South Africa will take on Zimbabwe in the 1st Test of the two-match Test series. The match will be played at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo from 28th June 2025 to 2nd July 2025 at 1:30 PM IST. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe, under the leadership of their experienced captain Craig Ervine, will play a Test series after 7 long years. Hosting the current World Test Champions would be a big thing for the Zimbabwe side. They have a strong squad available for this series, but they are set to miss their key players due to several reasons. Ben Curran and new-ball bowler Richard Ngarava are currently recovering from their respective injuries. Experienced middle-order batter and spin option Sikandar Raza is playing in Major League Cricket (MLC). It is worth mentioning that Zimbabwe last played their Test match against England last month and suffered defeat by a whopping 45-run margin and by an innings. They have just one win in their last five Test match outings. South Africa The newly crowned World Test Champions, South Africa, on the other hand, will be heading into this series after beating Australia in the WTC final at the Lord's. However, there is a twist this time, most of their players have been rested while their skipper, Temba Bavuma, has been ruled out due to an injury. Keshav Maharaj will take the leadership duties. The team includes young batsmen like David Beddingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, and Tony de Zorzi. The 19-year-old attacking batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius has also been included in the squad. The more experienced Lesego Senokwane could also make his international debut. In the bowling front, stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj and off-spinning all-rounder Prenelan Subrayen will likely both play, and Kwena Mphaka is also likely to join the hands. ZIM vs SA 1st Test: Pitch Report The surface at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, has always been a balanced pitch for the red-ball format. Initially, the pitch will remain dry and grassy, offering very little to help the fast bowler, slowly becoming drier as the match progresses. As the match progresses, the pitch becomes easier for the batsmen, and it becomes easier to score runs. On the third and fourth day, spinners start getting turn and bounce, so that they can play an important role. The first innings total at this venue is 331, which gets increased to 396 in the second innings and slightly decreases as the match progresses. ZIM vs SA 1st Test: Weather Report There are no chances of rain during the first Test match between Zimbabwe and South Africa; however, the weather is likely to be more sweaty and humid during the early hours of the gameplay. The maximum temperature is predicted to be 22°C while the minimum temperature would be 18°C. ZIM vs SA Head-to-Head (in Tests) ZIM vs SA head-to-head (in Tests) Match Played 9 Won by Zimbabwe 0 Won by South Africa 8 No Result 0 Drawn 1 Probable XI Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Nicholas Welch, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu. South Africa: Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, David Bedingham, Lesego Senokwane, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynn (wk), Keshav Maharaj (c), Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, Lungi Ngidi Must-Pick Players for ZIM vs SA 1st Test Top Wicketkeeper to Pick Kyle Verreynne | SA: Kyle Verreynne is one of the finest and experienced batters in the current squad of the South African Test team. This right-hander has featured in 25 Test matches and has scored 1077 runs, including four centuries and 3 half-centuries. In the absence of key players, he will need to step up to take charge in the batting unit. Top Batters to Pick Craig Ervine | ZIM: The experienced veteran Zimbabwean batter, Craig Ervine, enjoys batting at his home ground. He has played 52 Test innings in his career so far and has scored 1690 runs, including 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries. His presence in your dream team will boost your chances of winning. David Bedingham | SA: The 31-year-old batter will need to step up and take the responsibilities in the absence of key players. He has played 11 Test matches in his career so far but has scored 711 runs, including one century. Talking about his form then he scored 45 runs in the first innings against Australia in the WTC final and helped his team reach a good score. Top All-Rounders to Pick Sean Williams | ZIM: With over 1618 runs and 25 wickets in 20 Tests, Sean Williams has proved his worth while playing some crucial knocks. He is also a regular wicket-taker for the team who scalps wickets in crucial situations. Keeping him out will cost you some crucial fantasy points. Wiaan Mulder | SA: The 27-year-old allrounder is a key part of the South African Test setup who contributes with both his batting and bowling. In 19 Test matches, he has scored 622 runs and has also taken 31 wickets. He is a must-have player in your fantasy team. Top Bowlers to Pick Blessing Muzarbani | ZIM: The 28-year-old right-arm is the most experienced pacer in the Zimbabwe bowling unit. He has played 13 matches and has taken 54 wickets. He also took three wickets against England last month in his spell. Hence, his inclusion in your fantasy XI is a must to win. Keshav Maharaj | SA: Keshav Mahraj will help in the bowling unit, he is also likely to get good help from the dry surface of Bulawayo. In 58 Test matches, he has taken 199 wickets, just sort of completing 200 Test wickets. He is a must-have player in your fantasy eleven.