Zimbabwe vs South Africa 2nd Test Prediction, Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report

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The second and final Test of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and South Africa gets underway at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. After a crushing 328-run victory in the first Test, South Africa will look to complete a clean sweep, while Zimbabwe seeks redemption and their maiden Test win against their more experienced rivals. The hosts were outplayed across all departments in the opening game, with both batting and bowling failing to match the intensity required against a strong South African side. With pride on the line, Zimbabwe will hope for a much-improved performance, especially from their top order and pace attack.

Match Details

Details	Information
Match	Zimbabwe vs South Africa (2nd Test)
Date & Time	July 19, 2025
Venue	Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Format	Test
Live Streaming	Willow TV, SuperSport

Team Previews

Zimbabwe Preview

Zimbabwe suffered a massive defeat in the first Test, losing by an innings and 328 runs. Craig Ervine’s young side lacked experience and consistency, particularly in batting, where openers Brian Bennett and Takudzwanashe Kaitano failed to provide a solid start. Sean Williams was the lone shining light, scoring a brilliant 137 in the first innings, but he couldn’t single-handedly turn the tide.

The bowlers showed some fight, especially Tanaka Chivanga, who picked up four wickets in the first innings, but they lacked support. Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza offered control with the new ball, while Vincent Masekesa struggled to maintain consistency. In this must-win game, Zimbabwe needs collective performances across all departments. A stable start from the openers, followed by contributions from middle-order batters like Nick Welch and Wessly Madhevere, is essential. The bowling unit must find rhythm early and exploit any assistance available on the pitch.

South Africa Preview

South Africa continued their dominance over Zimbabwe with a comprehensive win in the first Test. Wiaan Mulder took charge as captain after Keshav Maharaj’s injury, and his leadership helped guide the team to a commanding victory. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch starred with the bat, scoring centuries that laid the foundation for a huge total. Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke had a poor outing in the opener’s role and will look to redeem themselves in this game.

The bowling department performed admirably, with Mulder himself taking four wickets. Codi Yusuf and Kwena Maphaka also contributed well, offering pace and control. Prenelan Subrayen provided useful support, making the attack well-balanced. With confidence high and a settled lineup, South Africa looks poised to wrap up the series unless Zimbabwe can pull off a surprise. They will aim to enforce the follow-on again if given the chance.

Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match

Team

Reason

South Africa

South Africa has a dominant record against Zimbabwe, winning 9 out of 10 Tests. Their superior depth in batting and bowling makes them firm favorites. Zimbabwe lacks experience and consistency, especially under pressure. South Africa’s young team played with discipline and purpose in the first Test, and unless Zimbabwe delivers a historic performance, the visitors are expected to clinch the series 2-0.

Fantasy Team XI (Recommended Lineup)

Players	Position	Team	Reason
Tony de Zorzi	Opening Batsman	South Africa	Reliable opener; vital for setting the tone
Sean Williams	Middle Order Batter	Zimbabwe	Only consistent batter in last Test; crucial for Zimbabwe
David Bedingham	Middle Order Batter	South Africa	Steady performer; builds partnerships
Lhuan-dre Pretorius (VC)	All-Rounder	South Africa	Century-maker; contributes with both bat and ball
Corbin Bosch	Batter	South Africa	Game-changer; scored a hundred in last Test
Craig Ervine	Captain	Zimbabwe	Experienced leader; must step up in this must-win match
Blessing Muzarabani	Bowler	Zimbabwe	Can trouble batters with early swing
Wiaan Mulder (C)	All-Rounder	South Africa	Valuable with both bat and ball; captaincy impact
Codi Yusuf	Bowler	South Africa	Skilled pacer; offers control and wicket-taking ability
Kwena Maphaka	Bowler	South Africa	Express pace; can break partnerships
Tanaka Chivanga	Bowler	Zimbabwe	Key spinner; picked up 4 wickets in last Test

Explanation:
This fantasy XI blends key performers from both teams. Openers like Tony de Zorzi and Sean Williams offer batting stability. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch bring aggressive stroke play, while David Bedingham and Craig Ervine add balance. Wiaan Mulder leads the pack with all-round value. The bowling section features consistent performers like Muzarabani, Yusuf, and Maphaka, while Chivanga adds spin variety. This combination ensures coverage across all phases of the game.

Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions

Position	Players	Reason
Captain	Wiaan Mulder	All-round impact + captaincy bonus
Vice-Captain	Lhuan-dre Pretorius	Centurion in last Test; explosive potential

Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams

Player	Reason
Takudzwanashe Kaitano	Struggles against quality pace attacks; poor form
Matthew Breetzke	Failed in both innings last game; not in rhythm

Team Squads

Zimbabwe Squad

Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga

South Africa Squad

Wiaan Mulder (c), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka, Prenelan Subrayen

Probable Playing XI

Zimbabwe	South Africa
Craig Ervine (c)	Wiaan Mulder (c)
Brian Bennett	Tony de Zorzi
Takudzwanashe Kaitano	Matthew Breetzke
Nick Welch	David Bedingham
Sean Williams	Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Wessly Madhevere	Dewald Brevis
Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk)	Kyle Verreynne (wk)
Wellington Masakadza	Corbin Bosch
Blessing Muzarabani	Codi Yusuf
Vincent Masekesa	Kwena Maphaka
Tanaka Chivanga	Prenelan Subrayen

Pitch Report

The pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is slow and assists spinners as the game progresses. Fast bowlers get movement early on, but batting becomes increasingly difficult as cracks develop. A score above 400 is considered competitive here. Batting fourth is extremely challenging due to uneven bounce and sharp turn.

Toss Prediction

Given the nature of the pitch and how it deteriorates over time, the toss winner is likely to choose to bat first , aiming to post a big total and take full advantage of favorable early conditions.

Winner Prediction

South Africa holds a clear advantage over Zimbabwe historically and in terms of current form. Unless Zimbabwe produces a miraculous turnaround, South Africa is expected to dominate once again.
South Africa to win the 2nd Test and clinch the series 2-0.