Islamabad, July 1, 2025: The Proteas extended their dominance on the third day of the opening Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, with a remarkable and composed innings of 147 by Wiaan Mulder steering them to a second-innings total of 369 at Queens Sports Club, establishing a commanding advantage of 536 runs.
The reigning world champions resumed on 49/1, with Tony de Zorzi at 22 and Mulder unbeaten on 25.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack struggled in the absence of their key pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who was sidelined for most of the day due to illness.
Tanaka Chivanga had to bear the brunt of the pace responsibilities and posed early problems for the South African batters, claiming de Zorzi for 31.
Mulder, along with middle-order partner David Bedingham, took an aggressive approach against spinner Vincent Masekesa, clearing the boundary repeatedly as they compiled a 50-run stand.
Wellington Masakadza ended the stand when Bedingham was caught for 35. First-innings century-maker Lhuan-dre Pretorius was bowled by a sharp-turning delivery from Masekesa, who soon after also removed Dewald Brevis.
READ MORE: Sean Williams Fights Lone Battle as South Africa Tighten Grip
The Zimbabwean attack struggled to contain the scoring rate, which stayed close to five an over throughout the innings.
Wiaan Mulder surged to 99 before lunch, reaching his hundred with a classy shot through covers off Chivanga. South Africa were 198/5 at the break, and with Kyle Verreynne, the score progressed to 223/5 in 50 overs.
Mulder was eventually dismissed for a career-best 147 from 205 deliveries. South Africa closed on 369, and Zimbabwe reached 32/1 by stumps, with Kaitano falling for 12.
