Maharaj sidelined, Mulder to lead South Africa against Zimbabwe

Seamer Lungi Ngidi, who played in the WTC final, has missed the first Test and is expected to join the team in Zimbabwe

2025 ICC World Test Championship Final - South Africa v Australia - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - June 13, 2025 South Africa's Wiaan Mulder in action Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

South Africa will be further depleted for the second Test against Zimbabwe starting in Bulawayo on Sunday after stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj was ruled out with a left groin strain.

South Africa won the first Test at the same venue by 328 runs on Tuesday, fielding only four of the players who helped them to victory in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s last month.

That will be down to three with Senuran Muthusamy to replace Maharaj. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder will skipper the side as they search for a 2-0 series win.

Seamer Lungi Ngidi, who played in the WTC final, missed the first Test and was expected to join the team in Zimbabwe ahead of the second match but Cricket South Africa has cancelled that plan.