The opening Test match between Zimbabwe and South Africa is set to begin this Saturday, 28 June, with the five-day clash taking place in Bulawayo. The series comprises two Tests, and we focus on the first encounter from a betting perspective.
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe have traditionally struggled in the Test arena, often falling short with a mix of defeats and drawn matches.
Their most recent outing came against England in May, where they suffered a heavy defeat at Trent Bridge, losing by an innings and 45 runs. Prior to that, they toured Bangladesh in April for a two-match series. They edged a narrow 3-wicket win in the first Test but couldn’t maintain momentum, losing the second match by an innings and 10 runs.
Since the start of 2021, Zimbabwe have played 14 Test matches — winning just 2, losing 10, and drawing 2 — underlining their struggles at this level.
Zimbabwe Squad
Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams
SOUTH AFRICA
The Proteas come into this series in excellent form in the Test format, having gone unbeaten in their last eight matches over the past year.
They hosted Sri Lanka between November and December 2024, winning both Tests convincingly. Just weeks later, they faced Pakistan at home and repeated the feat with another 2-0 series sweep.
Their most recent match was the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia, which began on 11 June. South Africa delivered a composed and clinical performance, securing the title with a 5-wicket win on Day 4.
Proteas Squad
Temba Bavuma (captain, Lions), David Bedingham (Western Province), Matthew Breetzke (Warriors), Dewald Brevis (Titans), Corbin Bosch (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province), Zubayr Hamza (Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Titans), Lesego Senokwane (Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Dolphins), Kyle Verreynne (Western Province), Codi Yusuf (Lions)
BETTING – click here to bet
Zimbabwe 1.25
Draw 8.00
South Africa 9.00
Head-to-Head History
These two sides have met just 9 times in the Test format. South Africa have dominated the rivalry, winning 8 of those encounters, with the only exception being a drawn match in 2001.
In their last 4 meetings, the Proteas have showcased complete dominance, winning 3 of them by an innings margin. Their most recent clash came in 2017 at St George’s Park, where South Africa secured a commanding victory by an innings and 120 runs.
Betting Tips
- Suggested Bet: Bowler Total Match Wickets – Keshav Maharaj Over 4.5 @ 1.90
Maharaj brings much-needed experience to this Proteas bowling attack and is expected to lead from the front. Against a vulnerable Zimbabwean batting lineup, he can claim 5 or more wickets in the match. - Suggested Bet: Zimbabwe Top Batter – Brian Bennett @ 3.70
While often inconsistent, Bennett has the potential to anchor the innings. If he sees off the new ball with patience, he could accumulate runs steadily and emerge as Zimbabwe’s top scorer.
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
