Why There Is No DRS In The Zimbabwe Vs South Africa Test Series?

Akshita Patel

South Africa-Zimbabwe Test played without DRS [Source: @AdamTheofilatos, @ZimCricketv/X.com]South Africa-Zimbabwe Test played without DRS [Source: @AdamTheofilatos, @ZimCricketv/X.com]

The ongoing Test match between Zimbabwe and South Africa in Bulawayo has caught attention, not just for cricket, but for something missing, the Decision Review System (DRS). The technical help was unavailable due to a bizarre reason.

DRS allows teams to challenge on-field umpire decisions using technology like ball-tracking, UltraEdge, and more. It’s now common in almost every major international men’s match. But surprisingly, this Test between two full member nations is being played without it.

Zimbabwe-South Africa Test Played Without DRS Due To High-Cost

The main reason for absence of DRS in South Africa-Zimbabwe Test is cost. Setting up DRS is expensive. While Zimbabwe Cricket has never opposed using the system, they have struggled to afford it. 

The technology made its debut in Zimbabwe in 2016, but it hasn’t been used regularly. Even their most recent home Test, against Ireland in February 2025, didn’t have DRS. 

Moreover, big ICC tournaments hosted in Zimbabwe, such as the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, also took place without DRS, once again because of financial concerns.

There are other examples too. During the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL), DRS was missing after an armed conflict disrupted the tournament. The technology team from Hawk-Eye didn’t return after play resumed.

So while fans may be surprised by the lack of DRS, the reason is simple, high costs and logistical challenges. Until these issues are solved, some matches, even at the highest level, might continue without this important technology.

South Africa Dominate Day 1 Of Test vs Zimbabwe

Meanwhile, 2025 World Test champions South Africa batted first on Day 1 of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe. Tanaka Chivanga struck early blows, but Lhuan-dre Pretorius anchored the inning with a stunning century. Dewald Brevis, who made his Test debut, also scored a half-century off just 41 balls. At tea break on Day 1, the Proteas had 248 runs on the board at the loss of 6 wickets with Pretorius still at the crease at 128 off 141 balls.