• Proteas in control despite Williams ton

    Published on

    Sean Williams hit an aggressive century for Zimbabwe, but the Proteas remained firmly in charge after day two of the first Test at Queens Sports Club.

    The left-handed Williams hit 137 off 163 balls – more than half of Zimbabwe’s total of 251.

    The Proteas, who had declared their first innings on the overnight score of 418-9, held a 167-run lead and extended it to 216 by stumps, reaching 49-1 in their second innings.

    Zimbabwe were in early trouble when new cap Codi Yusuf struck twice in his first three overs. The hosts were then dealt a major blow when opener Brian Bennett retired hurt for 19 after being struck on the helmet by a short ball from Kwena Maphaka.

    Bennett, who scored 139 against England in Nottingham last month, was ruled out of the match with mild concussion. He was replaced by Prince Masvaure, who made just seven batting at No 7.

    Williams and skipper Craig Ervine (36) shared the only meaningful partnership of the innings, adding 81 for the fifth wicket. Ervine was stumped by Kyle Verreynne off Keshav Maharaj, who claimed his 200th Test wicket.

    Yusuf, one of three debutants alongside Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, impressed with 3-42. Pretorius had earlier scored 153 and Brevis 51 in the Proteas’ first innings.

    Wiaan Mulder took 4-50 and Maharaj, captaining the Proteas in the absence of the injured Temba Bavuma, finished with 3-70.

    HIGHLIGHTS: Zimbabwe vs Proteas (1st Test, Day 2)

    In reply, Zimbabwe struck early again, with Tanaka Chivanga removing Matthew Breetzke for one in his first over – just as he had done in the first innings.

    But Tony de Zorzi (22*) and Mulder (25*) saw the Proteas safely to the close, with bad light ending play early.

    This match is not part of the World Test Championship, and the Proteas squad features only four players from the side that beat Australia in the WTC final at Lord’s earlier this month.

    © Agence France-Presse

    Photo: @ProteasMenCSA/X

    Post by

    Simon Borchardt