Who will win the 1st Test match between Zimbabwe and South Africa today in 2025?
The World Test Champions are back in action, and this time they head to Bulawayo for a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. The first Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa kicks ends on July 1, 2025, at the historic Queens Sports Club, and all eyes are on whether the hosts can stand tall against the red-hot Proteas.
While South Africa enters the series on a high, having dominated global red-ball cricket in the last WTC cycle, Zimbabwe will rely on home conditions and experienced heads like Sean Williams and Craig Ervine to steady their ship. For users of skill-based prediction platforms like HaaNaa, this Test match offers a perfect opportunity to make smart predictions—and win real rewards!
Let’s dive deep into what to expect from this five-day battle.
Match Overview – Zimbabwe vs South Africa Test Match Prediction
South Africa comes into this Test brimming with confidence. Their squad features rising stars like Lhuan‑dre Pretorius, Corbin Bosch, and Dewald Brevis, alongside senior campaigners like Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder. With world-class depth across all departments, the Proteas are aiming to begin their new WTC cycle on a dominant note.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, is looking to rebuild. Despite a poor head-to-head record against South Africa in Tests, playing at home gives them a much-needed edge. If players like Sean Williams, Ervine, and Muzarabani step up, an upset could be on the cards.
Match Details
Match: Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 1st Test, South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2025
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Date: Saturday, July 1, 2025
Live Broadcast: SuperSport
Streaming Platforms: FanCode (India), SABC (Zimbabwe)
Pitch Report – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
The surface at Queens Sports Club is a traditional red-ball track offering something for everyone. Historically, it has favoured batters early on, with seamers coming into play on Days 2 and 3, and some assistance for spinners from Day 4 onward.
Expect early runs, followed by deteriorating conditions—classic five-day Test match rhythm.
Average 1st Innings Score: 320
Bounce & Carry: Moderate
Ideal Strategy: Win the toss and bat first
Spinners’ Role: Increasingly important as the game progresses
Head-to-Head Record – Zimbabwe vs South Africa (Tests)
Total Matches: 11
South Africa won: 10
Zimbabwe won: 0
Drawn: 1
The numbers speak for themselves—South Africa has completely dominated Zimbabwe in Test cricket. Zimbabwe is still searching for its titsfirst-ever win in this format against the Proteas.
Think you can predict the winner? Head over to HaaNaa—India’s favourite opinion trading platform—and share your thoughts on the match result.
Predicted Playing XIs
Zimbabwe
Craig Ervine (Captain), Sean Williams, Milton Shumba, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande (Wicket-Keeper), Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava, Brandon Mavuta
Impact Players: Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano
South Africa
Lhuan‑dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj (Captain), Kyle Verreynne (Wicket-Keeper), Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, Gerald Coetzee, Tristan Stubbs, Duan Jansen
Impact Players: Keegan Petersen, Lizaad Williams
Key Players to Watch – SA vs ZIM 1st Test
Lhuan‑dre Pretorius (South Africa – Batter)
One of the most talked-about young players in South Africa, Pretorius plays with maturity beyond his years. His ability to counter both pace and spin makes him one to watch.
Role: Top-order batter
Strength: Converts starts into big scores
Corbin Bosch (South Africa – All-rounder)
Bosch offers the rare combination of lower-order resilience and sharp seam bowling. He can swing the match in South Africa’s favour with both bat and ball.
Role: Seam-bowling all-rounder
Strength: Big-match temperament
Sean Williams (Zimbabwe – Batter)
Zimbabwe’s most reliable red-ball batter. If Zimbabwe is to post a competitive total, it will require another gritty performance from the veteran left-hander.
Role: No. 4 batter
Strength: Anchoring long innings
Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s Test Match?
Based on form, squad balance, and historical dominance, South Africa head into the 1st Test as clear favourites. However, the Queens Sports Club surface could give Zimbabwe a chance—if they bat well in the first innings and avoid collapses.
Scenario 1: South Africa Bat First
Predicted Score: 400–450
Result: South Africa wins
Reason: A strong top and middle order should pile on the runs and pressure.
Scenario 2: Zimbabwe Bat First
Predicted Score: 250–280
Result: South Africawinsn
Reason: Zimbabwe’s batting depth may not match South Africa’s pace attack over five days.
Final Prediction: South Africa to Win the 1st Test
Everything points to a solid South African victory. They’re better balanced, deeper in all departments, and have players in form. Zimbabwe will need a near-perfect performance to compete across all five days.
Winner Prediction: South Africa
Toss Prediction: Zimbabwe to win the toss (59% probability)
Winning Margin: By an innings or over 250 runs likely
Prediction Confidence Level: 85%
Your Turn to Predict – Trade on HaaNaa!
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Summary – SA vs ZIM Today Match Prediction
The first Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa in Bulawayo is more than just a series opener—it’s a chance for both sides to prove where they stand in the new red-ball cycle. South Africa has the upper hand in skill and form, but cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Don’t count Zimbabwe out just yet.
Final Verdict: South Africa to win the 1st Test convincingly.
Toss Prediction: Zimbabwe to win and opt to bat.
Best Performer Prediction: Corbin Bosch (All-round impact)
