Zimbabwe will be looking to bounce back strongly in the second and final Test against South Africa, starting this morning at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Following a comprehensive 328-run defeat in the first Test, the Chevrons are eager to level the series against a Proteas side that, despite its dominant performance, will be significantly depleted.
South Africa enters the second Test with a forced change in leadership and a squad robbed of several key players.
Regular captain Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and Kagiso Rabada are all absent from the tour.
Adding to their woes, first Test captain Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out with a groin strain.
This means the captaincy will be handed to Wiaan Mulder, who, despite having no prior first-class captaincy experience, is the second-most capped player in this youthful Proteas squad with 20 Tests under his belt.
The visitors, with a combined 93 caps amongst them (including uncapped players like Lesogo Senokwane and Prenelan Subrayen who may feature), present a stark contrast to their full-strength Test outfit.
Despite their inexperience, South Africa's young guns fired on all cylinders in the first Test.
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Lhuan-dre Pretorius hammered an impressive 153, while Corbin Bosch delivered a remarkable all-round performance with a century and a five-wicket haul – the first such double for South Africa in 23 years.
Wiaan Mulder himself was in superb form, scoring 147 and taking four wickets. Dewald Brevis, fresh from impressive showings in IPL 2025 and the T20 Blast, made an impactful Test debut with a swift 51 off 41 balls.
For Zimbabwe, the focus will be on leveraging their experience. Sean Williams was the standout performer in the first Test, striking a sublime 137 and maintaining an impressive Test average of 68.22 since 2020.
Wellington Masakadza also contributed with a resilient fourth-innings fifty. However, Captain Craig Ervine will need to lead from the front with more substantial contributions than his scores of 36 and 49 in the previous match.
The bowling attack will rely heavily on Blessing Muzarabani, who will spearhead the pace department.
Tanaka Chivanga, bubbling with confidence after a match haul of 6 for 159 in the first Test, will be looking to continue his good form.
Leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa showcased flashes of brilliance but will need to bring more control to his bowling to put pressure on the Proteas.
In the spotlight for Zimbabwe will be Sean Williams' simple yet effective technique and ability to play spin make him a crucial wicket.
For South Africa, Corbin Bosch's ability to hit 140kph and his throwback all-round performance evoke memories of Proteas legends like Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener.
In terms of team news, Zimbabwe may see Prince Masvaure retain his place in the XI if Brian Bennett, who suffered a concussion in the first Test, is ruled out. Senuran Muthusamy is likely to come into the South African XI to replace the injured Keshav Maharaj.
With South Africa’s relatively inexperienced side and Zimbabwe’s determination to prove their mettle on home soil, the second Test promises to be an intriguing contest as the Chevrons aim to stage a memorable comeback.
Zimbabwe (probable): Prince Masvaure, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
South Africa (probable): Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder (capt), David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka.
