South Africa asserted their dominance in the Test arena with a crushing 328-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first match of their two-Test series in Bulawayo. Playing at the Queens Sports Club, the visitors set a mammoth target of 537 runs, before bowling Zimbabwe out for just 208 on day four.
All-rounder Corbin Bosch was the star performer, scoring an unbeaten 100 in the first innings and claiming his maiden five-wicket haul (5/43) in the second. Debutant seamer Codi Yusuf also impressed with 3/22.
For Zimbabwe, Wellington Masakadza (57) and skipper Craig Ervine (49) showed some resistance, but the rest of the batting crumbled under pressure.
As both sides gear up for the second and final Test at the same venue starting Sunday, we take a closer look at the Test records, head-to-head history, top individual performers, and the latest betting odds ahead of the decider.
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Head-to-head stats for Zimbabwe vs South Africa in Tests
Zimbabwe and South Africa have faced each other in 10 Test matches, with the Proteas dominating the rivalry. South Africa have won 9 of those encounters, while Zimbabwe are yet to register a single victory.
Only one match between the two sides ended in a draw. South Africa have won four Tests at home and four in neutral venues, whereas Zimbabwe have neither won at home nor abroad.
- Matches Played - 10
- Zimbabwe won - 0
- South Africa won - 9
- Draw - 1
ZIM vs. SA: Highest and lowest scores in Tests
Highest score (SA): South Africa's highest Test score vs Zimbabwe came in Harare on 7 September 2001, when they posted a massive 600/3 declared in 139 overs at a run rate of 4.31.
Lowest score (SA): South Africa’s lowest Test score against Zimbabwe is 346 runs, scored in the second innings at Harare on 13 October 1995. Despite the modest total, the Proteas still won the match.
Highest score (ZIM): Zimbabwe's highest Test score vs South Africa was 419/9 declared in 178 overs, recorded in Bulawayo on 14 September 2001. Batting at a cautious run rate of 2.35, Zimbabwe managed to secure a draw in that match.
Lowest score (ZIM): Zimbabwe’s lowest Test score against South Africa came on 4 March 2005 in Cape Town, when they were bowled out for just 54 runs in 31.2 overs at a run rate of 1.72.
Most runs: ZIM vs. SA in Test matches
Highest run scorer (SA): Jacques Kallis is the leading run-scorer in Test matches between Zimbabwe and South Africa. In 6 matches played between 1999 and 2005, Kallis amassed 679 runs in just 7 innings at a staggering average of 169.75.
His highest score was an unbeaten 189*, and he registered 3 centuries and 3 fifties during this span, scoring at a strike rate of 49.02 with 72 fours and 18 sixes.
Highest run scorer (ZIM): Andy Flower holds the record for the most runs scored by a Zimbabwean in Tests against South Africa. Between 1995 and 2001, he featured in 5 matches and 10 innings, scoring 566 runs at an impressive average of 70.75.
His highest score was an unbeaten 199*, and he recorded 2 centuries and 2 fifties, striking at 49.38 with 76 fours and 2 sixes.
Most wickets: ZIM vs. SA in Test matches
Highest wicket taker (SA): Shaun Pollock is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Test matches against Zimbabwe. From 1999 to 2005, he played 5 matches, bowling 1017 deliveries (169.3 overs), and took 23 wickets at an exceptional average of 15.47.
His best bowling figures in an innings were 5/39, and he maintained a superb economy rate of 2.10. Pollock also registered one five-wicket haul during this period.
Highest wicket taker (ZIM): Bryan Strang is Zimbabwe’s top wicket-taker in Test matches against South Africa. Playing 3 matches between 1995 and 1999, Strang bowled 654 deliveries (109 overs) and picked up 9 wickets at an average of 34.44.
His best bowling figures in an innings were 5/101, and he maintained an economy rate of 2.84, including one five-wicket haul.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Betting odds and tips, 2nd Test match
According to Puntit, South Africa is favourites to win the 2nd Test at 1.15 to win, while Zimbabwe are major underdogs at 5.37. These odds reflect the significant gap in recent form, squad strength, and historical dominance. South Africa have won 9 of their 10 Tests against Zimbabwe, and their young, dynamic squad led by Keshav Maharaj.
For punters, backing South Africa for a straight win offers low returns but high probability. Those seeking higher value might consider top run-scorer markets, with emerging stars like Dewald Brevis offering promising odds.
For Zimbabwe, a strong showing from senior batters or a first-innings score bet could be worthwhile, given their tendency to perform better in home conditions.
Odds | |
Zimbabwe | 5.37 |
South Africa | 1.15 |