Zimbabwe and South Africa are set to clash once again in the second and final Test of the series, starting Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The visitors head into the decider full of confidence after a dominant 328-run win in the first Test.
All-rounder Corbin Bosch was the standout performer, notching up his maiden Test century (100* in the first innings) and following it up with a five-wicket haul (5/43) as South Africa set Zimbabwe a daunting target of 537 before bowling them out for 208.
Debutant seamer Codi Yusuf also impressed with 3/22. For Zimbabwe, Wellington Masakadza (57) and Craig Ervine (49) offered resistance, but the rest of the batting order crumbled.
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Ahead of the second Test, South Africa will be led by Wiaan Mulder after Maharaj was ruled out with a groin strain. As both teams look to make their mark in the series finale, here’s a look at the expected lineups, key betting tips, latest odds, and match predictions.
Zimbabwe vs. South Africa: Expected lineups
South Africa Predicted Playing XI: Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder (c), David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka.
Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI: Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Nick Welch, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu.
ZIM vs. SA: Head-to-head in Test matches
Zimbabwe and South Africa have faced each other in 10 Test matches, with South Africa dominating the rivalry. Proteas have won 9 of those encounters including the latest victory, while Zimbabwe are yet to register a win.
Only one match between the two sides ended in a draw. South Africa have won four Tests at home, one away and four in neutral venues, whereas Zimbabwe have neither won at home nor abroad.
- Matches Played - 10
- Zimbabwe won - 0
- South Africa won - 9
- Draw - 1
Zimbabwe vs. South Africa: Match predictions and betting tips
Key performers in red-hot form and the pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo offer a balanced challenge for both bat and ball, the stage is set for a compelling Test match.
Blessing Muzarabani’s ability to strike early makes him a prime weapon with the new ball, especially under the morning sun where seam movement is expected. With the bat, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine form a formidable middle-order duo. Ervine’s track record at this venue (833 runs and 13 catches in 10 Tests) underscores his comfort in home conditions.
South Africa's strength lies in its all-rounders and form players. Wiann Mulder, who performs significantly better outside home soil, could be key with both bat and ball. Zubayr Hamza and Lhuan-dre Pretorius bring strong domestic form into the game and could capitalize once the pitch flattens.
If the match heads into the fourth and fifth day, spin could play a decisive role. Overall, it shapes up to be a tightly contested Test, but South Africa’s form and proven head to head results give them a slight edge.
TSN’s Prediction:
- Blessing Muzarabani to pick 3+ wickets in the first innings.
- Craig Ervine or Sean Williams to notch a fifty in Zimbabwe’s first innings.
- Wiann Mulder to score 50+ and take at least one wicket across the match.
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Zimbabwe vs. South Africa: Players to watch
Batters:
Sean Williams (ZIM) – The Zimbabwean stalwart scored a commanding 137 in the first innings of the 1st Test, continuing his exceptional run of form in 2025.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius (SA) – The South African batter smashed 153 in the first innings of the 1st Test, showcasing his ability to dominate in subcontinental conditions.
Bowlers:
Wellington Masakadza (ZIM) – The left-arm spinner picked up 4 wickets in the second innings and is expected to play a key role as the pitch wears down.
Corbin Bosch (SA) – With a five-wicket haul and an unbeaten century in the first Test, Bosch proved his all-round credentials and remains South Africa’s X-factor.
Zimbabwe vs. South Africa: Betting odds and Tips, 2nd Test Match
According to Dafabet, South Africa head into the second Test as clear favourites with odds of 1.13, while Zimbabwe are significant underdogs at 6.01.
Odds* | |
South Africa | 6.01 |
Zimbabwe | 1.13 |
* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change
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ZIM vs. SA: Pitch and weather report
The surface at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is expected to play true to its traditional character, which is slow, dry, and initially favorable for batting. The average first-innings score in recent Tests hovers around 310, while the second-innings average climbs to 396, reflecting how the pitch flattens out before deteriorating in the latter stages.
Seamers will find early movement and bounce, especially under the morning sun, but as the match progresses, spinners are likely to take over, exploiting the slow turn and rough patches that develop, particularly from Day 3 onward.
Weather conditions between June 06 and July 10 are ideal for uninterrupted Test cricket, with sunny skies and temperatures ranging between 18–23°C. There is minimal rain forecast across the five days, meaning both teams will have a full opportunity to force a result.
ZIM vs. SA 2nd Test Live Streaming: Where to watch in India?
Cricket fans and punters in India can watch the live stream of the South Africa vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test on the Fancode app and website.