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South Africa tour of Zimbabwe (2025)

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JOHANNESBURG: Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad has named a 16-player squad for the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, set to take place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from 28 June - 10 July.

Test captain Temba Bavuma will lead the group that includes five uncapped players. Among the new faces are Momentum Multiply Titans batting duo Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane, both of whom have received their maiden call-ups to the national setup. They are joined in the squad by another first-timer DP World Lions fast bowler Codi Yusuf.

At just 19, Pretorius enjoyed a breakout season in the CSA 4-Day Series. He struck three hundreds in five first-class games at an impressive average of 72.66, including a crucial 114 in the final that helped secure a hard-fought draw for the Titans against the Lions.

Senokwane also impressed with the bat, amassing 559 runs with two centuries to his name. Both players also recently made their South Africa A (SA ‘A’) debuts against West Indies A.

Yusuf, meanwhile, has been a standout performer for the Lions. The right-arm seamer claimed 23 wickets at an average of 22.39, playing a pivotal role in guiding his side to a second successive appearance in the 4-Day Series final.

The other uncapped players in the list are Titans batter Dewald Brevis, the second-highest run-scorer in the domestic first-class competition this past season, and Hollywoodbets Dolphins off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, though both have previously toured with the senior side.

Earlier this week, Subrayen’s form was on full display in SA ‘A’s four-day win over West Indies A, where he delivered with both bat and ball, scoring an unbeaten half-century and picking up a five-fer.

The squad also sees the recall of Lions batter Zubayr Hamza, marking his return since his last appearance against New Zealand in February last year.

Several players - Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs - have been rested for the series.

“We’ve opted to rest some players to manage their workload ahead of a busy season,” said Conrad.

“We’ve been closely monitoring performances in domestic cricket, and it’s great to see players like Lhuan-dré, Lesego, and Codi breaking through.

“Dewald deserves a lot of credit for how he has progressed over the past 12 months,” added Conrad.

“He’s shown real growth and maturity in the longer format, and it’s encouraging to see him evolving into a more complete cricketer.

“Prenelan has earned his spot through consistent performances and offers us a lot with his all-round skills.

“This tour provides the ideal platform to expose them to the demands of Test cricket and see how they respond. It’s also our first tour to Zimbabwe since 2014, so we’re really looking forward to heading over there later this month.”

Fast bowling trio Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams were not considered for selection.

“Nandre has been given the all-clear by the medical team to play T20s. The plan is to ease him back into the game, starting with the shortest format, and then slowly work him up to the longer formats. We'll be keeping a close eye on how he handles the workload as he builds toward playing Test cricket again,” said Conrad.

“With Gerald, it’s part of a bigger plan to help him better handle the physical demands of red-ball cricket. The idea is to give him the best chance to avoid a recurrence of the injuries that have kept him out of Test cricket since the tour against Sri Lanka.

“His recent performances in T20s have been really encouraging, but the focus is on his long-term growth and ensuring he stays fit across all formats.

“Lizaad is progressing well and is currently in the final phase of his rehabilitation from his knee surgery,” concluded Conrad.

South Africa Test Squad against Zimbabwe

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

Note: The squad will depart for Bulawayo on 24 June from OR Tambo International Airport.

Fixtures

28 June – 02 July at 10:00

Zimbabwe vs South Africa – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

06 - 10 July at 10:00

Zimbabwe vs South Africa – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
 
Zimbabwe name Test squad to face world champions South Africa

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has named a 16-man squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against newly crowned ICC World Test Champions South Africa, set to get underway next week at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

The first Test will be played from 28 June to 2 July, followed by the second from 6 to 10 July, promising a thrilling fortnight of high-quality red-ball cricket on home soil.

Zimbabwe will be led by captain Craig Ervine as the hosts aim to build on the positives from their recent tour of England, where they featured in a landmark one-off Test at Trent Bridge.

Richard Ngarava (lower back injury) and Ben Curran (finger fracture) are unavailable due to injury, while Victor Nyauchi has been left out for tactical reasons.

Uncapped paceman Kundai Matigimu earns his maiden Test call-up, while Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano return to bolster the top order.

Leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa has also been recalled.

The pace attack is further strengthened by the return of Trevor Gwandu, who has recovered from the groin injury that ended his England tour prematurely.

All eyes will be on fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who leads the attack with renewed confidence after recently becoming the joint-fastest Zimbabwean to reach 50 Test wickets and joining IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

In the middle order, experienced campaigner Sean Williams brings stability, while rising star Brian Bennett – who smashed Zimbabwe’s fastest Test century at Trent Bridge, will be keen to continue his sparkling form against the Proteas.

With South Africa arriving in high spirits after their World Test Championship triumph over Australia at Lord’s, Zimbabwe will be eager to rise to the occasion in front of their passionate home fans in Bulawayo.

ZIMBABWE SQUAD FOR TEST SERIES VERSUS SOUTH AFRICA

Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams

 
Proteas Men’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe due to a left hamstring strain.

Bavuma sustained the injury while batting during South Africa’s second innings on day three of the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground. He is set to undergo further scans to assess the extent of the injury.

Keshav Maharaj will captain the side in his absence.

The squad will depart for Bulawayo on Tuesday, 24 June from OR Tambo International Airport. The first Test gets underway on Saturday, 28 June, followed by the second Test from Sunday, 06 July, with both matches taking place at Queens Sports Club.

South Africa Test Squad against Zimbabwe

Keshav Maharaj (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Lungi Ngidi* (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

*second Test only

Fixtures

28 June – 02 July at 10:00
Zimbabwe vs South Africa – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

06 - 10 July at 10:00
Zimbabwe vs South Africa – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
 
South Africa have found the loophole in WTC and are exploiting it to their advantage.
 
I don't understand why someone like Tristan Stubbs is not part of the squad for this series. Last I checked, he averages 30 in 10 test matches. A series like this could have been a good opportunity to statpad and get some runs and confidence under his belt.
 
South Africa have found the loophole in WTC and are exploiting it to their advantage.

SA beat Australia in the WTC final. They deserved to be in the final and deserved to win the trophy.

Just because India lost 0-3 against NZ at home doesn't mean SA are bad. :inti

Zimbabwe are not a part of WTC. WTC only has 9 teams.
 

Uncapped pacer in Zimbabwe squad to face the Proteas​


The two African nations will face off in a two-match Test series, starting June 28 in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe have named their squad of 16 players to face World Test Championship 2025 winners, South Africa in a two-match Test series at home, beginning later this month.

The sides previously met in a warm-up match for the Proteas ahead of the World Test Championship final.

They will be led by long-standing skipper, Craig Ervine, while leg spinner, Vincent Masekesa has also been recalled.

Zimbabwe are bolstered by the return of pacer Trevor Gwandu, who was injured on the tour of England.

Uncapped pacer Kundai Matigimu earns his maiden Test call-up, while Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano return to strengthen the top-order alongside Brian Bennett.

Zimbabwe Squad v South Africa:


Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams

Zimbabwe v South Africa Test schedule

First Test: June 28 to July 2

Second Test: July 6 to July 10

Both Tests are set to be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Source: https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/uncapped-pacer-in-zimbabwe-squad-to-face-the-proteas
 
Maharaj captains young South Africa XI for Zimbabwe Test

Reigning ICC World Test Championship holders, South Africa, will be led by Keshav Maharaj in the two-game series in Zimbabwe.

Following an injury to full-time skipper Temba Bavuma, Maharaj was named as the skipper of the South Africa side for the tour. Bavuma had sustained a hamstring strain during the World Test Championship Final, but continued to bat bravely thereafter, guiding the Proteas to a historic title.

Maharaj will lead a young XI into the first Test in Bulawayo, with Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke being named as the designated openers.

Wiaan Mulder will have another go at number three, after having impressed in the second innings of the Ultimate Test, while David Bedingham finds himself promoted to number four. Debutant Lhuan-dré Pretorius, who has just seven first-class games to his name, comes in at number five, whereas Dewald Brevis, who also makes his Test debut, sits at number six.

Kyle Verreynne will keep the wickets and bat at seven, followed by a new-look bowling lineup featuring Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf and Kwena Maphaka, other than Maharaj. Among the three pacers, Yusuf makes his Test debut, while Bosch and Maphaka have featured in a Test before.

SA's Playing XI:

Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (C), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka

In all, just four members of the side that featured in the World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord's will feature in this Test for the Proteas.

Maharaj is also on the verge of becoming the first-ever South African spinner to achieve the landmark of 200 Test wickets, being just one scalp away from the feat.

Source: https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/maharaj-captains-young-south-africa-xi-for-zimbabwe-test
 

Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 1st Test:​


After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, South Africa is in deep trouble atm against Zimbabwe in the 1st Test match of the series.

RSA 82/4 atm
 
Lunch Update – ZIM vs SA, 1st Test, Day 1

At lunch on Day 1 of the first Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa in Bulawayo, the visitors sit at 90/4 in 28 overs after opting to bat first at Queens Sports Club.

South Africa were rocked early by Zimbabwe's pace attack, with Tanaka Chivanga stealing the spotlight by claiming 3 wickets for 22 runs in a fiery 7-over spell. His double strike in the opening session pushed South Africa onto the back foot.

However, Lhuan Dre Pretorius held firm, showcasing a composed counter-attack to remain unbeaten on 44 off 48 balls, including 5 boundaries and a six. He's currently partnered by Dewald Brevis, who is batting on 10 off 12, as the duo rebuild with a steady 35-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Zimbabwe will be pleased with their morning session, having exposed South Africa’s middle order early. But the game remains finely poised with the Proteas looking to consolidate after lunch.

📍 South Africa 90/4 in 28 overs
⭐️ Pretorius 44*, Brevis 10*
🔥 Chivanga 3/22
 
𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭 - Session 2: What a catch from the skipper Craig Ervine!

Kyle Verreynne is dismissed for 13

South Africa are now 182/6 after 42 overs
 
Day 1 Stumps – South Africa Dominate Despite Early Wobbles in Bulawayo

South Africa finished Day 1 of the first Test against Zimbabwe at a commanding 418/9, thanks to a stunning debut century from 19-year-old Lhuan-dré Pretorius (153 off 160) and a composed unbeaten hundred by Corbin Bosch (100* off 124). After stumbling to 23/3 in the morning session, the visitors rebuilt through a 139-run stand between Pretorius and Brevis (51), and later a crucial lower-order rally. Tanaka Chivanga was Zimbabwe’s standout bowler with 4/83, but despite early success, the hosts failed to contain the South African surge at Queens Sports Club.
 
Brian Bennett has been ruled out of the Bulawayo Test with a mild concussion after taking a blow to the helmet while attempting a hook shot off Kwena Maphaka, with Prince Masvaure stepping in as his replacement.
 
Day 2 Stumps Summary – 1st Test, Zimbabwe vs South Africa

South Africa ended Day 2 in a commanding position with a 216-run lead, having declared their first innings at 418/9 thanks to Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ 153 and Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 100, before bowling Zimbabwe out for 251, despite a fighting 137 from Sean Williams.

In their second innings, the visitors reached 49/1 at stumps, with Tony de Zorzi (22)* and Wiaan Mulder (25)* steadying the ship after an early loss, putting South Africa firmly in control heading into Day 3.
 
This Corbin Bosch is only good for bashing PAK/Zimbabwe level bowling attacks
 
South Africa Seal 328-Run Win Over Zimbabwe, Take 1-0 Series Lead

South Africa cruised to a dominant 328-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first Test at Bulawayo, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. After electing to bat first, the visitors recovered from early setbacks with a magnificent 153 by debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius and a gritty unbeaten century from Corbin Bosch, reaching 418/9 declared. Zimbabwe’s reply was anchored by Sean Williams’ 137, but Wiaan Mulder’s four-wicket haul and tight bowling from Keshav Maharaj restricted them to 251. South Africa then piled on 369 in their second innings, powered by Mulder’s 147 and useful contributions from Maharaj and Bosch.

Chasing a mammoth target of 537, Zimbabwe collapsed under pressure with Corbin Bosch wreaking havoc, taking 5 for 43. Despite a fighting 57 from Wellington Masakadza and a late flourish by Blessing Muzarabani (32*), Zimbabwe folded for 208 in their second innings. South Africa’s debutants — Pretorius, Brevis, and Yusuf — made strong impressions, with Yusuf claiming six wickets in the match. The Proteas' well-rounded performance highlighted their depth and firepower, while Zimbabwe will need a major turnaround to level the series in the second Test.
 
South Africa Seal 328-Run Win Over Zimbabwe, Take 1-0 Series Lead

South Africa cruised to a dominant 328-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first Test at Bulawayo, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. After electing to bat first, the visitors recovered from early setbacks with a magnificent 153 by debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius and a gritty unbeaten century from Corbin Bosch, reaching 418/9 declared. Zimbabwe’s reply was anchored by Sean Williams’ 137, but Wiaan Mulder’s four-wicket haul and tight bowling from Keshav Maharaj restricted them to 251. South Africa then piled on 369 in their second innings, powered by Mulder’s 147 and useful contributions from Maharaj and Bosch.

Chasing a mammoth target of 537, Zimbabwe collapsed under pressure with Corbin Bosch wreaking havoc, taking 5 for 43. Despite a fighting 57 from Wellington Masakadza and a late flourish by Blessing Muzarabani (32*), Zimbabwe folded for 208 in their second innings. South Africa’s debutants — Pretorius, Brevis, and Yusuf — made strong impressions, with Yusuf claiming six wickets in the match. The Proteas' well-rounded performance highlighted their depth and firepower, while Zimbabwe will need a major turnaround to level the series in the second Test.
It was Zimbabwe's heaviest defeat by runs in men's Tests
 
What is the point of Zimbabwe in Test cricket? Getting destroyed like no tomorrow at home by a depleted Saffer side in a 4 day Test?
 
What is the point of Zimbabwe in Test cricket? Getting destroyed like no tomorrow at home by a depleted Saffer side in a 4 day Test?
Why are you always complaining about test cricket? Next time if you want a competitive game just play a test game with me on ps5.

I'll choose Zimbabwe.
 
Proteas left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe due to a left groin strain.

The captain for the series sustained the injury while batting on day three of the first Test on Monday. He will return home for further assessment to determine the extent of the injury.

Senuran Muthusamy has been named as his replacement, while all-rounder Wiaan Mulder will lead the side in the second Test, which begins on Saturday, 06 July.

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who was set to join the squad on Wednesday, has been released to give the seamers who impressed in the first Test another opportunity to build on their performances.
 
Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 2nd Test

Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to field

RSA 62/2 (18.2)
 
Mulder's Marathon Double Ton Puts South Africa in Command at Stumps on Day 1

South Africa stamped their authority on Day 1 of the second Test against Zimbabwe, finishing at a dominant 465/4 in 88 overs after being put in to bat. Wiaan Mulder led the charge with a sensational unbeaten 264 off 259 balls, anchoring the innings with a display of power and precision. He was well supported by Dewald Brevis, who remained 15* at stumps. Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiled hard, with Tendai Chivanga picking up 2/85, but their efforts were largely undone by the relentless South African batting. With a 94% win probability already in their favour, the hosts look set to pile on further misery in this series finale.
 
Zimbabwe should have done better in these two test matches, they could have been part of next WTC.
 
Pathetically def by SAF with even number 11 a handy batter - should have dropped a batsmen & packed a extra pacer !
 
Zimbabwe cricket have turned around their financials in recent times.

And this is allowing them to host an unprecedented 8 Test matches this year.

But if this series is any indicator , all of these Test matches will be without even a basic 4 camera DRS setup.

It's the only way smaller boards can even hope to play Test cricket.
 
South Africa - 597/5 (108.5 overs).

Mulder is on 351*.

Can he break Lara's record?
 
If Mulder breaks Lara’s record

I recon that’s the end of Test cricket in one division
 
Before this series, Mulder was averaging around 25.

He now averages 38+.

Mulder is on 365*. He has equalled Gary Sobers.
 
Some Innings Mulder
Now Aim for 400
Plenty of time left in the game
It's only the 4th session

With pitch being so true to batting ,Atleast bat till Tea. :kp
 
SA - 626/5 (114 overs).

Mulder is on 367*.

Lunch break.
even if Mulder breaks this record, I think Lara's 400 will be viewed > due to it being against england.

Ik 2004 England is weak but they are > zimbo.

Although Mulder's 400 will result in a sure fire win
 
even if Mulder breaks this record, I think Lara's 400 will be viewed > due to it being against england.

Ik 2004 England is weak but they are > zimbo.

Although Mulder's 400 will result in a sure fire win

I think Lara's 375 and Jayawardene's 374 were better.

400 was a bit selfish. Windies batted till Day 3 Session 1. Game ended in a draw.
 
Haha!

South Africa declared at 626/5. Strange declaration. Retarded declaration. Should've gone for 400.

Mulder is stranded on 367*.
 
In the ongoing second Test match between South Africa and Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, South Africa has dominated their first innings, posting a massive total of 626 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Wiaan Mulder was a standout performer, scoring an impressive 367 runs. In response, Zimbabwe has had a shaky start to their first innings, currently at 3 runs for 1 wicket, trailing South Africa by a substantial 623 runs. Zimbabwe had won the toss and elected to bowl first
 
Haha!

South Africa declared at 626/5. Strange declaration. Retarded declaration. Should've gone for 400.

Mulder is stranded on 367*.
This is definitely some conspiracy. Why would they not let him get 400!? Infact captain himself is Mulder!
 
This bits and pieces getting a triple and maybe on way to get quadruple is crazy when you consider some players couldn't even get past 250 :sachin
 
Zimbabwe cricket have turned around their financials in recent times.

And this is allowing them to host an unprecedented 8 Test matches this year.

But if this series is any indicator , all of these Test matches will be without even a basic 4 camera DRS setup.

It's the only way smaller boards can even hope to play Test cricket.

And after all that it's still pointless , because it's yet another one sided mullering.

Last time Zimbabwe won a Test at home was against Misbah's Pakistan.
 
And after all that it's still pointless , because it's yet another one sided mullering.

Last time Zimbabwe won a Test at home was against Misbah's Pakistan.
Why are you always so angry when it comes to test cricket mate? This much anger isnt good for your mental health and energy.

You will need your energy in hopes of having a chance to defend and fight against me in the very near future on 10th July.

I am already Nigh Invinvible as is. Keep your spirits up boi.
 
Why are you always so angry when it comes to test cricket mate? This much anger isnt good for your mental health and energy.

You will need your energy in hopes of having a chance to defend and fight against me in the very near future on 10th July.

I am already Nigh Invinvible as is. Keep your spirits up boi.
Not angry at all. It's the hopelessness of the situation . Even when Zimbabwe Cricket can finally afford to host Test cricket (finally making profits + no DRS costs + 4 day Tests) , they still can't even. compete with 2nd string teams of the big boys at home.

It's a damning indictment of the status quo in modern Test cricket.
 
Honestly two division is such a good idea I'm not sure why anyone is against it.

The Zimbabweans will gain more playing Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Pakistan than playing Big 3, South Africa or Kiwis.
 
Not angry at all. It's the hopelessness of the situation . Even even Zimbabwe Cricket can finally afford to host Test cricket (finally making profits + no DRS costs + 4 day Tests) , they still can't even. compete with 2nd string teams of the big boys at home.
They were never in a position to compete.

At their absolute peak they were an okay side at best with 2-3 really good players.

They havent produced a single ATG in their entire existence.

The closest theyve ever gotten is Brendon Taylor, Heath Streak.

Maybe Andy Flower ig? But his achievements exist thats to your country elevating him to a level he logically should not be elevated towards.

Otherwise he's not bad, hes a solid 40 avg test batter in hindsight. That 51 abg is a scam. But he isn't atg material for obvious reasons.
 
They were never in a position to compete.

At their absolute peak they were an okay side at best with 2-3 really good players.

They havent produced a single ATG in their entire existence.

The closest theyve ever gotten is Brendon Taylor, Heath Streak.

Maybe Andy Flower ig? But his achievements exist thats to your country elevating him to a level he logically should not be elevated towards.

Otherwise he's not bad, hes a solid 40 avg test batter in hindsight. That 51 abg is a scam. But he isn't atg material for obvious reasons.

Zimbabwe during those days could defeat any team (minus Australia maybe) but they were never a consistent side. I remember Zimbabwe beat India and South Africa in 1999 WC. They also won an ODI series against NZ in NZ.

Some of my favorite Zimbabwean players:

Andy Flower
Grant Flower
Heath Streak
Brendon Taylor
Guy Whittall
Murray Goodwin
Hamilton Masakadza
Graeme Creamer
Sikandar Raza
Muzarabani.
 
They were never in a position to compete.

At their absolute peak they were an okay side at best with 2-3 really good players.

They havent produced a single ATG in their entire existence.

The closest theyve ever gotten is Brendon Taylor, Heath Streak.

Maybe Andy Flower ig? But his achievements exist thats to your country elevating him to a level he logically should not be elevated towards.

Otherwise he's not bad, hes a solid 40 avg test batter in hindsight. That 51 abg is a scam. But he isn't atg material for obvious reasons.
I think both Andy and Heath Streak were the closest they got to Test ATG's.

Test cricket is hard on smaller cricket boards and instead of wasting precious resources on hosting Test cricket at home, where they get smashed for triple centuries by the likes of Mulder , Id rather they focus all their energies on ODI and T20 cricket where they can compete with the bigger teams on a consistent basis.
 
Zimbabwe during those days could defeat any team (minus Australia maybe) but they were never a consistent side. I remember Zimbabwe beat India and South Africa in 1999 WC. They also won an ODI series against NZ in NZ.

Some of my favorite Zimbabwean players:

Andy Flower
Grant Flower
Heath Streak
Brendon Taylor
Guy Whittall
Murray Goodwin.
Not of these batters are great.

Andy Flower's stats are inflated through the roof due to Indian bowling being a comedy of eras. Flower avg 94 against india despite playing 9 test matches against them. India turned him into Bradman which is why he avg 51.

Otherwise he is a solid 40 avg test batter. Not bad but not world class either

Grant flower is terrible. Beyond overrated. Heath Streak is a good bowler but thats about it.

Same case qith the other 3.

Them being good batters/good bowlers does not mean that they are atg material.

Every country minus Bangladesh and Afghanistan has produced atleast 3 to 5 solid ATG's over the course of their history with Australia producing the most obviously.
 
Not of these batters are great.

Andy Flower's stats are inflated through the roof due to Indian bowling being a comedy of eras. Flower avg 94 against india despite playing 9 test matches against them. India turned him into Bradman which is why he avg 51.

Otherwise he is a solid 40 avg test batter. Not bad but not world class either

Grant flower is terrible. Beyond overrated. Heath Streak is a good bowler but thats about it.

Same case qith the other 3.

Them being good batters/good bowlers does not mean that they are atg material.

Every country minus Bangladesh and Afghanistan has produced atleast 3 to 5 solid ATG's over the course of their history with Australia producing the most obviously.

They were considered good players at that time. Not ATGs but good players.

Murray Goodwin had a great county career.
 
I think both Andy and Heath Streak were the closest they got to Test ATG's.

Test cricket is hard on smaller cricket boards and instead of wasting precious resources on hosting Test cricket at home, where they get smashed for triple centuries by the likes of Mulder , Id rather they focus all their energies on ODI and T20 cricket where they can compete with the bigger teams on a consistent basis.
Andy and Streak are solid players but not ATG. They have never had a proper atg player.

They've always been a weak side that happened to produce 2 good players that would make it to most teams.

For example Flower would easily replace the likes of Crawley, Pope and current Stokes in the team. Stokes is debatable due to bowling but Stokes wasnt bowling until he decided to do it again vs india for some reason.

Same case with Streak who could easily replace trash like Kirshna and many of the england bowlers as well.

However they aren't atg's. Once their luck machines retired they were destined to go downhill.

Its not like WI where in the 60's and 70's you would have never been able to predict what they would become 50 years later.

With Zimbabwe the writing was always on the wall and everyone questioned who would replace Taylor, The flower brothers and heath Streak once they retired.
 
Grant flower is terrible. Beyond overrated. Heath Streak is a good bowler but thats about it.

No. Grant was actually one of the most successful batters in Zimbabwean history.

His ODI average is 33 but it wasn't that bad during those days. He has around 6500 ODI runs. He could bowl too (has over 100 ODI wickets).

Grant was considered as one of their main players during those days.

Not an ATG but a Zimbabwean great definitely.
 
Zimbabwe during those days could defeat any team (minus Australia maybe) but they were never a consistent side. I remember Zimbabwe beat India and South Africa in 1999 WC. They also won an ODI series against NZ in NZ.

Some of my favorite Zimbabwean players:

Andy Flower
Grant Flower
Heath Streak
Brendon Taylor
Guy Whittall
Murray Goodwin
Hamilton Masakadza
Graeme Creamer
Sikandar Raza
Muzarabani.

Another name I forgot to mention was Alistair Campbell. He was good also.
 
Andy and Streak are solid players but not ATG. They have never had a proper atg player.

They've always been a weak side that happened to produce 2 good players that would make it to most teams.

For example Flower would easily replace the likes of Crawley, Pope and current Stokes in the team. Stokes is debatable due to bowling but Stokes wasnt bowling until he decided to do it again vs india for some reason.

Same case with Streak who could easily replace trash like Kirshna and many of the england bowlers as well.

However they aren't atg's. Once their luck machines retired they were destined to go downhill.

Its not like WI where in the 60's and 70's you would have never been able to predict what they would become 50 years later.

With Zimbabwe the writing was always on the wall and everyone questioned who would replace Taylor, The flower brothers and heath Streak once they retired.

He's not an ATG but Streak at his absolute peak was outdone only by a handful of bowlers even in the 90's


He lost pace after that and he didn't have an Aussie system to support him etc.

There's not been a single ZIM bowler who came close to that.
 
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