BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – On Sunday, South Africa established a commanding position in the first test match against Zimbabwe, concluding day two with a significant 216-run lead at Queens Sports Club.
The visitors, starting their second innings, reached 49-1 in 13 overs before poor light conditions ended play 15 minutes early. Tony de Zorzi remains at the crease with 22 runs, alongside Wiaan Mulder who has made 25 runs. Matthew Breetzke was dismissed for just 1 run in the opening over by Zimbabwe’s Tanaka Chivanga.
Earlier, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 251 runs in their first innings. This came after South Africa had declared at an imposing total of 418-9 the previous night. Sean Williams was the standout performer for the home side, scoring a resilient 137 runs before being stumped by Keshav Maharaj, who finished with bowling figures of 3-70.
Williams, in partnership with captain Craig Ervine who scored 36 runs, helped stabilize the innings following early setbacks, including the dismissals of Takudzwanashe Kaitano for 0 and Nick Welch for 4, with Brian Bennett forced to retire hurt on 19.
Wiaan Mulder shone with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 50 runs in 16 overs. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne was instrumental behind the stumps, recording two stumpings, one of which contributed to the crucial dismissals of both Williams and Ervine, along with taking three catches.
The previous day, South Africa’s teenager sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius made headlines by becoming the youngest player to score 150 runs in men’s test cricket.
This match marks South Africa’s return to Test cricket on Zimbabwean soil after 11 years, adding much anticipation and excitement to the contest.