Get ready for an exhilarating cricket showdown as South Africa hosts Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth for the very first four-day Test match ever played at this venue!
With India’s arrival postponed, Cricket South Africa quickly had to find new Boxing Day opponents. While Pakistan was in the running, Zimbabwe secured the opportunity to face the Proteas.
This Test is a pioneering event for South African cricket — the first day-night Test on home soil and one of the first four-day Tests globally, as the ICC trials a new format to keep the game exciting and accessible.
Match Details:
South Africa v Zimbabwe | 26 December – 29 December | St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth | Starting at 13:30
Match Odds:
South Africa 1/11 | Draw 15/2 | Zimbabwe 28/1
South Africa
Many of the Proteas players come into this Test fresh from the intense Ram Slam T20 Challenge. Adjusting from the quick-paced T20 format to the endurance-demanding Test match will be a fascinating challenge, especially for the batsmen, while bowlers will have to adapt to longer spells.
Captain Faf du Plessis is a doubt, possibly paving the way for Theunis de Bruyn’s inclusion. The team management faces a captaincy decision in du Plessis’ absence; appointing AB de Villiers might be premature, and Hashim Amla has historically been reluctant. Dean Elgar could take the reins for this important Test.
The big news is the return of AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn to the squad — expected to play significant roles. Steyn’s comeback has been carefully managed by the medical team, while there’s been a clear push to get de Villiers back into Test action.
South Africa is no stranger to day-night Tests, having played one in Adelaide in 2016, though that side was very different. With several players like JP Duminy, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kyle Abbott, and Stephen Cook no longer part of the team, the current squad brings fresh energy. Despite Zimbabwe being a less formidable opponent, the Proteas must remain vigilant.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe gained valuable experience in a recent day-night match against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI at Boland Park, dealing with the unique challenges of the pink ball under lights.
The return of seasoned players Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis boosts Zimbabwe’s chances. Both have experience in county cricket, potentially familiar with some Proteas players, and bring much-needed expertise. Adding Sikandar Raza also strengthens the side’s lineup.
This will be Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test match in Port Elizabeth. They’re eager to exploit South Africa’s mixed Test record at St George’s Park, where the hosts have won just 11 of 27 Tests. Historically, South Africa has dominated Zimbabwe at other venues by an innings on four occasions.
Captain Graeme Cremer and coach Heath Streak emphasize this Test as an opportunity to build the future of Zimbabwean cricket. December’s contest will be telling — a respectable fight could signal progress; a heavy defeat might prompt reevaluation.
Verdict: South Africa 1/11
Even if Steyn and de Villiers only perform modestly and du Plessis misses out, South Africa looks set for a comfortable victory, potentially wrapping things up in just three days.
