Exclusive: Tony de Zorzi Eyes Proteas Spot as He Leads Western Province’s Survival Battle

Tony de Zorzi, the talented Proteas batsman and current Western Province player, has been in exceptional form with the longer format of the game. 

After returning from the Champions Trophy, de Zorzi has been on domestic duty, showcasing his impressive skills by amassing 273 runs across four innings. His solid performances have been a much-needed boost for his franchise, especially as Western Province finds itself in a precarious position in the domestic competition.

With one first-class fixture remaining against the North West Dragons, Western Province is in danger of relegation, sitting second-to-last on the log. As the team fights for survival, de Zorzi’s experience and contributions will be crucial to avoiding the drop.

Western Province’s One-Day Disappointment

It has been a challenging season for Western Province in the One Day Cup. 

Having won the competition in the previous season, the team’s performance this year has been underwhelming, finishing at the bottom of the log. De Zorzi, who was absent for the tournament, reflected on the team's disappointment.

"I obviously wasn’t here for that [One Day Cup] but the guys were not happy with how things turned out. I am sure the bulk of the younger guys in the team will take a lot of experience out of the tournament," he told SportsBoom.co.za. 

"I suppose you learn probably the most when there is turmoil and not playing so well as individuals and as a team. There are definitely lessons the guys would've learnt but it definitely doesn't mean we are a bad team."

Although Western Province struggled in the limited-overs format, de Zorzi remains optimistic, highlighting the lessons learned from difficult times.

Battling Relegation with Pressure on the Line

Despite the One Day Cup setback, Western Province still had a chance to escape relegation with three crucial first-class fixtures remaining. One of the standout moments for de Zorzi was the team's win against the Titans, which provided a significant morale boost.

"We first had the Titans, which was an important game and for us to win that fixture away from home kind of set the change room at ease. The last couple of games [first-class] there was a bit of pressure, and it was nice to see how the guys responded to the pressure."

For de Zorzi, returning to the team and contributing runs has made a world of difference, especially with the team under immense pressure to perform. 

"To come back in the team and score runs always makes it feel better... especially when the team needed me, I was able to do so."

Proteas’ 2025/26 International Fixtures

Looking ahead to the 2025/26 international season, de Zorzi has his eyes set on earning a spot in the South African squad. 

Cricket South Africa confirmed fixtures against Zimbabwe and Australia, with the highlight being the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. Unfortunately for de Zorzi, there will be no home fixtures for the Proteas men’s side in the upcoming season.

"The schedule is the schedule, I am not sure who comes up with that stuff but obviously there are some important Test matches coming this season such as Zimbabwe and the WTC final. For me, hopefully, I am in the squad, and hopefully, we can continue the momentum the team has built."

Facing Zimbabwe – A Test of Grit

One of the standout series for de Zorzi and the Proteas will be their tour to Zimbabwe, marking their first visit there in several years. Reflecting on his previous experiences playing against Zimbabwe, de Zorzi is excited about the challenge.

"I have only played against Zim, in SA A capacity in Pretoria and Harare. Mali [Malibongwe Maketa] was the coach at the time and there was some good cricket on display. For the Proteas, I think it will be a nice experience for us. Test cricket is always tough no matter who you play against. And that Zim side played some really good cricket at home; they got some good batters and bowlers, so it will be a nice test for us."

The series will provide the Proteas with a unique challenge, and de Zorzi is hopeful the team will be ready to start the international season on a positive note.

Preparing for the South African Winter and the WTC Final

As the South African cricket season winds down, many players, including de Zorzi, will look to head north to prepare for the upcoming international fixtures. 

For de Zorzi, the key preparation will be getting ready for the WTC final against Australia in June. Like other Proteas players, he is eager to get in some practice ahead of the big match.

"If I get picked for that final, I would like to be in England a bit earlier and play a bit of County cricket like the other guys have. I know it will be good prep for Bedders [David Bedingham], Patto [Dane Patterson] and Scholesy [Kyle Verreynne] who have already been there before. Hopefully, an opportunity opens up for me to play a bit of County cricket, but if not, I will take one or two weeks to go on a bit of a holiday."

As de Zorzi prepares for a crucial period in his career, he remains focused on both his domestic and international duties. His form and leadership will undoubtedly be vital for Western Province’s survival, and if selected, he will bring that same energy and skill to the Proteas in their upcoming international tests. 

The 2025/26 season promises to be one to remember for the in-form batsman.