South Africa cruised to a commanding 328-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first Test of the two-match series, powered by debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius’s record-breaking century and an all-round performance from Corbin Bosch.
Set a daunting target of 537, Zimbabwe’s batting lineup collapsed for just 208 runs in their second innings.
Resuming on 32-1, openers Prince Masvaure and Nick Welch took the crease, but Zimbabwe got off to the worst possible start as Bosch struck on the very first ball of the day, removing Welch for a duck.
Centurion from the first innings, Sean Williams, briefly steadied the innings with Masvaure in a 32-run stand. However, his aggressive 26 off 18 balls came to an end when Bosch had him caught behind, triggering another batting slide.
Zimbabwe then lost three more wickets in quick succession and consequently slipped to 82-6, needing a further 455 runs.
Following the slump, skipper Craig Ervine and Wellington Masakadza attempted to launch a recovery by putting together 83 runs for the sixth wicket.
Momentum-filled Bosch broke the crucial partnership by getting rid of Ervine, who scored 49 off 77 deliveries, laced with seven boundaries.
Masakadza, on the other hand, was involved in a meagre eight-run partnership with Vincent Masekesa (3) before being ultimately removed by Codi Yusuf.
He remained the top scorer for Zimbabwe in the run chase with 57 off 92 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries.
Zimbabwe’s number 10 Blessing Muzarabani was the other notable run-getter as he remained unbeaten with a gutsy 32 off 29 deliveries, comprising four fours and two sixes.
Bosch was the standout bowler for South Africa in the second innings, taking five wickets for 43 runs in 12 overs, followed by Yusuf with three, while Keshav Maharaj and Dewald Brevis made one scalp apiece.
For the unversed, debutant wicketkeeper batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius was adjudged the Player of the Match for his monumental 153 in the first innings, which helped South Africa pile 418-9.
In response, Zimbabwe could muster 251 despite a valiant century from Williams as Wiaan Mulder’s four-wicket haul dismantled their batting unit.
Mulder then showcased his batting prowess in the second innings and scored an anchoring century at number three, which was pivotal in helping South Africa to set a mammoth total.
