Zimbabwe vs South Africa Prediction, Standings, Players, Odds: 6/7/2025

Zimbabwe will face South Africa in the second and final Test of their current series, looking to recover from a heavy defeat in the opening match. The upcoming contest, hosted at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, presents a critical opportunity for the hosts to restore credibility and gain experience against a top-tier opponent. The visitors enter the match with a dominant 328-run victory behind them, placing them in a commanding position.

South Africa holds a clear historical advantage over Zimbabwe in Test cricket, winning nine out of their ten previous encounters, with the remaining game ending in a draw. That trend, along with the visitors’ commanding performance in the first match, highlights the scale of the challenge ahead for the Zimbabwean side. Most of the Zimbabwean squad is still developing in international cricket, and their performance in this match will be closely scrutinized.

Zimbabwe’s Challenges in Batting and Squad Resilience

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine faces a difficult task rallying his team after the first Test loss. The top order failed to provide stability, putting pressure on the middle and lower-order batters. In particular, openers Brian Bennett and Takudzwanashe Kaitano will need to step up and manage the new ball more effectively. Their failure to establish partnerships in both innings proved costly in the previous match.

Sean Williams, one of the more experienced members of the side, provided a highlight by scoring a century in the first Test. His role, alongside Nick Welch and Ervine, will be crucial if Zimbabwe is to build competitive totals. Contributions from Wessly Madhevere and wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga are also essential to stabilize the middle order and support the core batting lineup.

Zimbabwe’s bowling unit showed some promise with the new ball in the opening match. Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani, who are familiar with local conditions, will once again be expected to provide early breakthroughs. Tanaka Chivanga emerged as the standout performer with the ball and is expected to lead the attack. Support from Vincent Masekesa and part-time bowling by Bennett will also be key in creating pressure through the innings.

South Africa Look to Build on Momentum Under New Captain

South Africa will be led by Wiaan Mulder in the absence of Keshav Maharaj, who misses the match due to injury. Mulder’s side enters the second Test with confidence, having outperformed their opponents in all departments. The captain will expect more consistency from openers Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke, both of whom underperformed in the series opener.

The middle order, however, remains a strong point for South Africa. Mulder himself, along with Lhuan-dre Pretorius, registered centuries in the first match and will look to continue their form. David Bedingham is another vital figure who can provide stability and scoring momentum. The inclusion of explosive talent like Dewald Brevis also adds depth to the lineup.

On the bowling front, the Proteas displayed a disciplined approach in the first Test. Fast bowlers Codi Yusuf and Kwena Maphaka will aim to make early inroads once again. Mulder’s dual role as captain and all-rounder will be pivotal in managing the middle overs. Prenelan Subrayen offers control with his off-spin, and Corbin Bosch’s all-round capabilities further strengthen the bowling unit.

Conditions and Strategic Outlook at Bulawayo

The pitch at Queens Sports Club is expected to favor bowlers early on, with its slow nature and unpredictable bounce making batting a challenge. Fast bowlers often extract movement in the first innings, while spinners typically come into play as the surface deteriorates on the final days. With a large outfield and variable pace, stroke-making becomes risky, especially in the fourth innings.

Clear weather is forecast over Bulawayo for the duration of the match. Teams winning the toss are likely to bat first to take advantage of the best batting conditions early on. The average first-innings score at the venue is just over 310, and any total above 400 is considered highly competitive.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Zimbabwe is expected to field the same eleven that played the first Test, with captain Craig Ervine leading a young squad:

Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga.

South Africa, under the leadership of Wiaan Mulder, is also likely to stick with their winning combination:

Wiaan Mulder (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka, Prenelan Subrayen.

Prediction

Zimbabwe’s inconsistency with the bat remains a significant concern. Despite occasional individual brilliance, the team’s overall performance lacks the cohesion required to challenge a well-drilled South African side. The Proteas, buoyed by their strong record and recent win, will enter the second Test as firm favorites.

Unless Zimbabwe can drastically improve their top-order batting and deliver a sustained bowling effort, South Africa is likely to complete a series sweep.

Prediction: South Africa to win