The second and final Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa is set to commence on July 06 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The visitors currently lead the two-match series 1-0 after an emphatic 328-run triumph in the opening Test. Despite fielding a relatively inexperienced squad, South Africa were clinical in their performance, with both bat and ball.
Wiaan Mulder to lead in the absence of Keshav Maharaj
However, they will be without stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj for the second Test. The seasoned spinner has been ruled out due to a groin strain, prompting the team management to name Senuran Muthusamy as his replacement in the squad. In Maharaj’s absence, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder will lead the side.
Mulder emerged as the standout performer in the first Test, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. The right-arm seamer picked up four wickets in Zimbabwe’s first innings and went on to score a brilliant 147, helping South Africa post a commanding total. His leadership will be crucial in the absence of more experienced campaigners.
Additionally, pacer Lungi Ngidi has been released from the squad, giving more exposure to the Proteas’ young bowling attack consisting of Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, Codi Yusuf, and Mulder himself.
Zimbabwe look to bounce back on home turf
Zimbabwe, led by Craig Ervine, will aim to put up a stronger fight in the second Test. The home team failed to impress with the bat in the series opener and struggled to contain South Africa’s aggressive approach. They will need experienced players like Sean Williams and Ervine to lead the charge, while the bowling unit, featuring Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza, must step up to challenge the visitors’ dynamic lineup.
Also READ: Who is Codi Yusuf? South Africa’s new bowling hope with Dale Steyn’s stamp of approval
ZIM vs SA, Head-to-Head record:
Matches played: 10 | Zimbabwe wins: 0 | South Africa wins: 09 | Drawn matches: 1
ZIM vs SA, Probable playing XI of both teams for the second Test:
Zimbabwe:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Brian Bennett | Opening batter |
| Takudzwanashe Kaitano | Opening batter |
| Nick Welch | Top-order batter |
| Sean Williams | Batting all-rounder (Left-arm spin) |
| Craig Ervine (c) | Middle-order batter |
| Wessly Madhevere | All-rounder (Off-spin) |
| Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Wellington Masakadza | Bowling all-rounder (Left-arm orthodox) |
| Vincent Masekesa | Spinner (Right-arm offbreak) |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Fast bowler |
| Tanaka Chivanga | Fast bowler |
South Africa:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Tony de Zorzi | Opening batter |
| Matthew Breetzke | Opening batter |
| Wiaan Mulder (c) | All-rounder (Medium pace) |
| David Bedingham | Top-order batter |
| Lhuan-dre Pretorius | Middle-order batter |
| Dewald Brevis | Batting all-rounder (Leg-spin) |
| Kyle Verreynne (wk) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Corbin Bosch | Fast bowling all-rounder |
| Codi Yusuf | Fast bowler |
| Kwena Maphaka | Left-arm fast bowler |
| Senuran Muthusamy | Bowling all-rounder (Left-arm orthodox) |
Also READ: Most wickets for South Africa as spinner in Test cricket ft. Keshav Maharaj