Tony de Zorzi Biography: Birthday, Career, Stats and Records

Tony de Zorzi is a South African top‑order batsman who represents the national side in all three formats.

Tony de Zorzi was born on 28 August 1997 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He progressed through the South African youth system, captaining the Under‑19 side at the 2016 World Cup and making his domestic debut for Northerns in 2016. He has since played for the Titans and Western Province, featuring in first‑class, List A and T20 competitions, and earned a place in the national squads across formats.

Since his Test debut against West Indies at SuperSport Park on 28 February 2023, de Zorzi has appeared in 17 Tests, scoring 919 runs at 30.63 with a highest score of 177 and two centuries. In ODIs he has played 22 matches, amassing 777 runs at 43.17, highlighted by an unbeaten 119 against India. He has also featured in ten T20 Internationals, contributing 134 runs. He was part of South Africa’s victorious 2025 World Test Championship squad.

Tony de Zorzi: quick facts

Born: 28 August 1997, Johannesburg
Team: South Africa

Tony de Zorzi career statistics

Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest	Average	Strike rate	100s	50s
Tests	17	31	919	177	30.63	54.80	2	3
ODIs	22	20	777	119*	43.17	98.48	1	4
T20Is	10	10	134	33	13.40	101.52	0	0

Figures as of 12 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.

Tony de Zorzi’s early life

Tony de Zorzi was raised in Johannesburg by his mother, Natasha, a single parent of Italian descent, while his father is Nigerian. He attended King Edward VII School in Johannesburg, where his cricketing talent began to emerge, and later pursued higher education at the University of Pretoria.

His early exposure to diverse cultural backgrounds and a strong school cricket programme laid the foundation for his disciplined approach to the game, preparing him for the challenges of professional cricket.

Tony de Zorzi’s domestic career

De Zorzi made his first‑class debut for Northerns in the Sunfoil 3‑Day Cup on 28 October 2016 and his List A debut shortly after on 31 October 2016. He was named in the Pretoria Mavericks squad for the inaugural T20 Global League in August 2017, although the tournament was later cancelled.

He scored his first List A century for the Titans against the Knights in the 2017–18 Momentum One Day Cup, and in January 2020 recorded an unbeaten 213 runs for the Titans against Cape Cobras, his maiden double century in first‑class cricket. In April 2021 he joined Western Province ahead of the 2021–22 season, continuing to feature prominently in South Africa’s domestic circuit.

Tony de Zorzi’s international career

De Zorzi earned his Test cap against West Indies at SuperSport Park, Centurion on 28 February 2023. To date he has played 17 Tests, scoring 919 runs in 31 innings at an average of 30.63, with a strike rate of 54.8. His highest Test score, 177, came against Bangladesh at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram on 29 October 2024, and he has recorded two centuries and three fifties in the format.

He made his ODI debut versus West Indies at Buffalo Park, East London on 18 March 2023. In 22 ODIs he has accumulated 777 runs at 43.17, striking at 98.48, highlighted by an unbeaten 119 against India at St George's Park, Gqeberha on 19 December 2023 – his maiden international century. De Zorzi’s T20I debut came against Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 28 October 2025; he has featured in ten matches, scoring 134 runs at an average of 13.4, with a top score of 33.

Tony de Zorzi’s franchise and league career

In August 2017 de Zorzi was named in the Pretoria Mavericks squad for the first season of the T20 Global League, a competition that was later postponed and ultimately cancelled. He later joined the Tshwane Spartans for the inaugural Mzansi Super League in 2018 and returned for the 2019 edition, gaining valuable T20 experience at the franchise level.

He was also selected for the Titans’ squad for the 2018 Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy, further expanding his exposure to international franchise cricket. Although a permanent spot in overseas leagues has not yet materialised, his performances in South Africa’s domestic T20 tournaments have kept him on the radar of franchise selectors.

Tony de Zorzi’s records and achievements

De Zorzi’s best innings include a Test double‑century of 213* for the Titans against Cape Cobras, his maiden first‑class double hundred recorded in January 2020. His highest Test score of 177 against Bangladesh in October 2024 and his ODI unbeaten 119 against India in December 2023 stand out as career milestones.

He was a member of South Africa’s winning squad in the 2025 World Test Championship final, adding a major team accolade to his personal achievements. Across formats he has amassed two Test centuries, one ODI century and a notable double century in domestic cricket, underscoring his capacity to play long innings.

Tony de Zorzi’s personal life

De Zorzi was born in Johannesburg and grew up under the care of his mother, Natasha, after his parents separated. His mother’s Italian heritage and his father’s Nigerian roots contribute to his multicultural background.

He completed his schooling at King Edward VII School and later attended the University of Pretoria, balancing academic pursuits with his developing cricket career.

Tony de Zorzi: frequently asked questions

When was Tony de Zorzi born?

Tony de Zorzi was born on 28 August 1997 in Johannesburg.

Where is Tony de Zorzi from?

Tony de Zorzi was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Which teams has Tony de Zorzi played for?

Tony de Zorzi plays international cricket for South Africa.

When did Tony de Zorzi make an international debut?

Tony de Zorzi made a Test debut against West Indies at SuperSport Park, Centurion on 28 February 2023. Tony de Zorzi made an ODI debut against West Indies at Buffalo Park, East London on 18 March 2023. Tony de Zorzi made a T20I debut against Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 28 October 2025.