricket matches. Due to its relatively balanced pitch conditions, it is now considered one of the important venues for international fixtures.

All South Africa tour of Zimbabwe Series Match:

• ZIM vs RSA 2025 2nd Test of the South Africa tour of Zimbabwe series on 07/06 at 13:30 PM IST