South Africa holds a commanding 1–0 lead in their two-match Test series against Zimbabwe after a dominant victory by 328 runs in the first Test at Bulawayo. Young stars Lhuan-dre Pretorius (153) and Corbin Bosch (unbeaten 100) starred with the bat, while Wiaan Mulder contributed 147 runs in the second innings as South Africa set Zimbabwe a massive target of 537[1]. Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams fought valiantly with 137, but the rest of the lineup struggled.
The second Test, starting July 6, 2025, at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, began with Zimbabwe electing to bowl first. Zimbabwe introduced debutant seamer Kundai Matigimu and batter Dion Myers into their XI, while South Africa, missing several senior players including regular captain Temba Bavuma and spinner Keshav Maharaj (out with injury), appointed Wiaan Mulder as captain for the first time. The Proteas also handed debuts to Lesego Senokwane and Prenelan Subrayen[2].
Maharaj’s absence opened a spot for Senuran Muthusamy, and South Africa fielded a young, inexperienced side. Despite the absences, they remain favorites after their performance in the first Test, with notable contributions from Pretorius, Bosch, Mulder, and the promising Dewald Brevis, who impressed on Test debut. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will rely on the experience of Sean Williams and captain Craig Ervine as they seek to fight back and level the series[3].
As of Day 1, Session 1 of the second Test, South Africa were 11/0 after 6.2 overs, with debutant Lesego Senokwane (1*) and Tony de Zorzi (10*) at the crease. Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Tanaka Chivanga, had kept things tight in the early exchanges[4].