The much-anticipated T20 tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand kicks off on 14th July 2025, with the opening clash between Zimbabwe and South Africa at the Harare Sports Club. The match starts at 4:30 PM IST, promising to deliver thrilling action as both sides look to start the campaign on a winning note.
Match Context & Series Overview
Following a one-sided Test series where Zimbabwe failed to compete against a dominant South African side, the hosts will be desperate to bounce back in their favourite format. T20 cricket has always given Zimbabwe opportunities to spring surprises, and under the leadership of Sikandar Raza, they will believe they can compete more fiercely in this tri-nation contest.
For South Africa, this series serves as a crucial platform to test their bench strength. With their senior players rested, this youthful Proteas squad will be looking to make a statement and cement their spots ahead of bigger international assignments. With New Zealand also part of this tri-series, a good start here could set the tone for the remainder of the competition.
Teams at a Glance
Zimbabwe:
Zimbabwe come into this series after a mixed run in white-ball cricket. Earlier this year, they played a rain-affected T20I series against Ireland where they managed to grab a solitary win. Sikandar Raza remains the backbone of their batting and bowling, having racked up 696 runs and 25 wickets in T20s this year alone. The return of left-arm quick Richard Ngarava boosts their pace attack while Brian Bennett has been declared fit after recovering from a concussion suffered in the Test series. For Zimbabwe, a lot will depend on how well their top order handles South Africa’s fiery pace attack.
Probable XI (ZIM):
Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu.
South Africa:
South Africa haven’t played T20Is since December last year but they did defeat Pakistan 2-0 in that series, showcasing their depth. In this series, Rassie van der Dussen leads a young, exciting squad. The batting looks powerful with emerging names like Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who had an impressive SA20 season with nearly 400 runs at a strike rate of 167. Dewald Brevis, known for his fearless strokeplay, could be a game-changer in the middle overs. The pace attack, featuring Lungi Ngidi and the rising star Gerald Coetzee, will be one to watch.
Probable XI (SA):
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rassie van der Dussen (c), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann (wk), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka.
Pitch & Weather Report
The Harare Sports Club has hosted 50 T20Is, producing balanced surfaces for both batters and bowlers. The average first innings score is 156, suggesting a competitive total would be around 160-170. The pitch tends to slow down in the second innings, offering spinners some grip, but the outfield is quick and rewarding for well-timed strokes.
Weather conditions look ideal, with partly sunny skies, low humidity (35%), and temperatures ranging from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius. Wind gusts could touch 30 kmph, but there’s virtually no threat of rain.
Key Players & Betting Insights
Key Players:
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Lhuan-dre Pretorius: Backed to score a fifty with odds at 3.00 – he’s riding high on recent domestic form.
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Rassie van der Dussen: Consistent in this format; best bet to score over 23.5 runs.
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Sikandar Raza: Zimbabwe’s talisman – expected to contribute over 32.5 points combining runs, wickets, and fielding.
Head-to-Head & Toss Factor
South Africa have won 3 out of 4 T20Is against Zimbabwe, with the last one ending in a no result in 2022. The toss might play a small role; although 28 out of 50 T20Is here have been won by teams batting first, captains still prefer to chase under lights in Harare due to the slight dew factor.
Match Prediction
Favourites to win: South Africa remain the clear favourites with an 82% win probability. Their batting firepower, balanced attack, and recent form give them the edge.
Key Match-Up: Sikandar Raza vs Dewald Brevis in the middle overs. Raza’s experience will be vital to contain Brevis’ explosive style.
Expect the Proteas to come out firing and likely claim the opener comfortably. Zimbabwe, however, will hope to feed off home support and put up a fight – if their top order clicks and Raza produces an all-round masterclass, an upset can’t be ruled out.