Islamabad, June 30, 2025: Sean Williams fighting sixth century in Test cricket was the only resistance offered by Zimbabwe as South Africa keep their hold on the opening Test in Bulawayo, concluding the second day with a dominant 216-run advantage.
South Africa declared at their overnight score of 418 for 9 and struck early with the ball. Debutant Codi Yusuf made an instant impression, removing Takudzwanashe Kaitano with just his fifth delivery and then dismissing Nick Welch in his following over.
Meanwhile, Brian Bennett displayed a short-lived spark with three boundaries but had to leave the field retired hurt after a sharp bouncer from Kwena Maphaka struck him on the helmet, resulting in a concussion substitution.
Craig Ervine then joined Williams to stabilise Zimbabwe’s innings, building a 96-run partnership. Sean Williams took the attacking route, dispatching two firm boundaries off Maphaka, while Ervine opted for a more watchful stance.
The duo guided Zimbabwe to the lunch interval with a semblance of recovery, despite several near edges against Yusuf and Corbin Bosch. After the break, Williams was given a life when he was dropped off Keshav Maharaj before reaching his fifty.
Ervine, who had just edged a streaky boundary, was stumped in the following over — a wicket that earned Maharaj his 200th Test dismissal, making him the first South African slow bowler to hit that landmark.
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Wessly Madhevere batted with intent, rotating the strike effectively and lifting a slog-sweep six off Maharaj. Williams held firm and eventually completed a well-earned century.
However, the partnership ended when Wiaan Mulder trapped Madhevere leg-before. Prince Masvaure, coming in as Bennett’s concussion replacement, was dismissed on the very first ball, also by Mulder.
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Tafadzwa Tsiga provided a brief counterpunch with consecutive boundaries but was removed soon after, sparking a collapse in the tail.
Zimbabwe’s final five wickets fell for only 50 runs. Maharaj and Yusuf claimed important breakthroughs before Mulder concluded the innings, bowling Zimbabwe out for 251. Williams’ 106 stood out, though it wasn’t enough to shift momentum.
In their second outing, South Africa lost Matthew Breetzke early to Tanaka Chivanga, but Tony de Zorzi and Mulder saw out the remainder of the day without further loss.
The touring side closed the day at 49 for 1, increasing their lead to 216 runs and maintaining complete control ahead of Day 3.
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