In a crucial toss at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine elected to bowl first against South Africa, aiming to level the two-Test series. The decision comes after a heavy 328-run defeat in the first Test last week, where South Africa showcased their dominance as newly crowned World Test Champions.
Zimbabwe made strategic changes to their lineup, introducing debutant seamer Kundai Matigimu in place of Vincent Masekesa to bolster their pace attack. Additionally, batter Dion Myers replaced opener Prince Masvaure, who is still recovering from a respiratory tract infection. Masvaure, notably, served as a concussion substitute for Brian Bennett in the first Test, with Bennett continuing to sit out due to his injury.
South Africa, meanwhile, handed the captaincy to allrounder Wiaan Mulder for this Test, marking their second leadership change in as many matches. Mulder, who scored a century and claimed four wickets in the first Test, steps in for Keshav Maharaj, who has been ruled out with a groin injury. “It’s an extremely proud moment for me and my family,” Mulder said at the toss, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. “We’ve had some days off, and the boys have spent some time together.”
The visitors also made notable changes, handing debuts to batter Lesego Senokwane and spin allrounder Prenelan Subrayen, replacing opener Matthew Breetzke and seamer Kwena Maphaka. With Maharaj sidelined, left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy earns a recall after nine months. Mulder explained the inclusion of two spinners, stating, “We are going into the sub-continent from here, so we want to give the spinners some match time. This wicket also flattens out, so it should be helpful for them.”
Team Lineups
Zimbabwe: Dion Myers, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Lesego Senokwane, Wiaan Mulder (capt), David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Codi Yusuf
With both teams tweaking their strategies, the stage is set for an intriguing battle. Follow live updates and detailed coverage on Cricbuzz as Zimbabwe look to challenge South Africa’s formidable lineup.
