Sat Jun 28 08:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Summary:
In their first Test match in Zimbabwe in 11 years, South Africa, led by stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj, won the toss and elected to bat first in Bulawayo. The South African side features three debutants: batters Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and seamer Codi Yusuf, and is missing several key players. Zimbabwe, captained by Craig Ervine, is happy to bowl first, anticipating moisture in the pitch and has made four changes to their lineup from their previous Test in England.
## News Article:
**South Africa Elect to Bat in Zimbabwe Test, Hand Debuts to Three**
BULAWAYO – South Africa has won the toss and elected to bat in their first Test match against Zimbabwe in 11 years, marking the start of a two-match series in Bulawayo. Stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj, the only player remaining from South Africa’s previous Test in Zimbabwe in 2014, made the decision on a potentially damp pitch.
The Proteas have fielded a youthful side, giving Test debuts to batters Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, along with seam-bowling allrounder Codi Yusuf. The team is without several first-choice players, including seven members of the XI that competed in the World Test Championship final.
Zimbabwe, led by Craig Ervine, made four changes to the side that played in Nottingham in May. Expecting assistance from the pitch early on, Ervine expressed satisfaction with bowling first.
**Zimbabwe XI:** Brian Bennett, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
**South Africa XI:** Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka
This two-match series is not part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
First Piper 