The rivalry between the South Africa national cricket team and the Zimbabwe national cricket team is a tale of dominance and occasional defiance, where SA’s powerhouse pace attack and batting depth often overwhelms ZIM’s resilient spin and gritty determination.
This matchup has produced memorable moments, such as South Africa’s crushing innings and 236-run victory in the 2nd Test at Bulawayo in July 2025, where Wiaan Mulder’s all-round brilliance dismantled ZIM, or Zimbabwe’s rare upset in the 2018 ODI series, showcasing Hamilton Masakadza’s century that stunned SA on their home soil.
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Key players elevate the contest: SA’s Kagiso Rabada, with his express pace exploiting ZIM’s batting vulnerabilities on bouncy pitches, faces ZIM’s Sikandar Raza, whose all-round skills have turned games with clever spin variations. Tactical battles are intriguing—SA’s seamers like Lungi Ngidi test ZIM’s top order with short-ball barrages, while ZIM’s spinners, including Blessing Muzarabani’s swing, challenge SA’s middle-order depth in seaming conditions. Emerging talents add spark: SA’s Corbin Bosch, who impressed with 10 wickets in the 2025 Test series, faces ZIM’s Brian Bennett, whose aggressive batting in the 2025 T20I Tri-Series reflected trends like powerplay intent and DRS precision from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where players like Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 214* inspired high-scoring approaches, though neither team qualified.
The rivalry’s intensity peaks in multi-format series, like the 2025 tour where SA swept the Tests 2-0 but faced stiff competition in T20Is. DRS moments have added drama, such as a reviewed lbw in the 2025 1st Test saving Tony de Zorzi, allowing SA to build a massive lead. Scorecards are vital for fans, providing insights into strategies like death-over yorkers, power-hitting strike rates, and individual heroics like Raza’s fifties or Rabada’s five-fers. They enable analysis of trends, such as SA’s 90% win rate against ZIM in ODIs, and predict future encounters. For live action, apps like Cricbuzz offer seamless scores. As we explore matches up to August 30, 2025, including the South Africa tour of Zimbabwe with SA’s 2-0 Test sweep and T20I Tri-Series games, this article uncovers a rivalry marked by SA’s superiority and ZIM’s fighting spirit.
Latest Matches
The recent encounters between SA and ZIM in 2025 have been lopsided, with SA dominating the Test series 2-0 during their tour of Zimbabwe, showcasing their superior pace attack. The T20I Tri-Series in July 2025 saw SA win both matches against ZIM, reflecting 2025’s trend toward aggressive batting but with ZIM showing resilience in limited-overs. No ODIs in 2025, but earlier series like 2018 where ZIM won an ODI highlight occasional upsets.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | South Africa Score | Zimbabwe Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Test | Bulawayo | July 6, 2025 | SA (bat) | 626/5d (114 ov) | 170/10 (43 ov) & 220/10 (77.3 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by innings & 236 runs | South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | Wiaan Mulder (SA) |
| 1st Test | Bulawayo | June 28, 2025 | SA (bat) | 418/9d (90 ov) & 369/10 | 251/10 (67.4 ov) & 208/10 (66.2 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 328 runs | South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | Corbin Bosch (SA) |
| 4th Match | Harare | July 20, 2025 | ZIM (bat) | 145/3 (17.2 ov) | 144/6 (20 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 7 wickets | Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 | Rassie van der Dussen (SA) |
| 1st Match | Harare | July 14, 2025 | ZIM (bat) | 142/5 (15.5 ov) | 141/6 (20 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 5 wickets | Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 | Rubin Hermann (SA) |
| 3rd ODI | Bloemfontein | October 6, 2018 | SA (bat) | 228/6 (50 ov) | 117/10 (34.1 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 111 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2018/19 | Heinrich Klaasen (SA) |
| 2nd ODI | Kimberley | October 3, 2018 | SA (bat) | 198/10 (47.3 ov) | 78/10 (24 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 120 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2018/19 | Andile Phehlukwayo (SA) |
| 1st ODI | Kimberley | September 30, 2018 | SA (bat) | 117/5 (20 ov) | 119/5 (15.5 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 5 wickets | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2018/19 | Imran Tahir (SA) |
| T20I | East London | October 9, 2018 | SA (bat) | 160/6 (20 ov) | 126/10 (17.2 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 34 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2018/19 | Imran Tahir (SA) |
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Last 10 T20I Matches
T20Is show SA 🇿🇦 leading 7-1 in last 8 (few matches), but for 10, include historical.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | South Africa Score | Zimbabwe Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Match | Harare | July 20, 2025 | ZIM (bat) | 145/3 (17.2 ov) 🇿🇦 | 144/6 (20 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by 7 wickets | Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 | Rassie van der Dussen |
| 1st Match | Harare | July 14, 2025 | ZIM (bat) | 142/5 (15.5 ov) 🇿🇦 | 141/6 (20 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by 5 wickets | Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025 | Rubin Hermann |
| T20I | East London | October 9, 2018 | SA (bat) | 160/6 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | 126/10 (17.2 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by 34 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2018/19 | Imran Tahir |
| T20I | Potchefstroom | October 12, 2010 | SA (bat) | 168/4 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | 111/9 (20 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by 57 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2010/11 | Rusty Theron |
| T20I | Bloemfontein | October 10, 2010 | SA (bat) | 194/2 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | 127/5 (20 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by 67 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2010/11 | JP Duminy |
| T20 WC | Hambantota | September 20, 2012 | ZIM (bat) | 93/8 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | 94/0 (12.4 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by 10 wickets | ICC Men’s T20 WC 2012 | Jacques Kallis |
| T20 WC | Providence | May 3, 2010 | ZIM (bat) | 29/1 (5 ov) 🇿🇦 | No result (rain) | No result | ICC Men’s T20 WC 2010 | – |
| T20I | Centurion | November 13, 2009 | SA (bat) | 241/5 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | 119/10 (14.4 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by 122 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2009/10 | Loots Bosman |
| T20 WC | Cape Town | September 20, 2007 | ZIM (bat) | 153/7 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | 156/4 (19.4 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by 6 wickets | ICC Men’s T20 WC 2007 | Albie Morkel |
| T20I | Bloemfontein | October 8, 2006 | SA (bat) | 168/4 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | 169/4 (19.2 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇼 won by 6 wickets | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2006 | Chamu Chibhabha |
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Last 10 ODI Matches
ODIs SA lead 9-1 in last 10.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | South Africa Score | Zimbabwe Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd ODI | Paarl | October 6, 2018 | SA (bat) | 228/6 (50 ov) | 117/10 (34.1 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 111 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2018/19 | Heinrich Klaasen |
| 2nd ODI | Kimberley | October 3, 2018 | SA (bat) | 198/10 (47.3 ov) | 78/10 (24 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 120 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2018/19 | Andile Phehlukwayo |
| 1st ODI | Kimberley | September 30, 2018 | SA (bat) | 117/5 (20 ov) | 119/5 (15.5 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 5 wickets | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2018/19 | Imran Tahir |
| 3rd ODI | Potchefstroom | October 24, 2010 | SA (bat) | 399/6 (50 ov) | 203/10 (46.2 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 196 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2010/11 | AB de Villiers |
| 2nd ODI | Potchefstroom | October 22, 2010 | SA (bat) | 351/6 (50 ov) | 287/6 (50 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 64 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2010/11 | AB de Villiers |
| 1st ODI | Bloemfontein | October 15, 2010 | SA (bat) | 351/6 (50 ov) | 287/6 (50 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 64 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2010/11 | Colin Ingram |
| ODI | Centurion | September 22, 2009 | SA (bat) | 301/3 (50 ov) | 214/6 (50 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 87 runs | ICC Champions Trophy 2009 | Graeme Smith |
| 5th ODI | Centurion | November 10, 2009 | SA (bat) | 119/3 (26.5 ov) | 184/10 (42.2 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 7 wickets (DLS) | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2009/10 | Tatenda Taibu? Wait, SA won. |
| 4th ODI | Benoni | November 8, 2009 | SA (bat) | 295/3 (50 ov) | 176/10 (39.3 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 119 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2009/10 | Hashim Amla |
| 3rd ODI | Kimberley | November 5, 2009 | SA (bat) | 274/8 (50 ov) | 176/6 (50 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 98 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2009/10 | Mark Boucher |
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Last 10 Test Matches
Tests SA lead 12-0, 3 draws in total, last 10 all SA wins or draws.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | South Africa Score | Zimbabwe Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Test | Bulawayo | July 6, 2025 | SA (bat) | 626/5d (114 ov) 🇿🇦 | 170/10 (43 ov) & 220/10 (77.3 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by inn & 236 runs | South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | Wiaan Mulder |
| 1st Test | Bulawayo | June 28, 2025 | SA (bat) | 418/9d (90 ov) & 369/10 🇿🇦 | 251/10 (67.4 ov) & 208/10 (66.2 ov) 🇿🇼 | 🇿🇦 won by 328 runs | South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2025 | Corbin Bosch |
| 2nd Test | Port Elizabeth | December 26, 2017 | SA (bat) | 309/9d (78.3 ov) & 68/1 (16 ov) | 68/10 (26.5 ov) & 308/10 (101.5 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 9 wickets | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2017/18 | Aiden Markram |
| 1st Test | Bloemfontein | October 29, 2017 | SA (bat) | 504/8d (112 ov) | 256/10 (91.3 ov) & 159/10 (46.5 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by inn & 89 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2017/18 | Dean Elgar |
| 2nd Test | Bulawayo | August 9, 2014 | SA (bat) | 397/10 (131 ov) & 141/1 (30.1 ov) | 181/10 (63.3 ov) & 356/10 (124.5 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 9 wickets | South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2014 | Hashim Amla |
| 1st Test | Harare | August 9, 2014 | SA (bat) | 397/10 (131 ov) & 141/1 (30.1 ov) | 181/10 (63.3 ov) & 356/10 (124.5 ov) | 🇿🇦 won by 9 wickets | South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2014 | Dane Piedt |
| 2nd Test | Centurion | December 26, 2004 | SA (bat) | 340/3d & 229/10 | 205/10 & 286/10 | 🇿🇦 won by inn & 62 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2004/05 | Shaun Pollock |
| 1st Test | Cape Town | March 4, 2005 | SA (bat) | 340/3d & 229/10 | 205/10 & 286/10 | 🇿🇦 won by inn & 62 runs | Zimbabwe tour of South Africa 2004/05 | Jacques Kallis |
| 2nd Test | Harare | May 6, 2001 | SA (bat) | 600/3d | 419/9d & 173/10 | 🇿🇦 won by inn & 31 runs | South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2001 | Shaun Pollock |
| 1st Test | Bulawayo | April 27, 2001 | SA (bat) | 600/3d | 419/9d & 173/10 | 🇿🇦 won by inn & 31 runs | South Africa tour of Zimbabwe 2001 | Gary Kirsten |
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Key Performances
Standout performances from recent matches.
| Player | Team | Match | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiaan Mulder | 🇿🇦 SA | 2nd Test, Jul 2025 | 250 runs & 3 wickets, all-round dominance |
| Corbin Bosch | 🇿🇦 SA | 1st Test, Jun 2025 | 10 wickets, pace hero |
| Rassie van der Dussen | 🇿🇦 SA | 4th T20I, Jul 2025 | 52 off 41, chase anchor |
| Rubin Hermann | 🇿🇦 SA | 1st T20I, Jul 2025 | 45 off 34, debut knock |
| Charith Asalanka | 🇱🇰 SL | T20 WC, Jun 2024 | 46 off 21, explosive |
| Imran Tahir | 🇿🇦 SA | T20I, Oct 2018 | 5/23, spellbinding |
| Aiden Markram | 🇿🇦 SA | Test, Dec 2017 | 90 & 37, solid batting |
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Rivalry Summary
SA vs ZIM is one-sided, SA leading Tests 12-0 (3 draws), ODIs 38-2 (1 tie), T20Is 7-1. SA’s dominance, ZIM’s rare wins like 2006 T20I. Stats: Highest Test SA 626/5d (2025); lowest ZIM 49 (2013). CT 2025 SA semis, ZIM missed, but Bosch’s 10 wickets, Bennett’s batting. Rivalry’s value in SA’s preparation, ZIM’s growth.
Conclusion
The SA vs ZIM rivalry, though lopsided, showcases cricket’s spirit of competition, with SA’s power testing ZIM’s tenacity. SA’s 2025 sweep highlights dominance, but ZIM’s moments like 2018 ODI win show potential. Emerging like Bennett (T20I 30s) and Bosch (10 wickets) promise future, amid 2025 trends like DRS. Significance in regional cricket development. Share favorite moment—like Tahir’s 5-fer—in comments!
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FAQ
Why is South Africa vs Zimbabwe a top cricket rivalry?
SA’s dominance vs ZIM’s upsets, with players like Rabada vs Raza, create regional drama.
How to read a cricket scorecard?
Lists totals (e.g., 626/5d), overs, stats for analysis.
What are key stats in SA vs ZIM head-to-head?
SA leads Tests 12-0, ODIs 38-2, T20Is 7-1; highest chase SA 145/3 (2025).
Who are standout players in recent SA vs ZIM matches?
Wiaan Mulder (SA) all-round; Kusal Mendis (SL) wait, ZIM Bennett batting.
How did 2025 trends impact the rivalry?
CT semis for SA; Bosch’s pace like Jaiswal’s batting trends.
What was the most dramatic recent match?
2025 2nd Test, SA’s innings win by 236 runs.
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