ZIM vs SA 1st Match Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, and Pitch Report of Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025

Zimbabwe vs South Africa T20I Tri-Series 2025 is going on 1st T20I match played in Harare Sports Club, Harare at 4:30 PM, stay updated with ScoreWaves for Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 fantasy cricket tips

The cricketing carnival is about to ignite in Harare! Get ready for a thrilling start to the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-series 2025 as the hosts, Zimbabwe, lock horns with the formidable South African side in the opening encounter. This isn't just any T20 match; it's the beginning of a high-stakes tournament that also features New Zealand, promising two weeks of exhilarating T20 action at the iconic Harare Sports Club.

For Zimbabwe, this series is a golden opportunity to test their mettle against two of the world's top T20 nations. Under the seasoned leadership of Sikandar Raza, the Chevrons will be banking on their home advantage and the fervent support of their fans. Players like Richard Ngarava's pace and the consistent all-round contributions from their skipper will be crucial. Having missed out on recent global tournaments, this tri-series provides an ideal platform for Zimbabwe to showcase their rapidly improving T20 credentials and lay down a marker against top-tier opposition.

Across the boundary, South Africa arrives with a blend of youthful exuberance and established talent. Led by Rassie van der Dussen, the Proteas have named an exciting squad featuring promising newcomers like Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Corbin Bosch, all eager to make their T20I debuts. While they might be missing some of their most experienced T20 campaigners, this fresh-faced Proteas side will be hungry to prove their depth and versatility. Their recent dominant Test series win against Zimbabwe will give them confidence, but T20 is a different ball game, demanding instant impact and relentless aggression.

The Harare Sports Club pitch is generally known to offer a balanced contest. While early assistance for the pacers might be on offer, especially if there's any moisture, as the game progresses, it tends to become a good batting surface. Spinners could also find some purchase, particularly in the latter half of the innings. Historically, the ground has seen some high-scoring encounters, so expect boundaries to flow freely.

This ZIM vs SA 1st T20I is more than just an opening fixture; it's a statement game. Can Zimbabwe, spurred by their home crowd, spring a surprise against a strong South African contingent? Or will the Proteas' blend of youthful energy and T20 pedigree prove too much for the hosts? The stage is set for a captivating start to the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-series! Don't miss the action as these two Southern African rivals battle for early dominance

Head-to-Head: Zimbabwe vs South Africa - Who Holds the Advantage?

If we talk about head to head record, then both the teams have faced each other 6 times in which Zimbabwe has won 0 matches where as South Africa have won 5 matches and 1 match without no result. In such a situation, Zimbabwe will have an advantage in this match because they will be playing on their home ground. But this way is not easy for Zimbabwe.

The matches between the two teams are always tough. South Africa team is looking in good form but Zimbabwe' main batsmen need to take responsibility as they are getting out after getting set in previous test series vs South Africa. For South Africa, both openers looking in good touch.

Total Matches Played: 6

Zimbabwe Wins: 0

South Africa Wins: 5

No Result/Abandoned Matches: 1

Despite South Africa having the firepower of Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Rassie van der Dussen (c), Rubin Hermann, and Dewald Brevis, Bangladesh' all-around strength and explosive players Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl, give them the upper hand in this head-to-head contest. However, it’s always been a close battle.

Recent Forms of Zimbabwe and South Africa:

ZIM:A A W W W 

SA: A A L L L

Predictions: Who Will Win the Match?

As far as fantasy cricket is concerned, Zimbabwe might have the edge with their explosive batting lineup led by Wessly Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa but South Africa balanced squad and the presence of all-rounders like George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy and Corbin Bosch make them a formidable opponent. Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, with its high-scoring potential, might slightly favor the batting-heavy teams, so expect a run-fest.

Injury Update:
Currently no injury concerns from both sides.

Zimbabwe vs South Africa Match Date, Time, & Venue:   

Match: ZIM vs SA 1st T20I Match of Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 

Date: 14 July 2025

Time: 4:30 PM

Stadium: Harare Sports Club

Location: Harare

Zimbabwe vs South Africa Match Pitch Report:  

The 1st T20I match between Zimbabwe vs South Africa, Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, will be played on 14 July at 4:30 PM in Harare Sports Club, Harare. The Harare Sports Club hosted a total of 60 T20I matches, 34 matches won batting first and 24 matches won batting 2nd and 2 matches with no result. The Harare Sports Club pitch is generally considered a balanced surface for T20 cricket. While pace bowlers might find some early assistance, especially with cutters and hitting hard lengths, the pitch tends to flatten out as the game progresses, becoming more batting-friendly. Spinners can also find some turn, particularly in afternoon matches. Historically, teams batting first have had a slightly better success rate here, with an average first innings score of around 151.

T20I Stats	Value
Total Matches	60
Batting First Won	34
Bowling First Won	24
1st Innings Average Score	151
2nd Innings Average Score	133
Highest Total	234/2 by IND vs ZIM
Lowest Total	99/10 by PAK vs ZIM
Highest Chased	195/5 by BAN vs ZIM
Lowest Defended	77/5 by ZIM vs IRE

Possible Playing 11 for Zimbabwe:   

Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande(w), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Possible Playing 11 for South Africa:

Lhuan-dre Pretorius(w), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen(c), Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lungi Ngidi

ZIM vs SA 1st T20I Fantasy Team:   

Wicketkeepers: Lhuan-dre Pretorius 

Batsman: Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, Brian Bennett

All-rounders: Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, George Linde, Corbin Bosch

Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger 

Zimbabwe vs South Africa Fantasy Team for Today Match:

ZIM vs SA 1st T20I Fantasy Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:    

Choice 1: Sikandar Raza (C), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (VC)  

Choice 2: Corbin Bosch (C), Dewald Brevis (VC)

Zimbabwe vs South Africa Fantasy 11 Prediction Backups:

Wessly Madhevere, Dion Myers, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto

Disclaimer:  

The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision. 

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