BULAWAYO: South Africa delivered a dominant performance to complete an innings and 236-run victory over Zimbabwe on the third day of the second Test at Queens Sports Club, securing a 2-0 series sweep in emphatic fashion.
After declaring their mammoth first innings at 626-5, South Africa’s bowlers dismantled the Zimbabwean batting lineup twice — dismissing the hosts for 170 in the first innings and then bundling them out for 220 in the follow-on.
Zimbabwe resumed their second innings on 51-1 but despite a brief morning resistance, they faltered quickly. Takudzwanashe Kaitano (40), Nick Welch (55), and captain Craig Ervine (49) showed some fight but were unable to halt the Proteas’ charge. Corbin Bosch impressed with the ball, claiming 4-38, while spinner Senuran Muthusamy took three wickets.
The match will be remembered for a remarkable display of humility and sportsmanship by South Africa’s stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder. The 27-year-old was unbeaten on 367 at lunch on day two — just 34 runs short of breaking Brian Lara’s all-time record of 400 runs in a Test innings — when he chose to declare.
“Respecting the game is really important and Lara is one of the greatest ever to play the game and deserves to keep that record,” Mulder told reporters, earning widespread admiration for his decision.
Mulder’s innings is now the highest ever by a South African in Tests and ranks as the fifth-highest score in Test history. He also contributed with three wickets and three catches in a memorable all-round performance.
South Africa, who rested several key players after winning the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s last month, showcased their depth and continued their red-hot form with a 10th consecutive Test victory.
They next face Pakistan in an away Test series in October, while Zimbabwe will host New Zealand in a two-match Test series in Bulawayo starting later this month.
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