Zim vs SA: Command in South Africa despite the centenary of Scene Williams, 216 gains in stumps in 2 days

A fluent centenary of Sean Williams stood long amidst a falter Zimbabwe batting attempt, but South Africa maintained firm control at the end of the first test at Queens Sports Club. Williams played a single hand alone with an aggressive 137 in 163 delivery – his seventh Test contributed more than half of a total of 251 in Zimbabwe. However, South Africa took a 167-run command of first-part, which they closed at 49/1 in their second innings, extended to 216 by stumps. Zimbabwe’s troubles started early in the day as South Africa declared overnight at 418/9. Debut Kodi Yusuf shocked the top order twice in his initial spell. A fresh, in-form opener Brian Bennett, against England, was deepened, his crises were deepened, hitting a helmet with a small ball from Quena Mafaka. He was forced to hurt 19 and was later denied mild intrusion. Captain Craig Erwin and Williams pairs 81 for the fourth wicket, the only sufficient stand of the innings. Arwin’s dismissal threw Keshav Maharaj for 36-the left-handed spinner got his 200th Test wicket. Maharaj, captaincy in place of the injured Temba Bavuma ended with 3/70 figures.

All-rounder Vian Mulder took 4/50 time impressed by the ball, while Joseph returned to 3/42 in his debut. South Africa lost Matthew Bretzke from Tanaka Chivanga in their second innings, who hit the match for the second time in their first over. But Tony de Jorzi (22)* and Mulder (25)* directed the visitors to protect before closing the bad lights.

This one-off test is not counted towards the World Test Championship. In particular, only four players of South Africa’s WTC final win over Australia are in this match.