ZIM Vs SA, 1st Test: Zimbabwe's Williams Hits 137 But South Africa Lead By 216
Sean Williams scored 137 for Zimbabwe, but South Africa led by 216 runs at the end of Day 2 of the first Test.
Sean Williams scored a commanding century for Zimbabwe, but South Africa maintained control after the second day of the first Test at Queens Sports Club on Sunday.
Williams, a left-hander, hit 137 off 163 balls, accounting for more than half of his team's total of 251.
South Africa, leading by 167 runs in the first innings, extended their lead to 216 runs, reaching 49 for one by the close of play.
Zimbabwe faced early difficulties after South Africa declared their first innings at their overnight score of 418 for nine.
Debutant Codi Yusuf claimed two wickets in his first three overs. Zimbabwe suffered a significant setback when opening batsman Brian Bennett retired hurt for 19 after being struck on the helmet by fast bowler Kwena Maphaka. Bennett, who had scored 139 in his previous Test against England in Nottingham last month, was ruled out of the remainder of the match with mild concussion.
He was replaced by Prince Masvaure, who was dismissed for seven batting at number seven.
Williams and captain Craig Ervine (36) formed the only substantial partnership of the innings, adding 81 runs before Ervine was stumped by Kyle Verreynne, giving Keshav Maharaj his 200th Test wicket.
Yusuf, along with fellow debutants Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, had an impressive start to his Test career, taking three for 42. Pretorius scored 153 and Brevis 51 in South Africa's first innings.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder took four for 50, and left-arm spinner Maharaj, captaining the team for the first time in the absence of the injured Temba Bavuma, claimed three for 70.
Fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga took a wicket in his first over for the second time in the match, with Matthew Breetzke caught at gully for one.
However, Tony de Zorzi (22 not out) and Mulder (25 not out) prevented further breakthroughs before bad light halted play.
This match is not part of the World Test Championship, and the South African team includes only four players from the squad that won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's in London earlier this month.
(With inputs from AFP)
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June 29, 2025, 22:05 IST
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