Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
IT’S been a brutal batting clinic for Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, as South Africa’s stand-in skipper Wiaan Mulder smashed a record-breaking unbeaten 264 to leave the Chevrons reeling at the end of day one in the second Test.
After winning the toss and electing to field first, the Chevrons may now be regretting that call as the Proteas punished every loose ball and capitalised on missed chances to close the day on a mammoth 465 for 4 in 88 overs.
Mulder, leading the side for the first time, made history by recording the highest-ever score by a debut captain in his first innings — and he’s not done yet. He walks back onto the field on day two unbeaten, with Dewald Brevis (15*) ready to keep the scoreboard ticking.
It wasn’t always looking this grim for Zimbabwe. In the opening hour of play, they had the visitors wobbling at 24 for 2, thanks to some sharp bowling from Tanaka Chivanga, who claimed two scalps early on.
But it all went south from there.
Mulder and David Bedingham stitched together a massive 184-run third-wicket stand, and just when Zimbabwe thought they could regroup, in came Lhuan-dre Pretorious to partner Mulder in another punishing 217-run fourth-wicket partnership.
Debutant Kundai Matigimu managed a breakthrough, while Wellington Masakadza chipped in with one wicket, but by then, the damage was already done.
As Zimbabwe prepare to bowl again on day two, hopes are pinned on an early breakthrough before the scoreboard spirals out of control. But with Mulder still out there, the nightmare could be far from over.
Can the Chevrons claw back from the edge or will this turn into a record-breaking mauling in Bulawayo? All eyes remain on Queens.
derick.khumalo