South Africa completed an innings-and-236-run win after Zimbabwe collapsed after lunch on the third day of the second Test in Bulawayo.
Fast bowlers Corbin Bosch (4-38) and Codi Yusuf (2-38), along with left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy (3-77), played key roles as the Proteas bowled out Zimbabwe for 220 to seal a 2-0 Test series sweep in Bulawayo.
Despite fielding a second-string side, South Africa were in control from the outset, with stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 367 – the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket – powering the tourists to 626-5 declared.
OPINION: Mulder may regret not chasing record
Zimbabwe showed some resistance in the first session on Tuesday, adding 69 runs for the loss of one wicket after resuming on 51-1. Nick Welch struck 55 and captain Craig Ervine fell just short of a half-century with 49, following the early dismissal of overnight batsman Takudzwanashe Kaitano for 40.
But the hosts collapsed after lunch, losing six wickets for just 31 runs as Bosch and Yusuf ripped through the middle order. Wellington Masakadza and Tanaka Chivanga added 36 for the last wicket, but the damage had been done.
The result marked a 10th consecutive Test win for the world champions – surpassing their previous record of nine in a row between 2001 and 2003.
HIGHLIGHTS: Zimbabwe vs Proteas (2nd Test, Day 3)
The Proteas had cruised to a 328-run victory in the first Test at the same venue, and wrapped up the series without most of the players who featured in the World Test Championship final triumph over Australia at Lord’s last month. Only Mulder and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne played in both matches.
Zimbabwe were without key batsmen Brian Bennett, who was concussed in the first Test, and Ben Curran, who missed the series with a broken hand.
South Africa blooded five debutants across the two matches but still proved far too strong for their neighbours.
The teams will meet again in Harare on Monday for the start of a T20 Tri-Series that includes New Zealand.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Zimbabwe Cricket
