Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WELLINGTON Masakadza’s gritty maiden half-century in the face of a crushing defeat has offered a rare bright spot for Zimbabwe, as the Chevrons crumbled to their heaviest ever Test loss against South Africa on Tuesday at Queens Sports Club.
The 35-year-old left arm spinner, playing his sixth Test, scored a career best 57 runs in the second innings as Zimbabwe attempted to chase down a daunting 537 run target.
It was not just his highest score in Tests, it was his first half-century in international cricket.
His knock came during an 83-run seventh wicket stand with captain Craig Ervine, who himself fell agonisingly short of a half-century on 49.
The partnership offered rare resistance after yet another top order collapse, giving the Chevrons a sliver of pride in an otherwise one-sided contest.
“I’ve had a couple (of fifties) in franchise cricket,” said Masakadza. “I felt like I owed my country a lot more than I had done with the bat. It was long overdue.
Coming in at number eight, things get a bit easier. The ball gets older. A day four pitch doesn’t bounce as much. Application was key, and playing a few shots at the end.”
Masakadza credited Ervine for steadying his focus during their partnership.
“Him being a senior and a batter, he guided me through whenever I started to lose concentration. He was walking down, telling me to stay focused and keep going,” he said.
Despite that fight, the match ended in historic disappointment for Zimbabwe, who were bowled out for 208 in their final innings. The 328 run loss now stands as their heaviest in Test cricket by runs.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bat, piling on 418 for nine declared in the first innings, led by centuries from Lhuan-dre Pretorius (153) and Corbin Bosch (100*). Tanaka Chivanga was Zimbabwe’s standout with the ball, claiming four wickets.
In response, Zimbabwe managed 251, largely thanks to a masterclass from Sean Williams, who scored a valiant 137, his sixth Test century.
The knock tied him for second most Test tons by a Zimbabwean, alongside Brendan Taylor and Grant Flower. Only Andy Flower, with 12, has more. Wiaan Mulder did the damage for South Africa, picking up four wickets.
South Africa’s second innings saw them extend their dominance, adding 369 runs. Mulder starred again, this time with the bat, scoring 147.
Masakadza led Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with four wickets.
Reflecting on the match, Ervine admitted the team’s selection may have missed the mark.
“I thought Blessing (Muzarabani) and Chivanga started really well. In hindsight, another seamer would’ve helped us more in that first session,” he said.
“We thought the pitch would offer more turn as the game went on. Sean (Williams) was exceptional, always looking to score and playing positive cricket.”
But he also pointed to shortcomings across the board.
“Credit to Sean, but it was disappointing no one stayed with him to post a more respectable total. Our spin department needs to be more consistent. And from a batting point of view, a few of us got starts, including myself, but we’ve got to kick on and make hundreds.
Thirties and forties just aren’t enough at this level,” said Ervine.
He added that young spinner Bennett is still being monitored, with hopes he’ll be fit before the second Test.
Meanwhile, South Africa suffered a blow ahead of the second Test, with left arm spinner Keshav Maharaj ruled out due to a groin strain sustained while batting on day three. The 35-year-old is flying back to
South Africa for further assessment.
Senuran Muthusamy has been named as his replacement. Wiaan Mulder, fresh off his all round performance, will captain the side in the second Test, which starts Sunday at Queens Sports Club.
Cricket South Africa also confirmed that fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, initially set to join the squad on Wednesday, has been released.
The decision allows the pace attack from the first Test to get another run after an impressive showing. — @brandon_malvin
Bongani Ndlovu