🏏South Africa’s New-Look Line-up

With their World Test Championship triumph fresh in memory, South Africa is resting or missing seven players from that XI. Key absentees include skipper Temba Bavuma (hamstring), plus bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi …In their place, the squad features youthful talents like Dewald Brevis (Test debut), Lhuan‑dre Pretorius, Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka, Codi Yusuf, and Wiaan Mulder 

Table of Contents

Stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj aims to lead a side that blends fresh legs with experience; he’s just one wicket shy of the 200‑Test mark ..South Africa’s New-Look

🔥 Zimbabwe’s Set-Up and Home Advantage

Zimbabwe, missing players like Ben Curran, Richard Ngarava, and Sikandar Raza (MLC), will lean on a mix of veterans and newer talents. Craig Ervine leads the side, with Blessing Muzarabani spearheading the pace attack, supported by spin options from Wessly Madhevere, Vincent Masekesa, and Wellington Masakadza 

They’ll be looking to break a long dry spell—no home Test win since 2013, and just one win at Queens Sports Club since 2001 

🌱 Pitch & Conditions

Queens Sports Club offers a low and slow deck where spinners have typically thrived (85 wickets vs. seamers’ 71 in last five matches) . Expect early movement from seamers, but spin could dominate as the game wears on. Morning sessions may be chilly with single-digit temperatures 

🎯 Player Watchlist

Dewald Brevis: After topping U‑19 charts, he’s now debuting in Tests—bringing leg-spin and aggressive batting

Brian Bennett: The Zimbabwean middle-order has made two Test centuries, including one here in Bulawayo 

Keshav Maharaj: Leading the Proteas and closing in on a major personal landmark (200 scalps).

Kwena Maphaka: The 19‑year‑old pacer steps up with Rabada and Jansen absent t

📊 Form & Stakes

South Africa: Riding an eight‑match winning streak, just one short of their best run .
Zimbabwe: Struggling in Tests (form: LLWLL), but keen to capitalize on home turf 
Overview: Hosts testing their depth. Visitors balancing dominance with squad development.

📅 Match Details

📍 Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
📆 Dates: June 28 – July 2, 2025
🕙 Toss: South Africa won toss, elected to bat first 

✅ What to Expect

South Africa aims to extend their dominance while nurturing future stars. Zimbabwe wants to spoil the party with home advantage and shrewd spin options. Keep an eye on debutants and the spin/seam contrast—this could be more intriguing than the scorecard suggests.