Bulawayo, June–July 2025 – South Africa delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Zimbabwe by a massive 328 runs in the 1st Test of their two-match series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. From debut brilliance to seasoned excellence, this Test was packed with action, records, and one-sided supremacy that firmly placed South Africa ahead in the series.
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South Africa Crush Zimbabwe by 328 Runs in 1st Test |
🔥 Scorecard Summary
🇿🇦 South Africa – 1st Innings: 418/9 declared (90 overs)
Lhuan-dre Pretorius: 153 (160 balls, 11 fours, 4 sixes) – a dream debut
Corbin Bosch: 100 – a classy century
Dewald Brevis: 51 – quickfire support
Tanaka Chivanga (ZIM): 4/95
Blessing Muzarabani: 2 wickets before illness sidelined him
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – 1st Innings: 251 all out (67.4 overs)
Sean Williams: 137 – lone resistance in a crumbling lineup
Craig Ervine: 36
Wiaan Mulder: 4/55
Keshav Maharaj: 3/68
Codi Yusuf: 3 wickets
🇿🇦 South Africa – 2nd Innings: 369 all out (82.5 overs)
Wiaan Mulder: 147 – stunning with the bat too
Keshav Maharaj: 51
Wellington Masakadza: 4 wickets
Vincent Masekesa: 2 wickets
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – 2nd Innings: 208 all out
No significant partnerships or scores
South Africa sealed victory by 328 runs
🔑 Key Moments That Defined the Match
✅ 1. Pretorius & Bosch Shine on Debut
South Africa’s batting stars were two fresh faces. Lhuan-dre Pretorius blasted 153 in his maiden Test innings with fearless aggression, while Corbin Bosch coolly crafted a century. Their 200+ partnership laid the platform for a daunting first innings score.
✅ 2. Sean Williams’ Lone Fight
Zimbabwe’s seasoned campaigner Sean Williams kept the hosts in the game briefly with a gritty 137, but lacked support as South Africa’s pace and spin attack tore through the rest of the lineup.
✅ 3. Wiaan Mulder: Man of the Match
Mulder’s all-round show was world-class. His 147 runs in the second innings, combined with a four-wicket haul, made him the undisputed Man of the Match.
✅ 4. Zimbabwe’s Injury Woes
Zimbabwe’s troubles were compounded by unfortunate setbacks. Brian Bennett retired hurt after a concussion, while Blessing Muzarabani missed large parts of the game due to illness, leaving their bowling attack depleted.
✅ 5. South African Bowling Attack Remains Ruthless
Keshav Maharaj and Codi Yusuf backed up Mulder brilliantly, with wickets shared evenly. The disciplined bowling ensured Zimbabwe never found any rhythm in either innings.
📊 Why This Win Matters
This commanding 328-run win reinforces South Africa’s growing Test depth. Debutants delivered, experienced players stepped up, and team cohesion was on full display. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will need a major rethink ahead of the second Test to stay competitive.
📅 What’s Next?
The teams will reconvene for the 2nd Test in Harare. Zimbabwe must address injury issues, strengthen batting resilience, and find ways to counter South Africa’s fast and spin attack. For South Africa, this match is a blueprint for success in the longer format.
