A combined total of 1246 runs were scored in the first test match between Zimbabwe and South Africa; the second highest between the two sides. Unfortunately, it also turned out to be the biggest defeat for the hosts in terms of runs. The Proteas won by 328 runs. Zimbabwe’s captain, Craig Ervine admitted to miscalculation, falling short of one pacer on what they believed would be a turning wicket.
South Africa’s B-side put up a spirited performance. Lhuan dre-Pretorius had the most notable contribution, whose knock of 153 in the first innings set the tone for SA. Thanks to Sean Williams’ 137, Zimbabwe responded decently; enough to avoid a follow-on. But it was the all-round performance from Wiaan Mulder (4 wickets in the first innings, 147 runs in the second) and Corbin Bosch (100 in the first innings, five-wicket haul in the second) who sealed the deal for the Proteas.
Considering they fell short of a seamer, the Chevrons might consider the prospect of swapping Vincent Masekesa for either Trevor Gwandu or Kundai Matigimu in the second test. Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out with a groin injury as Senuran Muthusamy replaces him. Mulder will lead the side at the Queen’s Sports Club. It can also be a good time to see the debut of all-rounder Lesego Senokwane and off-spin bowler Prenelan Subrayen.
It was a match to forget for wicket-keeper Tafadzwa Tsiga. He managed only nine runs in the entire match. Moreover, he wasn’t involved in any dismissals. Furthermore, immense pressure will lie on Zimbabwe’s top order with the injury concerns of Brian Bennett who did not bat in the second innings.
It would be interesting to see how Zimbabwe rebounds after this defeat. While his performance was average in the first test, Blessing Muzarabani became the fastest from his country to get to 50 test wickets. Tanaka Chivanga’s heroics on the first day saw SA find themselves at 23/3. However, the second-line squad of the reigning World Test Champions managed a thumping win with a day to spare. Thus, they will hope to extend their undefeated streak of test match wins against Zimbabwe to ten in the second test.
Prediction
South Africa wins (90%).
