Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
SOUTH Africa recovered from an early wobble to dominate day one of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, with debutants Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch smashing centuries to leave the Chevrons chasing shadows.
What had looked like Zimbabwe’s day by lunch, with the visitors 90/4, turned into a long, punishing afternoon as Pretorius blazed a debut 153 and Bosch closed unbeaten on 100 to power South Africa to a commanding 418/9 at stumps.
Pretorius’ hundred came off just 112 balls in a counter attacking masterclass, while Bosch anchored the lower order with a more patient knock that put the Test world champions firmly in charge.
There was more firepower in the middle from another debutant, Dewald Brevis, who smashed 51 off 41 balls during a free scoring second session where the Proteas added 158 runs, losing just two wickets.
Earlier in the morning, Zimbabwe had seized the momentum after being asked to bowl first. Tanaka Chivanga led the charge with a fiery spell, finishing with 4/83 from 16 overs. He rattled the top order, removing Tony de Zorzi for a 16-ball duck, Matthew Breetzke for 13, and David Bedingham for a three-ball duck, all caught in the slips.
The hosts were buzzing when Wiaan Mulder was run out for 12 after a mix-up with Pretorius, thanks to a sharp direct hit from Blessing Muzarabani.
At 90/4, Zimbabwe had their tails up and would feel hard done after Pretorius survived a big appeal for caught behind just before lunch, despite a clear inside edge.
But from then on, the afternoon belonged to South Africa. Pretorius and Brevis flipped the pressure back with their aggressive strokeplay. After Brevis fell to Muzarabani, caught by Chivanga, the baton was passed to Bosch, who soaked up the pressure and punished anything loose.
Wellington Masakadza and Vincent Masekesa chipped in with a wicket apiece, but the damage had been done.
As the shadows lengthened across Queens, Bosch brought up his century and walked off unbeaten, with Kwena Maphaka giving him company on 9. South Africa will resume day two firmly in control, while Zimbabwe will need something special to wrestle back momentum.
Play resumes at 10am.
