Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
SEAN Williams’ fighting century was the only bright spot on a tough second day for Zimbabwe as South Africa tightened their grip on the first Test at Queens Sports Club.
Despite Williams’ heroics with the bat, the Chevrons were bowled out for 251 in response to South Africa’s over-night declaration of 419/9. By stumps, the visitors were already 49/1 in their second innings, extending their lead to 216 runs and firmly in the driving seat.
Zimbabwe made a shaky start to the day, losing two quick wickets inside the first five overs to slump to 23/2. The situation worsened when Brian Bennett was forced off the field due to concussion, replaced by Prince Masvaure in line with ICC protocols.
Williams and skipper Craig Ervine attempted to steady the innings with a 91-run stand for the third wicket. But once Ervine was dismissed for 36 from 90 balls, the middle and lower order offered little resistance.
Williams battled on with grit and class, compiling a superb 137 from 165 balls. It was his sixth Test century, placing him alongside Brendan Taylor and Grant Flower on Zimbabwe’s all time list, behind only Andy Flower’s 12 tons.
“We had a couple of other batters who got starts and probably faced 20 to 30 balls or more,” said Zimbabwe assistant coach and batting consultant Dion Ebrahim. “Unfortunately we need those batters to kick on and make a contribution. We’re a little bit disappointed with the fact that a couple of our other batters did get starts but didn’t capitalise on them.”
It was Ervine and Williams who gave Zimbabwe a chance.
That partnership carried the Chevrons before Keshav Maharaj made things happen. He beat Williams after tossing one up at him in the 24th over and could have had him stumped on 40 had Kyle Verreynne not fumbled on the first attempt.
After lunch, with the ball turning into him, Williams used the sweep against Maharaj as he continued to push the Chevrons total.
One of those attempts saw the ball pop up off his forearm, behind the slip fielder and it was Maharaj who broke through. Ervine skipped down the pitch to Maharaj, who floated one full and wide of off. Ervine, on 36, missed, and this time Verreynne flicked the bails off in time.
Thereafter, it was all about the remaining batters playing a supporting role for Williams. Wessly Madhevere confidently swung Maharaj for six over long-on early in his innings, with the South Africa captain being attacked by Williams as well.
Williams faced 52 balls from the left-arm spinner and scored 43 runs — a strike rate of 82.69 — including five boundaries.
South Africa’s bowlers shared the load, with Wiaan Mulder leading the attack with 4/50 from 16 overs. Keshav Maharaj and Codi Yusuf supported well, picking up three wickets each.
In their second innings, the Proteas lost Matthew Breetzke early, caught at gully by Wessly Madhevere off Tanaka Chivanga for just one, but Tony de Zorzi (22*) and Mulder (25*) saw them safely to the close.
Play resumes at 10am today, with Zimbabwe needing something special to claw their way back into the match.
