South Africa vs Zimbabwe Showdown: Live Score, Key Moments & How to Watch the High-Stakes Qualifier

All eyes turn to Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo today as Zimbabwe host South Africa in the opening Test of a two-match series that revives a rivalry last contested in 2017. The clash, which begins at 13:30 IST / 10:00 local time, offers both sides a fresh canvas: Zimbabwe are searching for their first home Test victory over the Proteas, while South Africa are ushering in a new era under captain Temba Bavuma with three exciting debutants. Series snapshot and why it matters • Two Tests: 28 June–2 July (Bulawayo) and 6–10 July (Bulawayo). A limited travel footprint means both squads remain in the same bio-secure bubble, reducing fatigue and maximising prep time. • ICC World Test Championship points: South Africa sit mid-table and cannot afford a slip; Zimbabwe, outside the WTC cycle, treat every Test as a statement fixture. • Historical ledger: South Africa lead 9-0 with two draws, but Zimbabwe’s last outing here was a tense four-day finish against West Indies that exposed their knack for grinding out results on slow surfaces. Team news and playing XIs (expected) Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Innocent Kaia, Milton Shumba, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi. South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis*, Tristan Stubbs, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada. *Brevis, plus wicket-keeper Lhuan-dre Pretorius and seamer Mihlali Mpongwana, received maiden caps in the tour party. Key storylines to watch 1. Dewald Brevis’ red-ball debut: The 22-year-old shot to fame in T20 leagues but averaged 58 in first-class cricket this season. His aggressive stroke-play could tilt momentum on a traditionally placid Bulawayo strip. 2. Spin vs reverse swing: Winter wickets here start firm, crack late and encourage slow turn. Maharaj and Raza—both high-value all-rounders—may decide sessions after day three. 3. Home firepower: Muzarabani and Ngarava exploited variable bounce to rattle Pakistan last year; if they nip out South Africa’s top order early, Zimbabwe’s experienced middle could dictate tempo. 4. Bavuma’s leadership test: Without senior pillars Quinton de Kock (retired) and Anrich Nortje (injured), Bavuma must balance blooding rookies against securing essential WTC points. Pitch and weather Expect sunshine through the first two days, with afternoon cross-winds offering swing. Light showers are forecast on day four, but the outfield drains quickly. Average first-innings score at Queens since 2020 sits at 318; four of the last six matches have produced results inside four and a half days. How to watch live Fans in India can stream Zimbabwe vs South Africa live on FanCode, with telecast on Sports18; SuperSport carries coverage across Sub-Saharan Africa, and viewers in the UK can tune in via Sky Sports Cricket. SEO-rich quick facts • Match: ZIM vs SA 1st Test, South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2025 • Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo • Live score: Follow ball-by-ball updates on Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo • Hashtags: #ZIMvSA #SAvsZIM #TestCricket Prediction On paper, South Africa’s pace trio of Rabada, Ngidi and Jansen should overpower a Zimbabwe top order prone to collapses. Yet if Williams and Raza bat deep and the surface slows, the hosts can force a day-five scrap. South Africa remain favourites, but expect Zimbabwe to seize at least one decisive session per day—enough to keep the Bulawayo faithful believing in a historic upset. Stay tuned for live updates, session reports and expert analysis as South Africa vs Zimbabwe unfolds.