The host nation, Zimbabwe, will take on the visitors, South Africa, to kick-start the Zimbabwe T20I tri-series, which also features New Zealand. South Africa comes in fresh off a 2-0 Test series win against Zimbabwe. Notably, they are without their core T20I squad and will field a young and fresh team for the tri-series.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has their skipper Sikandar Raza back from franchise cricket duties and will lead a youthful side. Check out the in-depth match preview and where to watch live for Zimbabwe vs South Africa – Match 1 of the Zimbabwe T20I tri-series 2025.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Where to Watch Live?
Date | 14/07/2025 |
|---|---|
Time | 4:30 PM IST |
Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
Streaming OTT | Fancode, Sony Liv |
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Match Preview
The road to the T20 World Cup 2026 begins for the Proteas with this T20I tri-series, as they face hosts Zimbabwe in the opening match. South Africa arrives fresh off a 2-0 Test series win over Zimbabwe. Notably, they’ve selected an unusual T20I squad, one filled with promising youngsters backed by a few experienced names. Only four players from their last T20I appearance are part of this line-up.
Fresh-Faced Proteas Begin T20 WC 2026 Journey Under Van der Dussen
Led by Rassie van der Dussen, several players in this squad are expected to be groomed for the future. The likes of Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius are seen as long-term prospects. Van der Dussen had high praise for Pretorius, the young wicketkeeper-batter:
"He's(Lhuan-dre Pretorius) a great kid with a really good head on his shoulders. He has the power game, and he combines that with talent and flair. But he's got a really good cricketing brain, and it's not often that you see all those attributes together." Van Der Dussan said
In the bowling department, the Proteas will be led by Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, and Senuran Muthusamy, with all-rounders Corbin Bosch and George Linde expected to play supporting roles.
Zimbabwe Blend Youth and Experience for T20 WC Qualifiers
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, is still chasing qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup. They’ve named a youthful squad featuring four uncapped players. With Sikandar Raza returning from franchise cricket to lead the side, Zimbabwe’s focus is on building a balanced unit ahead of the T20 World Cup qualifiers, set to take place later this year on home soil.
Despite the injection of youth, the hosts have retained several key experienced players. Ryan Burl, Dion Myers, and Brian Bennett are likely to anchor the top order, while their regular bowling trio Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, and Blessing Muzarabani is expected to start.
Raza expressed confidence in the squad’s potential and highlighted the importance of facing strong opponents:
"We are very happy that both countries have brought really strong squads. It will be good for our development and learning," as quoted by Cricbuzz
Stay tuned for more updates on Zimbabwe vs South Africa – 1st T20I.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Head-to-Head Records
Teams | Zimbabwe | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Matches Played | 5 | 5 |
Won | 0 | 5 |
For more updates on Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st T20I
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Live Scorecard
