Published on: Jul 14, 2025 1:20 pm IST|Updated on: Jul 14, 2025 1:20 pm IST
New Zealand, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are all set to collide in a tri-nation T20I series in Zimbabwe. The series comprises 7 matches, including the finals. The 1st if the 7 T20I matches will be played between two neighbors, i.e., South Africa and hosts Zimbabwe, at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. All the matches of this series will be played at this very venue.
It’s been quite some time since South Africa played a T20I. They last played a T20 International against Pakistan at home on December 14, 2024, which was washed out due to rain. However, it was the third match of the three-match T20I series, which South Africa had already won by 2-0 after beating Pakistan in the opening two games.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, played their last T20I against Ireland at home, and they too had to settle for a no-result as the game was washed out due to rain. Two of the three T20Is in that series were washed out due to rain, and the hosts, Zimbabwe, managed to win the second game to clinch the series 1-0.
Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in T20Is. South Africa have opted for a young and refurbished side in this series, whereas the hosts, Zimbabwe, will be on the money with one of their best sides in recent times with the return of key players in the lineup, including Richard Ngarava and skipper Sikandar Raza. Expect a cracker of a game in Harare.
Let’s delve deeper into this post for the ZIM vs SA Dream11 prediction.
Also Read: ZIM vs SA Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe, 1st T20I, July 14
Date: 14th July 2025 Time: 04:30 PM IST Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Matches Played: 6 SA won: 5 ZIM won: 0 No Result: 1 Tied: 0
These two teams have collided only six times in T20 cricket. South Africa has dominated this head-to-head battle with 5 wins to their name and haven’t lost any. One game between these two sides ended without any result.
The pitch at Harare Sports Club for the 1st T20I between Zimbabwe and South Africa is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. Being the opening match of the tri-series, the surface is fresh and likely to assist pacers early on with some movement off the deck. Historically, teams batting first have had a slight edge here, with 34 out of 60 T20Is won by the side setting a target. The average first-inning score hovers around 151, but totals in the 170–180 range could be competitive today. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing spinners into play and making stroke-making a bit tricky. Captains might prefer bowling first to exploit early conditions, but posting a solid total upfront could also be a strategic move given the venue’s chasing record.
Here are some key T20I match stats from the Harare Sports Club in Harare:
ZIM Expected Playing XI: Dion Myers, Brian Bennett, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.
SA Expected Playing XI: Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen (C), Rubin Hermann, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Nqaba Peter, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka.
As per the betting odds provided by most of the bettors, the visitors, South Africa, are tipped as the favorites to win this match.
The 1st T20I between South Africa and Zimbabwe will take place on Monday, July 14, at 04:30 PM (IST). Online live streaming will take place on the Sony Liv app. The TV streaming will take place on Sony Ten 1, 2 & 5.
Wicket-keepers: Lhuan-dre Pretorius Batters: Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Brian Bennett, Dewald Brevis, Tony Munyonga All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka
C/VC Options- Kwena Maphaka, Sikandar Raza, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan Dre-Pretorius