Zimbabwe vs. South Africa 1st Test 2025: Proteas’ New Stars Face Chevrons’ Grit in Bulawayo

On June 28, 2025, the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo buzzed with anticipation as Zimbabwe took on World Test Championship (WTC) champions South Africa in the first of a two-match Test series.

Fresh off their historic WTC triumph against Australia at Lord’s, the Proteas, led by stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj, arrived with a youthful squad featuring debutants Dewald Brevis, Codi Yusuf, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius.

Zimbabwe, under Craig Ervine’s leadership, aimed to leverage home advantage and upset the formidable visitors, despite missing key players like Sikandar Raza.

With no TV telecast in India, fans turned to FanCode’s live stream, as noted by @FanCode on X, to catch every ball. This article dives into the match’s context, team dynamics, streaming details, and why this clash is a trending topic for cricket lovers worldwide.

• Match Overview: The 1st Test, June 28–July 2, 2025, at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, pits WTC champions South Africa against a resilient Zimbabwe.
• South Africa’s New Look: Without Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, and others, Keshav Maharaj leads debutants Brevis, Yusuf, and Pretorius.
• Zimbabwe’s Challenge: Craig Ervine’s squad, missing Raza, relies on Sean Williams, Blessing Muzarabani, and Brian Bennett to compete.
• Streaming Details: No TV broadcast in India; fans can watch live on FanCode app/website with a subscription or match pass.
• Historical Context: Zimbabwe have lost eight of nine Tests against South Africa, with their last meeting in 2017 ending in a Proteas rout.

The Build-Up: A Tale of Champions and Underdogs

South Africa’s recent WTC victory at Lord’s, defeating Australia, cemented their status as Test cricket’s elite, as celebrated by @ProteasMenCSA on X.

However, the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma (hamstring injury) and rested stars like Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, and Tristan Stubbs gives this series a fresh twist.

Keshav Maharaj, a seasoned spinner, steps up as captain, with uncapped talents Dewald Brevis, Codi Yusuf, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius making their Test debuts.

Brevis, dubbed “Baby AB” for his De Villiers-esque flair, and Pretorius, a standout at the 2024 U19 World Cup, bring IPL-honed aggression, per Rajasthan Royals’ coverage. Kwena Maphaka, a 19-year-old pacer with Test experience against Pakistan, adds firepower.

Zimbabwe, hosting their first Test series of a busy summer, face a daunting task. Their 8-1 loss record against South Africa, including a crushing defeat in 2017, looms large, as noted by Sportstar.

Without all-rounder Sikandar Raza, currently playing Major League Cricket, and Ben Curran and Richard Ngarava, the Chevrons lean on captain Craig Ervine, pacer Blessing Muzarabani, and rising star Brian Bennett.

A warm-up match earlier in June against South Africa in Arundel showed Zimbabwe’s grit, but the Proteas’ depth makes them favorites, as @ZimCricketPod’s broadcast alert hyped the clash.

The Match: Day 1 Expectations

The 1st Test began at 1:30 PM IST (10:00 AM CAT) on June 28, with the toss at 1:00 PM IST, as per Indian Express. Queens Sports Club’s pitch, known for assisting pace early and spin later, promises a balanced contest.

South Africa’s confirmed XI—Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (c), Codi Yusuf, and Kwena Maphaka—blends youth and experience.

Zimbabwe’s squad, including Ervine, Sean Williams, and Muzarabani, aims to exploit home conditions, with spinners Wellington Masakadza and Vincent Masekesa targeting South Africa’s middle order.

Day 1’s action, streamed live on FanCode, is expected to set the tone. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Maphaka and Yusuf, will challenge Zimbabwe’s top order, while Muzarabani’s bounce could trouble the Proteas’ debutants.

@internetumpire on X highlighted Brevis’ “long-awaited Test rise” and Zimbabwe’s “unshakable commitment to Tests,” adding to the anticipation.

Fans in Zimbabwe can watch on ZBC TV, and South Africans on SuperSport, but Indian viewers need FanCode’s subscription or match pass, as noted by Outlook India.

Streaming and Viewing Details for India

For Indian fans, the lack of TV telecast is a bummer, but FanCode steps up with live streaming, as emphasized by @Merovaeous on X, offering a match pass for INR 25.

The app and website provide real-time updates, commentary, and scorecards, accessible on mobiles, laptops, and connected TVs.

A monthly or yearly subscription, or a Vi/Jio SIM plan, unlocks the full series, per The Daily Jagran. This digital-first approach reflects cricket’s evolving broadcast landscape, ensuring fans don’t miss the action from Bulawayo.

Why This Series Matters

This non-WTC series, as clarified by Outlook India, is a chance for South Africa to test their bench strength while Zimbabwe kickstarts a packed summer, including a tri-series with New Zealand and a red-ball series against the Kiwis, per Sporting News. The series’ appeal lies in:

• Emerging Talent: Brevis and Pretorius, with IPL credentials, and Maphaka’s pace make South Africa’s youth a draw, as @FanCode noted.
• Zimbabwe’s Resilience: Despite their historical struggles, players like Muzarabani and Bennett could spark an upset, fueling local pride (@yvonnemangunda).
• Test Cricket’s Charm: The five-day format’s tactical depth, at a historic venue, captivates purists, as @ZimCricketPod’s free ICC TV stream promotes.
• African Rivalry: The all-African clash, with South Africa’s dominance versus Zimbabwe’s home fight, adds intrigue.
• Global Reach: Streaming on FanCode and ICC TV ensures worldwide access, amplifying the series’ buzz.

Challenges and Opportunities

For South Africa

The absence of Bavuma, Rabada, and others tests Maharaj’s leadership. Brevis, with three first-class centuries at an average of 60.62, must adapt his T20 flair to Test patience, per Rajasthan Royals.

Maphaka’s raw pace and Yusuf’s debut nerves face Zimbabwe’s experienced batters like Sean Williams. The Proteas’ depth, with Kyle Verreynne’s wicketkeeping and David Bedingham’s form, offers stability, but early breakthroughs are key.

For Zimbabwe

Missing Raza’s all-round prowess hurts, but Ervine’s leadership and Muzarabani’s pace could exploit Bulawayo’s bounce. Bennett’s aggression and Williams’ experience are vital against South Africa’s youthful attack.

Zimbabwe’s recent Test win against Bangladesh, as noted by Cricket Addictor, boosts morale, but their 8-1 record against South Africa demands a monumental effort.

Broader Implications

South Africa’s Youth Pipeline

The debut of Brevis, Yusuf, and Pretorius signals South Africa’s focus on building for the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Their performances could shape future selections, especially with veterans rested, as @internetumpire highlighted.

Zimbabwe’s Test Revival

Zimbabwe’s commitment to Tests, despite limited opportunities, is inspiring. Hosting South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka this summer elevates their cricketing profile, per Sporting News. A competitive showing could attract more Test tours.

Cricket’s Digital Shift

The reliance on FanCode for Indian viewers reflects cricket’s move to streaming platforms, making matches accessible but challenging for traditional TV fans. This shift, as @FanCode’s post suggests, broadens the sport’s reach.

Tips for Fans

• Stream Smart: Grab FanCode’s INR 25 match pass or subscription for uninterrupted viewing, as advised by @Merovaeous.
• Follow X Updates: Track @ProteasMenCSA and @ZimCricketPod for live highlights and player insights.
• Engage Online: Join #ZIMvSA discussions on X to share predictions and reactions.
• Plan for Bulawayo: If traveling, visit Queens Sports Club for the 2nd Test (July 6–10) and soak in Zimbabwe’s cricket culture.
• Support the Chevrons: Cheer Zimbabwe’s underdog spirit, as @DStvZimbabwe urges, for a thrilling contest.

The Zimbabwe vs. South Africa 1st Test, starting June 28, 2025, at Queens Sports Club, is more than a clash of neighbors—it’s a showcase of Test cricket’s enduring allure.

South Africa’s new-look squad, led by Keshav Maharaj with debutants Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, faces a spirited Zimbabwe under Craig Ervine, eager to defy their 8-1 record.

With no TV broadcast in India, FanCode’s live stream keeps fans glued, as @FanCode and @ZimCricketPod amplify the hype. From Brevis’ flair to Muzarabani’s bounce, this match promises drama, youth, and grit.

As the Chevrons battle the WTC champions, the world watches, proving Test cricket’s magic is alive and kicking in Bulawayo.