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Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ONE moment of misjudgement at the death left the Chevrons in deeper trouble as Takudzwanashe Kaitano lost his wicket with just four deliveries remaining in the day, handing South Africa the psychological edge going into the penultimate day of the first Test at Queens Sports Club.
Set a near impossible target of 505 runs to win, Zimbabwe reached 32/1 in 18.2 overs by stumps on day three. Kaitano, who had battled for 62 balls, was caught in the slips by Lhuan-dre Pretorious off the bowling of Corbin Bosch, right when it seemed he and Prince Masvaure had done enough to close out the day safely.
With two full days remaining, the Chevrons must either break every record in their history or survive six sessions to salvage a draw. The odds are stacked steeply. Their best ever successful chase in Test cricket is a modest 174, achieved against Bangladesh in April this year.
Still, head coach Justin Sammons isn’t giving up.
“The target is for individuals to stand up and put the best foot forward,” said Sammons. “At the end of the day, it’s all about those individuals standing up. There are opportunities out there, massive opportunities and I hope the guys go out and take those opportunities. If they do, we will never know where we will end up. The game is not over, we are still playing to win the game, that’s the bottom line.”
Sammons acknowledged the late wicket was a major blow and pointed to a lack of game awareness at that crucial moment.
Earlier in the day, South Africa began their second innings on 49/1, with a lead of 216, and went on to post 337. Wiaan Mulder led from the front with a career best 147 off 206 balls. Skipper Keshav Maharaj supported with 51 off 70, his sixth Test half century, while Kyle Verreynne (36), Bosch (36) and David Bedingham (35) chipped in with vital contributions.
Zimbabwe’s Wellington Masakadza put in a shift with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/98 in 22 overs. Vincent Masekesa grabbed 2/117 in 23 overs. Tanaka Chivanga picked up two wickets for 76, while Blessing Muzarabani and Wessly Madhevere claimed one each.
Mulder, who has dominated both bat and ball in this match, believes getting wickets early on day four will be key.
“We bowled really nicely, we bowled with very good energy,” said Mulder. “If we can break the back of the Zimbabwean batting line up in the middle with Williams and Ervine and Welch, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win the game.
“The important thing is how we fight tomorrow because one big partnership on this wicket… If we don’t strike, it’s going to be a long day. But I think the important thing is that there will be new batters tomorrow, a good opportunity. We’ve seen how it’s hard to bat in the morning. We’ll be aggressive right through the first session to try and get wickets.”
Masvaure was on 5* off 49 balls at the close of play. With two full days remaining, the Chevrons’ best chance may lie in grit and time, not the scoreboard.
Play resumes at 10am today.
— @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter