South Africa extended their dominance over Zimbabwe on Day Two in Bulawayo, ending the day with a commanding lead of 216 runs. After declaring their first innings at 418 for nine, the visitors bowled Zimbabwe out for 251, largely thanks to a resilient century from all-rounder Sean Williams.
Zimbabwe’s innings started poorly at 23 for two, worsened when Brian Bennett retired hurt due to a delayed concussion. However, Williams stood firm, scoring 137 off 175 balls his sixth Test century and his fifth since 2020 highlighting his importance in Zimbabwe’s batting order.
Williams shared a gritty 91-run partnership with captain Craig Ervine, who scored 36, as Zimbabwe fought to stay in the game. They faced a fierce South African pace attack led by debutant Codi Yusuf and left-arm spinner Kwena Maphaka. Despite wickets falling regularly, with Wiaan Mulder taking four for 50 and Yusuf three for 42, Williams took on Maharaj’s spin, attacking with sweeping shots and advancing down the pitch to unsettle the bowler.
Zimbabwe narrowly avoided the follow-on, thanks to Williams’ fighting innings and some stubborn tail-end resistance. However, Maharaj eventually stumped Williams for Verreynne’s fifth dismissal, and Zimbabwe’s innings quickly folded.
In reply, South Africa lost opener Matthew Breetzke early but closed the day at 49 for one, with Wiaan Mulder (25*) and Tony de Zorzi (22*) stabilizing the innings. Despite some bounce for Zimbabwe’s pacers, the visitors remain in a commanding position with two days remaining.
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