The opening match of the Zimbabwe T20 Tri Series 2025 will be played between Zimbabwe and South Africa on July 14 at Harare Sports Club. The match starts at 4:30 PM IST.
The three-nation tournament also features New Zealand, but all eyes will be on how Zimbabwe responds after their poor showing in Test matches and whether the young South African team can keep their winning momentum going.
Zimbabwe: Looking for a fresh start in T20s
Zimbabwe has had a mixed year in T20s. Their previous series against Ireland was heavily affected by rain, with only one of the three matches resulting in a win. However, the team is brimming with talent, and at home, they are known to perform beyond their potential.
Veteran all-rounder and captain Sikandar Raza remains their trusted man in both departments. He has had a stellar season in T20s this year, with over 600 runs and 20+ wickets, and is expected to lead from the front. Their young opening batting pair, Brian Bennett and Dion Myers, have performed well and will be ready to lead their team to win in this match.
In the bowling department, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava are expected to share the new ball. Muzarabani’s height and bounce make him a threat on any surface, while Ngarava is a useful left-arm option, especially with early swing. In Harare, both pacers have a good record and understand the conditions well.
South Africa: Young but dangerous
South Africa will be brimming with confidence after their impressive Test series win. Their T20 squad is quite different, with many senior players being rested. However, this opens the way for the younger generation to make their mark.
Leading the side, Rassie van der Dussen brings calmness and stability to the middle order. His form has been steady and he has proven himself as a reliable T20 batsman over the years. Luan-Dre Pretorius, who has been very good in Tests, will be expected to score well and can prove to be the X-factor for South Africa. His performance in South Africa’s 2020 tour earlier this year, where he scored over 390 runs at a strike rate of 165+, has made him a player to watch out for.Dewald Brevis, often called ‘Baby AB’, adds a zing to the team. His aggressive style is perfectly suited for T20s, and he can prove to be dangerous if he settles in. Lungi Ngidi will play a key role in the bowling department. They have the experience and variety to make an impact on the two-way pitch of Harare.
Zim vs South Africa Head to Head in T20I
- Matches Played: 6
- Zimbabwe Won: 0
- South Africa Won: 5
- No Result: 1
South Africa have a clear edge in terms of head to head record. However, playing at home gives Zimbabwe a chance to reduce the gap.
Pitch Report – Harare Sports ClubHarare has always had a good balance between bat and ball. In the first innings, the pitch is a bit fast, which will make it easier for the batsmen to score runs. As the match progresses, it might slow down, which will help spinners and cutter bowlers
- 1st innings predicted score: ~158
- 2nd innings predicted score: ~133
- Winning the toss and batting first will be expected
Teams aiming for a score around 160-170 will be in the match. The afternoon is expected to be dry and sunny, so conditions will be good for cricket.
Players to watch – Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza: He is a great player for the Zimbabwe team. Be it with the bat, ball, or on the field, Raza always contributes. He also loves playing in Harare, where he has over 570 runs and 17 wickets in T20s.
Blessing Muzarabani: A wicket-taking bowler and a death-overs specialist. With 26 wickets at this ground, he reads the conditions better than anyone.
Brian Bennett: One of the younger players from Zimbabwe, he has played some good knocks recently and will look to give a solid start.
Players to watch – South Africa
Luan-Dre Pretorius: After a stellar Test and domestic season, Pretorius has the form and confidence to score a lot of runs. If he can stay in the first few overs, he can score a lot of runs.
Dewald Brevis: Aggressive, fearless, and technically sound, Brevis has the ability to turn the game one way in just a few overs.
Lungi Ngidi: With his T20 experience and best form, Ngidi will be a key bowler with the new ball and in the death overs.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Dream11 Team – Fantasy Picks
Before deciding your fantasy team, make sure to pay attention to the match conditions, toss update and playing XI. Players like Sikandar Raza, Rassie van der Dussen and Ngidi can be good options. For Grand Leagues, options like Ryan Burl, Dion Myers or Corbin Bosch can prove to be good options
Today’s Match Prediction: Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st T20 Match
Zimbabwe have the advantage of home conditions and their good bowlers can surprise any team. But South Africa’s top order looks strong and the overall balance of the team is in their favor.
- Predicted Winners: South Africa
- Zimbabwe top players: Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, Brian Bennett
- South Africa’s best players: Luan-Dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen
- Probable 1st innings score: 165-175
- Probable 2nd innings score: 150 -165
Watch the live action and follow the updates on your favourite fantasy platform. This match promises to be a great contest to kick off the tri-series
