South Africa sealed a dominant 328-run victory over Zimbabwe on Day 4 of the first Test in Bulawayo, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. It was a commanding performance by the visitors, with standout efforts from both their batters and bowlers throughout the match.
Opting to bat first, South Africa posted a massive 418/9 declared. Lhuan-dré Pretorius led the charge with a superb 153, playing with control and aggression. He received solid support from Dewald Brevis, who scored a fluent 51, and Corbin Bosch, who remained unbeaten on 100. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled, with only Blessing Muzarabani taking two wickets and Tanaka Chivanga managing four wickets.
In response, Zimbabwe managed 251 runs in their first innings, largely thanks to a fighting 137 from Sean Williams. Unfortunately, the rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure. South Africa’s bowlers kept things tight, with WiaanMulder taking four wickets, Maharaj and Codi Yusuf bagging three wickets each to give their side a 167-run first-innings lead.
Batting again, South Africa piled on the runs in their second innings at 369 all out. Wiaan Mulder, fresh off his bowling success, delivered with the bat as well, scoring a gritty 147. Contributions came from Tony de Zorzi (31), David Bedingham (35), and captain Keshav Maharaj, who added 51. Zimbabwe’s bowlers once again toiled hard, with Wellington Masakadza taking four wickets.
Chasing a mammoth target of 537, Zimbabwe showed some resistance but were bowled out for 208. Wellington Masakadza top-scored with 57, while Craig Ervine added 49, but no other batter was able to hold firm. South Africa’s bowlers remained clinical—Corbin Bosch claimed fivewickets, while Yusuf bagged three and one each for Maharaj and Brevis.
For his outstanding first-innings century and contributions to South Africa’s strong position early in the game, Lhuan-drePretorius was deservedly named Player of the Match.
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