WILLIAMS WAGES LONE BATTLE! Zim wobble as Proteas pile pressure at Queens

Brandon Moyo

SEAN Williams stood tall like a lone Matobo rock as Zimbabwe stumbled to 212/6 at tea on day two of the first Test against South Africa at Queens Sports Club.

The seasoned left-hander cracked a fighting century, his sixth in Tests, to become only the second Zimbabwean after Andy Flower to score a ton against the Proteas. His 114 off 140 balls is the glue holding Zimbabwe’s reply together after South Africa’s commanding 419-run first innings.

But it wasn’t all smiles for the hosts.

The Proteas struck repeatedly in the afternoon session, tearing through Zimbabwe’s middle order. Craig Ervine, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga and Prince Masvaure all fell cheaply, leaving Williams and tailender Wellington Masakadza (4*) to try and drag the team closer to parity.

With the trail still over 200 runs and just four wickets in hand, Zimbabwe will need more than just Williams’ magic to avoid a collapse.