Zimbabwe vs South Africa – Day 1 Test Match Wrap

28 June 2025

By Andile Vundla

It was an entertaining opening day of Test cricket at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday, as Zimbabwe gave newly crowned World Test Champions South Africa a real test of nerves in the first of the two-match Test series.

South Africa, who won the toss and opted to bat, were left reeling early on thanks to a fiery spell from Zimbabwe pacer Tanaka Chivanga.

The visitors were in early trouble at 15 for 1 after 10 overs, with Tony de Zorzi falling for a duck. It didn’t stop there. Chivanga struck again and again removing Ash Breetzke for 13 and David Bedingham for a duck leaving the Proteas stunned at 23 for 3 after just under 15 overs.

Wiaan Mulder was then run out for 17 thanks to sharp work by Blessing Muzarabani. By lunch, South Africa were 90 for 4.

The afternoon session saw a mini recovery from South Africa, but Zimbabwe kept chipping away. Kyle Verreynne was caught brilliantly by captain Craig Ervine for 13, and South Africa ended the second session at 248 for 6.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius was the star for the Proteas, scoring a solid 153 before falling to Chivanga who bagged his fourth wicket of the day.

By stumps, South Africa had reached 418 for 9, surviving some top-class bowling from Zimbabwe. Tanaka Chivanga led the charge with an impressive 4-wicket haul on Day 1.

Day 2 action is already underway as Chevrons face an uphill battle of scoring more than 400 runs as they are still yet to bat.