After having their three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho, Bafana Bafana will be determined to make amends when they take on Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday afternoon. Michael Nees has put pressure on his side to win their final two games in order to guarantee participation at the 2026 World Cup – something Michael is hoping they do successfully. This match-up will draw attention similar to india national cricket team vs bangladesh national cricket team matches, showcasing high stakes and intense competition on the field.
| Date | Series/Event | Venue | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Oct 2023 | ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune | India won by 7 wickets | India chased 256/3 in 49.2 overs |
| 15 Sep 2023 | Asia Cup 2023 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Bangladesh won by 6 runs | Bangladesh scored 265/8; India 259 all out |
| 20 Feb 2025 | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | India won by 6 wickets | India chased 231/4 in 46.3 overs |
| 12 Oct 2024 | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | India won by 133 runs | India scored 297/6; Bangladesh 164/7 |
| 10 Oct 2024 | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | India won by 86 runs | India scored 221/9; Bangladesh 135/9 |
Zimbabwe vs South Africa
Zimbabwe was once considered an emerging cricket nation; their 1983 win over Australia proved as such. Now however, Zimbabwe no longer poses any serious competition in Test cricket and have officially given up that format entirely despite still playing one-day internationals regularly. Now they host South Africa in an important World Cup qualifying match that could determine its outcome.
Zimbabwe will come into this match knowing they have an inferior squad than their hosts and be out to make a statement with victory, both to lift pride but also escape from bottom place in Group C where they currently reside. Orlando Stadium has proven popular among Zimbabwe supporters.
Last June, Zimbabwe defeated South Africa in a T20 match with Vusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza achieving half-centuries for Zimbabwe to post an innings total of 176/4 in 20 overs.
South Africa collapsed to 40 for 6 in reply, before Lance Klusener and Shaun Pollock both scored half-centuries to salvage some pride for the home side and force out Captain AB de Villiers from his role as skipper of South Africa. It was an emotionally devastating defeat that inspired de Villiers to depart as captain altogether.
After that game, Zimbabwe hosted Australia for a Test series and three ODIs, during the fourth of which they shocked everyone by defeating Australia for the first time on Australian soil – this due primarily to Brendan Taylor’s amazing feats with three catches, stumpings, runs outs and an outstanding Man of the Match award.
Zimbabwe have overcome their early difficulties to recover nicely with two wins and one loss since their opening round loss, yet have still yet to claim one of the four top spots of their group. A victory against South Africa would help put them in great stead to move into the next stage, although even that may not be enough to dislodge Namibia from last place in their group. Regardless, this game will have huge ramifications on both teams’ fate, so expect an intense contest that could determine both fates.
Match Predictions
Both teams recently met in a two-match Test series that South Africa comfortably won, yet Zimbabwe (ZIM) T20I will certainly not take lightly and this match promises to be an intense contest as both squads vie for three points at stake in their tournament openers – with any victory here serving to boost morale and confidence on both sides.
Harare will host this T20i match and it is likely to benefit spinners significantly. Both teams have enjoyed facing each other over time in T20i matches; it could prove an exciting and high-scoring contest.
The Proteas have been on an impressive winning streak of late, winning three out of their last four matches and holding an edge against their Warriors rivals when it comes to head-to-head stats. Therefore, they should go into this match as clear favourites.
Zimbabwe are coming into this game following two consecutive losses and look shaky, without assistant coach Takesure Chiragwi who resigned due to a disciplinary incident at club level. Michael Nees’ side will look to end their losing streak and move off of bottom spot of Group G.
Zimbabwe are currently ranked as the lowest scorers in their World Cup Qualifiers group, scoring just five goals over eight matches played so far. They also rank as one of the least potent teams when it comes to scoring goals – they may find it especially hard against South Africa.
The Proteas have an exceptionally powerful line-up and are likely to dominate this matchup, particularly in terms of fielding. Their keepers are among the best in business at keeping wickets and can limit Zimbabwean batsmen from scoring runs. Their attack boasts players capable of breaking into opposition defence, keeping control of this tie and ultimately finishing group stage as group winners; victory will lead directly into final qualifying while loss may force a play-off with fourth placed team.
Head-to-Head Record
Zimbabwe and South Africa’s head-to-head record is heavily tilted in South Africa’s favour. After six completed T20I matches — two won by Zimbabwe, four lost by South Africa, and one no result — South Africa have secured an overwhelming five-win advantage against Zimbabwe.
This match will be an epic battle of momentum as both sides aim to make a statement result in their favor. Chattogram’s pitch has long been known as an ideal surface for batsmen; however, rain-affected forecasts could see early moisture help seamers before the sun’s heat baked the track, turning spinners into preferred choices. With high humidity making for difficult conditions to play on, fitness and adaptability will play key roles in deciding the final result of this contest.
Namibia and Zimbabwe’s rivalry in T20I cricket has intensified over time with both sides showing strength at home, though Namibia continues to maintain the upper hand overall. Recently though, Zimbabwean have shown resilience with two consecutive wins at Bulawayo Stadium.
Both teams will aim to break their stalemate in the tri-series. Zimbabwe will look to reverse their recent form and try to avoid a clean sweep at home, while hosts New Zealand aim to continue their strong run and secure another victory in Wellington. Zimbabwe is eager to take their chance against the Black Caps in what promises to be an exciting finale of the tri-series. The final match will decide who stands tallest, with New Zealand seeking a 3-0 sweep at home and Zimbabwe hoping to pull off an upset.
Zimbabwe will make their debut of Tafadzwa Tsiga, their 23-year-old pace bowler, while Rassie van der Dussen of South Africa hopes to return after underperforming against Namibia.
Team News
This match will take place on Zimbabwean soil and marks the first time both teams will meet since 2024’s test match between them. It will also mark an historic momentous occasion for Zimbabweans looking forward to watching their home team triumph amidst some tough times they are currently facing as their beloved national side fight back for victory.
Zimbabwe Cricket Team has seen their performance falter drastically over the last decade due to internal problems and problems related to salary payments, leading players to protest against this and adversely affect playing standards of their team.
Zimbabwe remains capable of winning matches despite recent challenges, and will aim to show South Africans they should be taken seriously as opponents. They hope a good performance against them can serve as proof that Zimbabweans remain formidable opponents.
Zimbabwe will likely feel confident about their chances of victory against South Africa after recently defeating Australia, thanks to their experienced squad who can stand up and perform against this daunting opponent.
Zimbabwe will be without injured ODI player Iqraam Rayners for this match; Evidence Mokgopa will replace him. Additionally, Zimbabwe must make do without several senior players such as Graeme Cremer and Brendan Taylor who will both miss out.
Both players offer much to the Zimbabwean side. Their experience will assist the young players within the squad.
The inaugural Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa will be an essential one; it will show if Zimbabwe are capable of maintaining their Test status, as well as determine their world ranking status.
Zimbabwe and South Africa share a rich history and will use this matchup as an opportunity to beat their archrivals. Over the course of the 1990s and 2000s, Zimbabwe made notable ODI progress, such as defeating England 3-0 ODI series or winning home and away series against New Zealand.