• South Africa ended Day 1 of the second Test at Bulawayo in complete control with help of Wiaan Mulder.

  • The Proteas put up a massive 465/4 after being sent in to bat by Zimbabwe.

Fans react as Wiaan Mulder’s batting brilliance puts South Africa in control against Zimbabwe on Day 1 of second Test
ZIM vs SA (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

South Africa ended Day 1 of the second Test at Bulawayo in complete control, putting up a massive 465/4 after being sent in to bat by Zimbabwe. Captain Wiaan Mulder played a truly special innings, remaining unbeaten on 264 off just 259 balls, anchoring the South African charge with a blend of poise and aggression. After early jolts reduced the visitors to 24/2, a 184-run stand with David Bedingham steadied the innings before a blistering 217-run fourth-wicket partnership between Mulder and Pretorius flattened the Zimbabwean attack. Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiled in vain on a placid surface, unable to stop South Africa’s dominance as the run rate surged past five per over.

Wiaan Mulder’s masterclass lifts South Africa to a massive score

After being rocked early by Tanaka Chivanga and Wellington Masakadza, South Africa were rescued by skipper Mulder, who showcased immaculate temperament under pressure. He first built a counterattacking partnership with Bedingham, who added a fluent 82 before falling lbw, then took full charge with debutant Pretorius, whose 78 off 87 added flair to the innings. Mulder’s footwork, placement, and shot selection were top-notch, dispatching anything loose and maintaining a brisk tempo. He reached his century off just 116 balls and never looked back, racing past 150 and eventually bringing up a career-best 250 in just 243 balls. His partnership with Pretorius took South Africa from 208/3 to 425/4, putting the Proteas in the driver’s seat. Dewald Brevis added late fireworks as South Africa closed Day 1 with 465 on the board, scoring at 5.28 runs per over.

Zimbabwe’s bowling plan fails to contain South Africa’s charge

Electing to field first, Zimbabwe hoped to exploit early morning movement, but despite initial breakthroughs, their attack wilted under relentless pressure. Chivanga was the pick of the bowlers, nabbing de Tony de Zorzi and David Bedingham, while Masakadza removed Lesego Senokwane early, but the rest of the lineup had no answers for the Mulder-Pretorius onslaught.

Muzarabani, usually reliable, went wicketless despite a tight opening spell, while Kundai Matigimu and Wessly Madhevere were expensive and erratic. Wellington Masakadza bowled the most overs but lacked bite, conceding 152 runs from 28 overs. Zimbabwe’s inability to maintain pressure or stem the scoring allowed South Africa to dictate terms throughout the day. The second new ball came too late to cause any damage, and with the pitch still offering little help, Zimbabwe face a tough battle ahead on Day 2.

Also READ: ZIM vs SA: Fans go wild as Wiaan Mulder slams historic double century on captaincy debut in 2nd Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

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