South Africa end Day 2 with a 216-run lead in the 1st Test against Zimbabwe.
South Africa declared over night, setting a target of 418-9 for Zimbabwe on Day 2.
The Proteas got off to the perfect start, debutant Codi Yusuf in his first over of Test cricket forced Takudzwanashe Kaitano to chip him to mid-wicket. Zimbabwe were 5-1.
Yusuf struck again in his third over, he pitched a delivery outside off, and Nicholas Welch fell for the bait, wafting at the delivery and finding a feather to the keeper. Zim were 23-2 after 4.1 overs.
Zimbabwe managed to level things out, despite losing Brian Bennett (19) to a concussion. A 50-run partnership between Sean Williams and captain Craig Ervine helped them recover.
Zimbabwe went into lunch on 94-2.
After lunch, Sean Williams brought up his half-century, a crucial knock for his side, taking them past the 100-run mark.
South Africa needed a breakthrough and it came from their skipper Maharaj, creating the stumping of the hosting captain Ervine for 36. This reduced Zim to 119-3.
This was Maharaj’s 200th Test wicket, the first South African spinner to reach this milestone.
Zimbabwe went past the 150-run mark Williams continuing to look comfortable at the crease.
Mulder disrupted the flow slightly when he dismissed Wessly Madhevere lbw for 15.
Wiiliams bought up his 6th century in 121 balls, taking Zim to 184-4, but shortly after his celebration his partner nicked Mulder to the Keeper. Zimbabwe were now 5 down.
After bringing up 200, Zimbabwe lost their 6th, Mulder getting his third wicket by finding Tafadzwa Tsiga’s edge to backward point.
After Tea, Yusuf (3-42) took his third, finding the faint nick of Wellington Masakadza to the keeper. Zim were now 217-7 after 55 overs.
Maharaj struck at a crucial time for his second. Zimbabwe were just a run short from 250 when he orchestrated the stumping of Williams after a superb 137.
After they hit the 250 mark, Mulder (4-50) took his 4th, bringing up 200th first-class wickets, by bowling Blessing Muzarabani. Zimbabwe were now 9 down.
Maharaj (3-70) took the final wicket of Chivanga for his 3rd as Zimbabwe were all out for 251, trailing by 167.
South Africa came out to bat for their second innings, with the openers looking to redeem themselves after a poor first innings.
Breetzke guided the a good-length delivery from Chivanga to gully, SA losing their first with just 1 on the board.
South Africa scored 49-1 and lead by 216.
De Zorzi (22*) and Mulder (22*).
Proteas XI: Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Borch, Keshav Maharaj (c), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka.
