refreshThat brings us to the end of the Test series, and now the focus shifts to the upcoming white-ball challenge. The ODI tri-series begins on Monday, 14 July 2025, in Harare, where New Zealand will join Zimbabwe and South Africa. The first match of the series will be between Zimbabwe and South Africa, and it starts at 11 am GMT. But you can join us an hour before for all the pre-match build-up. Until then, take care! CIAO!
And now, Wiaan Mulder lifts the trophy high with a big smile, and the entire South African team rushes in to join the celebration. Cheers, laughter, and applause fill the air as they gather behind the 'Winners' board for the official photo. It's a moment of pride and joy, reflecting their dominant performance throughout the Test.
The skipper of South Africa, Wiaan Mulder, is also the PLAYER OF THE MATCH AND PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his impressive all-around performances. He says that it feels super special, something he dreamt of as a young boy, to captain his country, and to do it successfully makes it even more meaningful. Calls it the greatest honour for any cricketer and says he’s incredibly proud to have made his team, family, and country proud. Reflecting on the first Test, he admits to being disappointed with how he got out, especially after feeling well set, taking a risk going toward the longer boundary, and missing out on what could have been more runs. Coming into this second Test, his focus was on staying present, doing his job ball by ball, and letting the results take care of themselves, and he’s happy it all came together. Emphasises that his mindset is simple - he just wants to play and contribute, regardless of the role, leaving the decisions to coach Shukri Conrad. Mulder also takes time to highlight how several players stepped up across the series, mentioning someone like Codi Yusuf, who has performed consistently at the domestic level and finally showed his quality at the international stage. Also praises Prenelan Subrayen and others for contributing in their own ways, underlining how this collective effort bodes well for the future of South African cricket. Ends by saying this team is growing, learning, and building something strong, and he’s just grateful to be a part of it.
The skipper of Zimbabwe, Craig Ervine, reflects honestly on the series. He says there were plenty of positives to take from the first Test, and while they came in hoping to fix their mistakes, the second Test didn’t go according to plan, and there’s still a lot of work ahead. Admits losing key players like Brian Bennett and Prince Masvaure, due to injury and illness, was tough on the group, and it added pressure. Notes that players like Dion Myers had opportunities but couldn’t quite make them count, including himself. Praises Sean Williams for his big hundred in the first Test, calling him a crucial part of the batting line-up, especially for how he takes on spin and keeps the scoreboard moving. Ervine adds that younger players need to watch and learn from him, as he still has a few good years left. Highlights the discipline of the South African bowlers and the controlled tempo of Wiaan Mulder’s innings as lessons to take forward. Ends by saying it’s time for the team to step up and show results on the field - enough talk, now it’s about action. Also gives a hopeful update that Bennett should be fit soon.
Time for the Post-Match Presentations...
This Test match is a clear reflection of South Africa’s growing strength in red-ball cricket, just after winning the final of the last WTC. Wiaan Mulder led the side from the front with a sensational double hundred and smart captaincy, while the team executed plans to perfection. From intent-filled batting to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, it was a near-flawless display. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will take away some positives like Williams' and Welch’s knocks, but they have plenty of work to do heading into the white-ball series.
South Africa's bowlers were top-class throughout. Codi Yusuf and Corbin Bosch consistently provided early breakthroughs with the new ball. Muthusamy and Subrayen controlled the middle overs with spin, and Mulder chipped in with key wickets at important moments. It was a complete bowling performance, with each of the five bowlers making a contribution. Even on a good surface for batting, South Africa’s accuracy and discipline stood out and kept Zimbabwe under pressure at all times.
In their second innings, Zimbabwe started with more intent. Kaitano redeemed himself with a fluent 40, and Nick Welch struck a well-made 55, combining with captain Craig Ervine to take the game deep into Day 3. But just as they looked set to resist longer, wickets began to fall again. Mulder struck first after lunch, then came twin blows from Corbin Bosch, who finished with a brilliant 4-wicket haul. Muthusamy mopped up the tail with three wickets, and despite late cameos from Masakadza and Chivanga for the last wicket, Zimbabwe were all out for 220.
Day 2 continued to favour South Africa, as Zimbabwe crumbled under pressure in their first innings. Takudzwanashe Kaitano fell on the very first ball, and by tea, six wickets were already down. Prenelan Subrayen spun a web around the lower order and ended with four wickets, while Mulder, Bosch, and Yusuf shared the rest. Only Sean Williams managed to push back, playing a blistering knock of 83 from just 55 deliveries. However, the team total of 170 was very far from anything, and the follow-on was inevitable.
Day 1 belonged entirely to South Africa. Despite losing two quick wickets early, Mulder and David Bedingham turned the tide with a big stand. Then came a record-breaking partnership between Mulder and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, followed by another flurry of runs from Brevis and Verreynne. Mulder reached his triple ton with ease and eventually declared the innings closed at lunch on Day 2, unbeaten on 367. Zimbabwe's bowlers looked exhausted by then, with no one managing to maintain control or consistency over a long spell.
Zimbabwe, in response, were never really in the game. Their first innings lasted only 43 overs, as they folded for 170 despite a fighting 83 unbeaten from Sean Williams. Asked to follow on, they showed a little more resolve in the second innings, reaching 220. Nick Welch and Craig Ervine led a brief recovery, but South Africa’s bowlers continued to chip away. The result was never in doubt after the first session of Day 2, and by late afternoon on Day 3, the match came to a close.
South Africa have wrapped up this 2nd Test in emphatic style, beating Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs to complete a dominant performance and that too, in just three days. They have done a clean sweep in this 2-match series by winning both matches. From the moment Wiaan Mulder took charge with the bat on Day 1, South Africa hardly put a foot wrong. They declared their innings on 626/5, thanks largely to Mulder’s career-best 367 not out, and then went on to dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup twice in under two days. The margin of victory speaks volumes of the gulf between the two sides across all departments.
77.3OUT! CAUGHT! South Africa have won the match by an inning and 236 and have done a clean sweep in the series! Tossed it up and around middle, from wide of the crease, Tanaka Chivanga goes across and looks to paddle it fine. But gets a top edge that lobs up over the keeper behind the wickets. Wiaan Mulder quickly moves to his left from first slip and pouches it. That has been a thumping win for SA.
77.2Full and around off, Tanaka Chivanga pushes it back to the bowler.
77.1Around off, Tanaka Chivanga comes forward to defend it but gets an inside edge towards fine leg.
76.6Punched down to cover off the back foot.
76.5On the pads, nudged it to mid-wicket.
76.4Nagging length and around off, Wellington Masakadza goes to cut it but misses.
76.3Full and around off, pushed away towards mid off.
76.2FOUR! Another good shot! Flighted, full and outside off, Wellington Masakadza goes across and lofts it inside out over covers for a boundary.
76.1Full and around off, knocked it down to long on for one.
75.6Full and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward and nudges it to mid-wicket.
75.5Nagging length and around off, Wellington Masakadza punches it it to mid off.
75.4Around off, pushed away to wide long off for one.
75.3FOUR! And another! Full and around off, Tanaka Chivanga takes a step forward and heaves it off the inner half of the bat aerially towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
75.2FOUR! Swept away! Tossed it up and on the pads, Tanaka Chivanga goes across on his knees and sweeps it fine to deep backward square leg for a boundary.
75.1Around off, defended it to mid-wicket off the front foot.
The session is getting extended by 30 minutes more as Zimbabwe are nine down.
74.6Back of a length and down the leg side, Wellington Masakadza sways away from it.
74.5FOUR! Nicely done! Full and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward and drives it through covers for a boundary.
74.4Down the leg side, Wellington Masakadza lets it go.
74.3On a length and around leg, Wellington Masakadza looks to flick it but misses. The ball clips his pad and rolls away to mid-wicket.
74.2A bouncer, Wellington Masakadza ducks under it.
74.1Full and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward and defends it.
73.6In the stumps, blocked out back to the bowler.
73.5Around off, Tanaka Chivanga defends it.
73.4Full and around middle, Tanaka Chivanga goes to sweep it but misses.
73.3Nagging length and around off, Wellington Masakadza knocks it down to long on for one.
73.2Darts in down the leg side, Wellington Masakadza pads it away and the ball rolls away towards fine leg. They take two leg byes but the umpire declines it as he hasn't offered any shot.
73.1Tossed it up, around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward and drives it to cover.
72.6Full and around off, driven to mid off.
72.5A bouncer, follows the batter, Tanaka Chivanga gets surprised and looks to sway away from it but falls down in the process.
72.4Back of a length, around off, Tanaka Chivanga remains crouched and looks to upper-cut it but missses.
72.3Angles it in the stumps, Tanaka Chivanga defends it.
72.2Hard length, over off, Tanaka Chivanga taps it down to cover.
72.1Full and outside off, stays a bit low, Tanaka Chivanga shoulders his arms.
71.6Similar delivery, outside off, blocked out.
71.5Outside off, Wellington Masakadza goes across and defends it.
71.4Much full and around off, blocked again.
71.3Full and around off, defended back to the bowler.
71.2On the pads, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for one.
71.1Around off, blocked out.
70.6EDGED AND FOUR! Full and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward and looks to drive it but gets a big outside edge that goes through the gap between third slip and gully for a boundary.
70.6WIDE! A bouncer goes above the head of the batter, Wellington Masakadza ducks under it. Called a wide.
70.5Full and around off, Wellington Masakadza nudges it towards mid on.
70.4Another bouncer, Wellington Masakadza ducks underneath it.
70.3Corbin Bosch goes in celeb appeal and thinks, the match is done but the umpire shakes his head! A well-directed bouncer, around middle, Wellington Masakadza tries to sway away from it, but the ball follows him, and though he tries to bring his bat up to defend, but misses. The ball clips his shoulder and goes behind the wickets, where the keeper pouches it.
70.2Back of a length and around middle, Wellington Masakadza hops back and nudges it to mid-wicket.
70.1Bowls it full and around off, Wellington Masakadza turns it towards mid on.
69.6Nagging length and around off, Tanaka Chivanga punches it to cover off the back foot.
69.5Full and around middle, Tanaka Chivanga uses his feet but gets yorked himself. Adjusts his shot and digs it out towards mid-wicket.
69.4Nagging length and outside off, left alone.
69.3SIX! Hammered! Full and around off, Tanaka Chivanga goes across, on his knees and muscles it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
69.2On the pads, swept away to square leg.
69.1FOUR! Oh, wow! Tossed it up and around off, Tanaka Chivanga clears out his front leg away and smokes it down the ground over the bowler's head for a boundary.
68.6Lands it full and outside off, Tanaka Chivanga drives it towards cover point for one.
Tanaka Chivanga is the last man in.
68.5OUT! CAUGHT! Zimbabwe are nine down and Corbin Bosch picks up his fourth wicket! Bowls it on the back of a length, and keeps the line around the off stump. Gets an extra bounce off the deck and Blessing Muzarabani presses back to defend it but gets a bit surprised. The ball follows him and he only manages to get an outside edge that goes to the right of third slip, where Lesego Senokwane puts in a dive there and pouches it with both hands. South Africa are now just one wicket away, and this session can get extended if they don't get in scheduled time.
68.4Back of a length and around middle, Wellington Masakadza pulls it down to deep backward square leg for one.
68.3Nagging length, around off, blocked out.
68.2A massive appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! A touch full and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his front pad. Also, the ball gets stuck in the gap around his pad. Height could the issue!
68.1Full and around off, driven away to cover point off the front foot.
67.6BEATEN! Slower and on the tempted length, just outside off, Blessing Muzarabani comes forward to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
67.5Full and straight, blocked out.
67.4On the pads, tucked it to mid-wicket off the back foot.
67.3Nagging length and around off, Blessing Muzarabani goes back and punches it to cover.
67.2Around off, pushes it away towards cover point.
67.1Very full and around off, blocked out towards mid-wicket.
66.6Full and outside off, sliced away to gully by Wellington Masakadza.
66.5On middle, tucked it to mid-wicket.
66.4A nasty one! Short of a length, around off, angles in the body of the batter, Wellington Masakadza gets cramped as the ball follows him and he looks to bring his bat around his face to defend but misses. He closes his eyes off the ball and gets hit on his right shoulder.
66.3Full and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward to defend it but gets it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.
66.2Hard length and outside off, Wellington Masakadza pats it down to cover.
66.1On a good length and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward and taps it towards cover point.
65.6Around off, slower, Blessing Muzarabani goes to defend it off the front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.
65.5Floated up and around middle, Blessing Muzarabani comes forward to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his front pad and the ball lobs up and beats the short leg fielder to his right. Rolls away towards square leg.
65.4On the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for one.
65.3Nagging length and around off, Wellington Masakadza goes back and slices it to second slip on the bounce.
65.2Similar length, around off, defended it to cover off the front foot.
65.1Tossed it up and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward and blocks it.
64.6Around off, defended back to the bowler.
64.5On a length and around off, Blessing Muzarabani blocks it out.
Blessing Muzarabani is the new batter in.
64.4OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! This is amazing bowling from Corbin Bosch. Bowls it on a good length and from wide of the crease to create an inward angle, and keeps the line around off. Kundai Matigimu plants his front leg forward and looks to defend it but plays the inside line and also gets a bit late to bring his bat down in time. The ball straightens out after pitching and goes with pace to beat the underedge of the bat and rattles the off stump. Zimbabwe are eight down and South Africa are just two wickets away.
64.3A bit full and around off, blocked out by Kundai Matigimu.
64.2Nagging length and outside off, Kundai Matigimu leaves it.
Kundai Matigimu walks out to bat.
64.1OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The skipper of Zimbabwe goes back and they are seven down. Corbin bowls it full and outside off, and lures the batter to go for a drive. Craig Ervine comes forward and looks to just push it into the off side for a single to complete his milestone but plays it with soft hands. The ball isn't that full, and the batter only manages to get an outside edge that goes behind the wickets, where the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, moves to his left a bit and pouches it around his chest height. A big wicket for South Africa as they are just three wickets away from a big win.
63.6Flighted, full and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward to flick it but gets an inside edge towards square leg.
63.5Full and around off, Wellington Masakadza pushes it back to the bowler.
63.4On the pads, Wellington Masakadza looks to flick it but gets an inside edge onto his front pad.
63.3Loud appeal for caught behind by the keeper but the umpire shakes his head! Nagging length and outside off, turns away, Wellington Masakadza looks to cut it off the back foot but misses.
63.2Dragged length and outside off, Craig Ervine cuts it to deep point for one.
63.1Full and around off, flicked it to mid on.
62.6Around off, defended it to cover.
62.5Full and outside off, Wellington Masakadza leaves it.
62.4Sliding on the pads, tucked it to square leg.
62.3Back of a length and outside off, left alone.
62.2Short to the fielder! On a length and outside off, Wellington Masakadza looks to push it but gets an outside edge that goes on the bounce to the gully fielder who stops it to his left.
62.1Begins with a full ball, around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward and slices it towards point.
Corbin Bosch comes back into the attack from this end.
61.6Floated up and around off, Craig Ervine comes forward and defends it right under his eyes.
61.5Nagging length and around off, Craig Ervine pushes it to cover off the back foot.
61.4In the stumps, blocked out towards cover.
61.3Tossed it up and around off, Craig Ervine comes forward and tucks it to mid-wicket.
61.2Around off, defended back to the bowler.
61.1Full and around off, Craig Ervine pats it down to backward point.
DRINKS! South Africa have continued their dominance after lunch, striking twice in the first hour of the second session. They now need just four more wickets to wrap up a convincing innings victory and seal a clean sweep in the series. Zimbabwe’s batting has once again been disappointing, with a couple of soft dismissals adding to their troubles. Captain Craig Ervine has shown some resistance and is closing in on his fifty, but with a massive deficit of 275 still looming, the task looks nearly impossible. Can Zimbabwe dig deep and survive, or will South Africa finish the job quickly? Let's find out. With that, Prenelan Subrayen comes back into the attack.
60.6Around off, punched down to cover off the front foot.
60.5Nagging length and around off, Wellington Masakadza defends it solidly off the back foot.
60.4Almost a yorker, outside off, Wellington Masakadza jams it out towards cover.
60.3BEATEN! Full and outside off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward and looks to flick it but plays the wrong line. Gets beaten on the outside edge.
60.2Sliding on the pads, Wellington Masakadza tickles it fine towards deep fine leg for a couple of runs to get off the mark.
60.1Back of a length and around off, Craig Ervine pulls it down to deep square leg for one.
59.6Around off, pushed down back to the bowler off the front foot.
59.5Outside off, defended to covers.
59.4Full and outside off, Wellington Masakadza brings his pad and defends it.
59.3NOT OUT! Wellington Masakadza survives a close call! Tossed it up, slower and around off, Wellington Masakadza is drawn forward into his defence and he looks to play down with a straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge. The keeper collects it to his left behind the wickets and whips the bails off as the batter lifts off his back foot of the crease. It is referred upstairs, and the third umpire checks the replays from different angles. He gives his verdict as not-out as the back foot of the batter was down when the keeper took off the bails. As there is no conclusive evidence to turn the decision and he gives NOT OUT.
59.2Dragged length and around off, Craig Ervine punches it to long on off the back foot for one.
59.1Outside off, pushed away to cover.
58.6On the good length and around off, defended back to the right of the bowler.
58.5Down the leg side, Wellington Masakadza misses his flick shot.
58.4Edged but short! On a good length and around off, Wellington Masakadza comes forward to defend it and plays it with soft hands. Gets an outside edge but the ball falls down ahead of the second slip fielder.
Wellington Masakadza walks out to bat.
58.3OUT! CAUGHT! Another goes down, and South Africa are just four wickets away from a clean sweep now! A bit fuller but not that full, around middle, tries to attack the stumps, Tafadzwa Tsiga prods forward and looks to defend it but gets a bit late in his shot and ends up chipping it aerially to mid-wicket. Lesego Senokwane takes a simple catch around his chest height and Zimbabwe are six down. A soft dismissal for the batter, but Codi Yusuf has executed his strategies to perfection and picks up his second wickets of the inning.
58.2Nagging length and outside off, punched down to cover.
58.1Back of a length and around middle, Craig Ervine drags it down to deep fine leg for one.
57.6Same line and length, around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga defends it off the back foot.
57.5Around off, defended it to cover.
57.4Short and around off, pushes it back to the bowler.
57.3Full and around off, Craig Ervine sweeps it to deep square leg for one.
57.2Nagging length and around middle, Craig Ervine tucks it to mid-wicket.
57.3Nagging length and around off, Craig Ervine turns it towards mid-wicket.
57.2Around off, defended back to the bowler. Oh, Senuran Muthusamy has overstepped and it is called a NO BALL.
57.1FOUR! A good shot from the skipper! Tossed it up and around middle, Craig Ervine changes his stance and reverse-sweeps it towards deep backward point. The fielder there tries to cut it off but can't save the boundary.
56.6Nagging length, around off, punched down to mid on.
56.5Back of a length and angling in, around middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga turns it towards mid on off the back foot.
56.4Again a short-pitched delivery, outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga sways away from it.
56.3Short of a length and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga ducks underneath it.
56.2On the good length and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga tucks it to mid-wicket.
56.1Around off, driven towards mid off for a quick single.
55.6There is confusion between the batters but no harm is done! Full and around off, Tsiga pushes it to mid off and is caught ball-watching, but Ervine wants to have a single as he leaves his crease and takes some steps forward, but is sent back by Tsiga. Brevis collects the ball and makes a throw to the non-striker's end but misses.
55.5Dragged length, around off, blocked out.
55.4Another edge found! Full and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga plants his front leg forward to defend it but gets an outside edge that rolls away past the first slip to his right.
55.3BEATEN! Much slower and on the dragged length, just outside off, turns away, Tafadzwa Tsiga comes forward to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
55.2Around off, defended back to the bowler.
55.1Slower, full and around middle, tucked it to mid-wicket.
54.6Again pitches it full and around off, Craig gets squared up but manages to keep it out towards cover.
54.5Full and coming in with the angle, around leg, Craig Ervine misses his flick shot and gets rapped on the front pad. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. Could be going down leg.
54.4Nagging length and outside off, Craig Ervine punches it to cover.
54.3Sliding on the pads, flicked it to square leg off the front foot.
54.2BEATEN! On a good length and in that channel outside off, moves away a touch, Craig Ervine comes forward to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
54.1Hard length and around middle, Craig flicks it to mid on.
53.6On the shorter side and around middle, Craig turns it towards fine leg for one.
53.5Flighted, full and around middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to defend it but gets an inside edge towards square leg. A single taken.
53.4Nagging length and around leg, Craig tickles it down to deep fine leg for one.
53.3Around middle, defended it to the left of the bowler.
53.2On the pads, flicked it to mid-wicket.
53.1Floated up and around off, Craig Ervine comes forward to defend it but gets an inside edge that rolls away through the gap between pad and the leg stump.
52.6Similar length and around off, blocked out by Tsiga.
52.5Around off, pushed it down to covers.
52.4Back of a length and around off, defended towards mid-wicket.
Tafadzwa Tsiga is the new batter in.
52.3OUT! LBW! Codi Yusuf gets his first and Zimbabwe are five down! Bowls it on the hard length and around off, gets it skid away from the surface. Wessly Madhevere is caught in his crease as he remains in two minds whether to play it on the front foot or the back foot. He chooses the former one and looks to defend it with a straight bat. But the ball nips back in sharply and beats the outside edge of the bat and hits him on the front pad. An appeal goes up for LBW and the umpire obliges. Wessly Madhevere walks back and Zimbabwe are under the sink now as they lose their half of the side. South Africa are just cruising at the moment in this session or to say, in this match whole.
52.2Nagging length and outside off, left alone.
52.1Sliding on the pads, Craig Ervine tickles it to deep fine leg for one.
51.6Much straighter, around off, defended towards cover.
51.5Around off, blocked out.
51.4A tough chance goes down! Floated up and around off, Wessly Madhevere comes forward and looks to go downtown but miscues it off the cue end of the bat. The ball skews up towards mid on, where the substitute fielder, Zubayr Hamza, backtracks it and tries to fetch out with his extended right arm but he is in no position to take it. The ball goes through his hand and they take two runs.
51.3Around off, pushed away to covers off the front foot.
51.2BEATEN! Tempting length and just outside off, turns away, Wessly Madhevere is drawn forward into his defence but gets beaten on the outside edge.
51.1Tossed it up and around middle, Wessly Madhevere goes across on his knees and looks to sweep it but gets a top edge that flies over the keeper behind the wickets. Two runs taken.
50.6Sliding on the pads, on the fuller length, Craig misses his flick shot as his head falls over. Gets hit on the front pad and there is an appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. Could be going down leg.
50.5FOUR! This is a good shot! On a good length and around middle and leg, Craig Ervine comes forward and just tickles it fine to deep fine leg. The deep fine leg fielder runs across to his left and even puts in a dive but can't save the boundary.
50.4On the length, around leg, Craig Ervine misses his flick shot.
50.3Around off, defended back to the bowler.
50.2On the pads, tickled down to deep fine leg for one.
50.1Oh, just short! On a good length, from around the wicket and around off, Craig Ervine prods forward and just pushes at it but gets a big outside edge that flies flat towards the gully fielder, who moves to his left but the ball falls down ahead of him and goes through him towards third man. Three runs taken.
Wessly Madhevere walks out to bat.
49.6OUT! CAUGHT! Senuran Muthusamy has his man, finally and this time, Mulder makes no mistake, so that dropped catch hasn't cost much to South Africa. Gives flight and pitches it full and around off, Nick Welch takes a step forward and looks to flick it. He gets undone by turn and drift and just manages to get a leading edge that goes towards slip, where Wiaan Mulder moves to his right a bit and pouches this low catch around his waist height. Zimbabwe are four down and a set batter, Nick Welch, is gone after playing a good hand of 55 runs.
49.5On the shorter side and around off, Nick Welch pushes it back to the bowler.
49.4Around off, defended back to the bowler off the front foot.
49.3Dragged length and around off, Craig Ervine goes back and turns it with soft hands to deep square leg for one.
49.2On the pads, tucked it to square leg.
49.1Tossed it up and around middle, flicked away to mid-wicket.
48.6Nagging length and around off, blocked out towards cover off the front foot.
48.5Oh, close to get chopped on! Hard length and around off, Nick Welch goes to defend it with gets an underedge and the ball rolls past the off stump back to the keeper.
48.4On a length and outside off, left alone again.
48.3Similar length and line, outside off, Nick leaves it alone again.
48.2On the good length and around the fourth stump line, stays a bit low, Nick lets it go.
48.1Nagging length and outside off, Nick Welch shoulders his arms.
Codi Yusuf will bowl from the other end.
47.6FOUR! SWEPT AWAY! Full and around off, Craig Ervine goes across on his knees and sweeps it aerially towards deep square leg for a boundary.
47.5Around off, blocked out.
47.4Sliding on the pads, swept away to deep fine leg for a couple of runs.
47.3EDGED AND DROPPED! The skipper Wiaan Mulder is the culprit. Probably, the first error he has made in this match! Tossed it up and around off, got some drift off the deck as well. Nick Welch is drawn forward into his defence but gets an outside edge that goes low to the right of slip, where Mulder tries to move there and gets his hands on it but can't hold onto it. A single is taken as the ball rolls away towards third man.
47.2On the pads, eased down to long on for one.
47.1Much full and around middle, Nick Welch skips out the crease and drills it to long on for one.
Back with the post-lunch session! The players of South Africa get in a huddle beside the boundary cushions. Also, the umpires walk out back in the field. Two unbeaten batters of Zimbabwe also come out, and the skipper Craig Ervine will resume the inning alongside Nick Welch. Senuran Muthusamy will start the proceedings. Here we go...
... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...
The Proteas bowlers were disciplined, especially Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder, who kept things tight with accurate lines. However, they couldn't maintain sustained pressure as the pitch has got flattened out and the batters have adjusted well. With Welch settled and Ervine looking solid, the next session promises to be crucial. Zimbabwe still trail by a considerable margin of 313 runs, but a strong stand here could help them stretch this contest deeper. Join us at 10.40 am GMT for the next post-lunch session!
In the first hour of the session, they lost two key wickets, though, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, who fell for a well-compiled 40, and Sean Williams, who looked busy before being dismissed for 11. Dion Myers had already departed late yesterday, and the morning required Zimbabwe’s middle order to step up. While the dismissals hurt their momentum briefly, Welch held firm, after getting a reprieve due to a dropped catch, and then he rotated strike and punished loose deliveries when they came.
Zimbabwe have showed some much-needed fight in the first session of Day 3, going to lunch at 143 for 3. Resuming from their overnight score of 51 for 1, they have added 92 runs in a gritty effort that helped them inch forward in this follow-on innings. Nick Welch has stood tall with a determined half-century, showing great patience and control, while skipper Craig Ervine supported him well with a composed knock. Despite the deficit still being large, this partnership has given Zimbabwe something to build on.
46.6Around off, Craig Ervine pushes it to cover. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 3!
46.5Full and around middle, Nick again uses his feet nicely and knocks it down to long on for one.
46.4Floated up and around off, Nick uses his feet and defends it back to the bowler.
46.3In the stumps, pushed back to the bowler.
46.2Dragged length and around off, Nick Welch presses back and pushes it to cover.
46.1Much full and on the pads, tucked away to mid-wicket.
Should be the last over before lunch.
45.6Down the leg side, tickled down to deep fine leg for a run.
45.5Loopy, full and around off, driven to covers off the front foot.
45.4Tossed it up and around off, Nick Welch comes forward and shows the full face of the bat to defend it.
45.3Around off, defended back to the bowler.
45.2Much full and around middle, Nick Welch flicks it but straight to short leg.
45.1Darts in on the pads, flicked away to deep backward square leg for a single.
44.6On the pads, swept away to deep fine leg for one more.
44.5And another! Full and around off, Nick reverse-sweeps it again to deep point this time for a single.
44.4FIFTY FOR NICK WELCH! That has been a good inning! Full and around off, another reverse-sweep by Nick towards deep square leg for a couple of runs more to bring his milestone. Raises his bat and soaks up the applause.
44.3Touch short and outside off, Nick Welch reverse-sweeps it to deep backward point for a couple of runs.
44.2On middle, and the fuller length, Nick flicks it to mid-wicket off the front foot.
44.1Sliding on the pads, tucked it to mid-wicket.
43.6Dragged length and around middle, Craig looks to flick it off the back foot but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad. Could be going down leg.
43.5Darts in, on the pads, flicked away to the left of the bowler, who stops it with a dive there.
43.4Around off, defended back to the bowler off the front foot.
43.3Slower, full and around off, Craig comes forward and defends it.
43.2FOUR! Makes full use of a freebie! A full toss, outside off, Craig Ervine leans onto it and drives it through covers for a boundary.
43.1Nagging length and around off, blocked out off the back foot.
42.6Around off, blocked out towards cover.
42.5On the pads, tucked away to deep square leg for one.
42.4Floated up and around off, Craig comes forward to defend it but gets an outside edge that rolls away beside the pitch on the off side.
42.3Around off, pushed back to the bowler.
42.2Full and around off, Nick reverse-sweeps it towards backward point for one.
42.1BEATEN! Tossed it up and outside off, drifts away from the batter, Nick Welch goes across to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
41.6Full and outside off, driven to covers off the front foot.
41.5A bit fuller and same line, around off, Craig Ervine prods forward and blocks it.
41.4Switches to around the wicket, on a length and around off, blocked out towards cover.
41.3Short of a length, but down the leg side, Craig lets it go to the keeper.
41.2Hard length, over off, Craig defends it off the back foot.
41.1On a good length and around off, Craig Ervine comes forward and blocks it.
40.6Very full, pushed away to covers off the front foot.
40.5Around off, blocked out off the front foot.
40.4Dragged length and around middle, Nick turns it towards square leg.
40.3A loopy ball, full and around off, Welch blocks it out.
40.2Touch outside off, defended back to the bowler.
40.1Darts in full and around off, Nick Welch goes across on his knees and sweeps it towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.
39.6Aims the top of the off stump now, Craig defends it off the back foot towards short mid on.
39.5Nagging length and around off, Craig taps it down to backward point off the back foot.
39.4Sprays it on the pads, Craig lunges and looks to flick it but misses. Gets hit on the thigh pad.
39.3Jags back in sharply, on the pads, and stays a low as well, Nick manages to bring his bat and flicks it off the inner half of the bat to square leg for one.
39.2A bit of dragged down in the length and same line, outside off, Nick Welch gets inside the line and lets it go.
39.1Full and outside off, left alone.
38.6Nagging length and around off, dropped it down to cover off the back foot.
38.5Much shorter and around middle, Craig presses back and punches it to extra cover.
38.4Similar length, around off, Ervine comes forward and defends it.
38.3Arounnd off, blocked out off the front foot.
38.2Drags his length and around off, Craig Ervine goes back and defends it.
38.1Darts in on the pads, tucked it to short mid-wicket off the front foot.
37.6Similar delivery, outside off, Nick Welch shoulders his arms.
37.5Outside off, left alone.
37.4Touch short and around off, Nick defends it off the back foot.
37.3Hard length and just outside off, Nick Welch goes back and looks to muscle it into the leg side. A proper dragged down shot but he misses and gets beaten on the inside edge of the bat.
37.2Sliding on the pads, nudged it to square leg.
37.1Back of a length and around off, Nick Welch rises with the bounce and looks to push it but gets surprised by extra bounce. The ball makes the connection with the upper side of the bat and goes aerially towards cover. Luckily for him, it falls down ahead of the fielder.
Another change. Corbin Bosch comes back into the attack as well.
36.6Nagging length and around off, Craig Ervine stats crouched and rolls his wrists to turn it towards short leg.
36.5In the stumps, tucked away to mid-wicket.
36.4Leg byes! Full and down the leg side, Ervine looks to tickle it but misses. The ball nudges his front pad and rolls away behind the wickets. Two runs for leg bye taken.
36.3Full and outside off, Nick sweeps it to deep square leg for one.
36.2Pushed away to covers off the front foot.
36.1Tossed it up and around off, Nick Welch goes to defend it off the back foot but gets an inside edge that rolls away to short fine.
Prenelan Subrayen comes back into the attack.
35.6Full and around off, Craig Ervine looks to flick it but misses. The ball clips his back pad and rolls away towards square leg.
35.5On the shorter side and around middle, Craig defends it of the back foot.
35.4FOUR! That's a solid connection! Full and around off, Craig Ervine executes his slog sweep to perfection. The ball goes flat again and just touches the ropes. Third umpire is called in and he watches replays to confirm that it is a boundary as the ball has touched the grass before it made connection with the boundary cushions. Nonetheless, a good shot.
35.3Nagging length, around off, blocked out off the front foot.
35.2FOUR! DRAGGED! Floated up, too full and around off, Craig Ervine goes across on his knees and wants to take on the bowler. He goes to play a big slog sweep but ends up getting the connection off the inner half of the bat. Still, the ball goes flat and over the boundary towards deep mid-wicket on the bounce.
35.1Full and around off, pushed away to the left of mid off for a quick single.
34.6Sliding on the pads, Craig goes back and looks to tickle it into the leg side but misses. The ball clips his back pad and rolls away towards short leg.
34.5Around off, blocked out.
34.4That shoots up! Hard length, angling in, around middle, Craig Ervine gets cramped up and he looks to flick it away from his body. The ball takes an inside edge and hits the thigh pads and lobs up towards cover. The fielder, stationed there, moves quickly to his left but he ball falls down ahead of him.
34.3Much full and outside off, Ervine drives it on the up but straight to backward point.
34.2Touch full and same line, around off, Craig tries to push it off the front foot but gets it off the inner half of the bat to mid on.
34.1Angles in, around off, Craig Ervine comes forward and blocks it.
33.6Similar delivery and similar result.
33.5Touch short and around off, Nick Welch presses back and punches it to cover.
33.4On the pads, Nick uses his feet and drops it down to mid-wicket.
33.3Tossed it up and around middle, comes in with the angle but turns away after pitching, Nick Welch comes forward and goes to play with the line but gets an outside edge that rolls away towards the slip.
33.2Much straighter and around middle, Ervine drills it to long on for one.
33.1Slower and outside off, Craig Ervine prods forward and blocks it.
32.6Hard length, over middle, Nick Welch stays on the back foot and shows the full face of the bat to defend it solidly.
32.5Nagging length and on the pads, turned away to backward short leg.
32.4On the shorter side and around off, Nick punches it nicely from the back foot and finds the gap to the left of cover. Two runs taken.
32.3Tries to target the stumps but ends up drifting it on the pads, Nick eased out to mid-wicket.
32.2Drags his length back a bit and keeps it outside off, Welch gets inside the line and lets it go.
32.1Back of a length and on the top of the off stump, Nick Welch hops up and drops it down to cover.
31.6On the nagging length and outside off, Nick taps it towards cover point for one more.
31.5On the pads, keeps it out to mid-wicket off the front foot.
31.4Touch short and around off, drifting in, Nick Welch goes back and punches it to cover.
31.3Around off, defended back to the bowler.
31.2Tossed up and outside off, Craig Ervine goes across on his knees and sweeps it to deep square leg for one.
31.1Outside off, pushed away to cover.
30.6Another short delivery, outside off, Welch lets it go.
30.5Follows the batter now, angling in, around leg, on that shorter side, Nick Welch gets inside the line and lets it go over his back to the keeper.
30.4Back of a length and outside off, there is pace and bounce, Nick Welch watches it carefully and sways away from it.
30.3Full and around leg, Craig flicks it to the left of mid on and takes a single.
30.2Angling in, around off, defended back to the bowler.
30.1On the dragged length and outside off, gets an extra bounce as well, Ervine shoulders his arms.
29.6Sliding on the pads, eased down to wide long on for one more.
29.5Full and outside off, sliced away for a couple of runs off the front foot towards deep backward point by Craig.
29.4There is turn and bounce! Floated up and outside off, Ervine comes forward to defend but gets an inside edge that lobs up but falls down ahead of short leg.
29.3Tossed it up and outside off, Craig Ervine goes across and blocks it.
29.2Nagging length and outside off, Nick Welch goes back and pats it down to deep point for one.
29.1Around off, defended towards mid-wicket off the front foot.
28.6Back of a length and outside off, Craig Ervine shoulders his arms.
Time for a drinks break. Zimbabwe had been doing alright before Sean Williams' dismissal, but now they're in trouble again with their top scorers from the first innings back in the pavilion. Craig Ervine has joined Nick Welch at the crease, and it'll be interesting to see how he approaches things. Can Ervine and Welch steady the ship and help Zimbabwe avoid further collapse?
28.5OUT! TIMBER! Wiaan weaves his magic with the ball in his hands now. Good length, pitching on leg and angling away from the batter. Sean Williams looks to block this out but gets late in bringing his bat down. The ball beats the outside edge of the bat and hits bang on top of the off-pole, uprooting it. Sean Williams gets bowled and Zimbabwe are 103 for 3.
28.4Good length down the leg, Nick Welch milks this through backward square leg for one.
28.3Good length on top of off, Nick Welch defends this out.
28.2Flicked through square leg this time for another single.
28.1Good length on leg, Nick Welch tucks this through mid-wicket for one.
27.6FOUR! 13 runs off this Senuran Muthusamy over and Zimbabwe breaches 100. Short and wide outside off, Sean Williams rocks back and smashes this through cover for a boundary to close the over.
27.5Floated on the pads, Nick Welch tucks this off the inside towards square leg for one.
27.4Tossed up on off, Nick Welch defends this out.
27.3SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME ONCE AGAIN! Tossed up, wide outside off. Nick Welch dances down the track, gets closer to the pitch of the delivery and slogs this up and over the long on fence for a huge six.
27.2Quicker and fuller around off, turns away from the batter and beats him on the outside. Kyle Verreynne gathers this behind the stumps and removes the bails and appeals for LBW. The leg umpire sends this upstairs and the replay shows that Nick Welch was safely inside his crease.
27.1Dropped! A touch chance, though. Nick Welch has decided to unstable the line and length of Senuran Muthusamy. Tossed up on off, Nick Welch dances down the track again and goes for a wild slog. Gets a leading edge that lobs up towards backward point, where the fielder goes backwards and tries to catch the ball, running in circles. Even though he extends his left arm, the ball doesn't stick to it. Two runs taken.
26.6FOUR! Sean Williams finds the gap for a boundary. Back of a length around off, Sean Williams hops up on his toes, plays underneath his eyeline and punches this through cover for a boundary.
26.5On a length around middle and leg, Nick Welch pushes this not that firm towards mid off and takes off for a quick single. Nick was in a bit of trouble had the fielder hit the stumps. There is a collision between Prenelan Subrayen and Nick Welch at the non-striker's end as Subrayen goes to collect the throw from mid on but collides with Welch in between. Luckily, everyone is safe.
26.4Good length around middle and leg, Nick Welch tucks this to mid on for no run.
26.3FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Nick Welch cuts this through gully and gets another boundary. As soon as Sean arrived in the middle, the floodgates have got opened again for Zimbabwe, just like it happened in the first innings.
26.2Good length around off, Nick Welch blocks this out.
26.1Good length on off, Sean punches this through cover for one.
25.6FOUR BYES! Way too full, around the pads. Nick Welch shimmies down the track again but gets cramped for room and misses out on any sort of connection with the ball. The ball misses everything and races to the fence behind the stumps for four runs.
25.5SIX! Nick Welch puts on the dancing shoes and goes downtown. Flighted on off, Nick Welch shimmies down the track, gets on top of the pitch of the delivery and smashes this up and over the sight screen for a huge six.
25.4Fuller on the pads, Nick Welch flicks this through the legs of Tony de Zorzi at short leg for no run.
25.3Too full on leg, Nick Welch flicks this to short mid-wicket for no run.
25.2Tossed up wide of off, Nick Welch drives this on the bounce to Brevis for no run.
25.1Drifting in and turning away, around middle and off. Nick Welch blocks this out.
24.6On a length around leg, Sean Williams drills this to mid on for no run.
24.5Full and wide outside off, Sean Williams pushes this towards silly mid off for no run.
24.4Short-pitched, on leg. Sean Williams gets it away towards the right of the keeper for no run. Sean was looking to pull this one but got it gloved instead.
24.3Good length around off, Nick Welch punches this firmly through cover for a single.
24.2Short and wide outside off, Nick Welch leaves it all alone.
24.1LEG BYE! Good length on the pads, Sean Williams gets it tucked off the pads towards short fine for one.
23.6Fuller around off, Nick Welch defends this back to the bowler.
23.5Tossed up around off, Nick Welch strides to the pitch of it and defends it.
23.4Floated around off, Nick Welch blocks this out.
23.3Length dragged back on off. Sean Williams punches this to long on for one.
Sean Williams walks out next.
23.2OUT! THE CHANGE IN BOWLING WORKS! Gives it a lot more air, around off, the ball grips and bounces a bit as it turns away from the batter. Takudzwanashe Kaitano looks to push this all along the ground towards the leg side but gets a leading edge as he checks his shot in the end, and the ball lobs up straight to Dewald Brevis at short cover for a soft dismissal, who pouches it around his face. Zimbabwe are two down and they have a big, big trail to climb.
23.1Drifting in and turning away. Takudzwanashe Kaitano looks to block this but gets beaten.
22.6FOUR! Edged and away for four. Good length wide outside off, Nick Welch presses forward to punch this towards cover but gets it edged off the outside and the ball drops in between gully and second slip and races to the fence.
22.5Dished fuller, on the pads. Nick Welch flicks this to mid on for no run.
22.4Back of a length on off, Nick Welch defends this one.
22.3On a length around off, Nick Welch keeps it out with a block.
22.2Short and wide outside off, Nick Welch leaves it all alone.
22.1On a length around off, Nick Welch tucks this to short mid-wicket for no run.
21.6On a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano defends this as well.
21.5Corbin goes wide of the crease and darts a short-pitched delivery around off. Nick Welch tucks this through square leg for one.
21.4On a length around leg. Nick Welch pushes this to the on side for no run.
21.3Good length on off, Nick Welch hops up on his toes and defends it out.
21.2Back of a length on off, Nick Welch looks to slog across the line but misses out. The ball deflects off his thigh pads and goes to the slips cordon.
21.1On a length, angling into the batter but drifting down the leg. Nick Welch goes for the flick but gets beaten and wears it on his pads.
20.6Good length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano keeps it out.
20.5Another one around off, off a good length. Blocked.
20.4Another one dished short, on off. Takudzwanashe Kaitano looks to block this but the ball shoots even more and Kaitano takes the bottom hand off the handle of his bat and drops it to cover.
20.3On a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano pushes this to silly mid off.
20.2Short-pitched, around leg. Nick Welch looks to block this out but gets it edged off the inside towards backward square leg for one.
20.1Good length around off, Nick Welch edges this on the pads for no run.
19.6Back of a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano defends this out.
19.5Good length wide outside off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano shadows a front foot defensive stroke.
19.4Short-pitched, wide outside off. Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it all alone.
19.3Good length wide outside off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano shoulders arms it.
19.2Bumper, down the leg. Takudzwanashe Kaitano ducks down.
19.1Good length on middle and leg, Nick Welch tucks it towards the keeper's left for one.
18.6Short-pitched, wide outside off. Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it all alone.
18.5Back of a length, on top of off. Takudzwanashe Kaitano blocks this.
18.4Pitched further fuller on leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano pushes this to silly mid on for no run.
18.3Codi keeps hitting that perfect length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano blocks this out as well.
18.2Hits the nagging length, angling into the batter. Takudzwanashe Kaitano goes for the flick but doesn't get a clean connection and ends up jamming this to silly point.
18.1Good length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano gets behind the line of it and blocks this out.
17.6On a length wide of off, Nick Welch goes for the drive again but gets late again. Ends up pushing this high off his bat towards mid off for no run.
17.5Dished full and wide outside off, Nick Welch goes for the drive but hits this off the inside and the ball rolls to short mid on for no run.
17.4Back of a length around off, Nick Welch defends this out.
17.3Good length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano punches this down to long on and runs three for it. Kaitano is not just looking to farm strike but he is looking to score as well and that's a positive for Zimbabwe.
17.2Back of a length just outside off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano gets squared up looking to nudge around mid-wicket region but gets beaten and wears it on his back leg.
17.1Hits the hard length around off, Kaitano blocks this back to the bowler.
Corbin Bosch will partner Codi from the other end.
16.6Back of a length around off, Nick Welch jams this near the popping crease.
16.5Good length wide of off, nips back in a long way. Nick Welch leaves it.
16.4Short-pitched, on leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano plays this late and just rolls his wrists to flick this through short leg for one. Tony de Zorzi was stationed at that place almost throughout the time South Africa was out in the field but that position is vacant at this point.
16.3Good length on middle and leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano pushes this to mid-wicket for no run.
16.2First runs on a fresh day for Kaitano. Fuller around the pads, Takudzwanashe Kaitano flicks this in between silly mid on and short mid-wicket for a couple.
16.1Good length, around leg. Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it all alone to begin Day 3.
The stage is set for an exciting Day 3! Zimbabwe needs to dig deep and put together a strong performance to bat out the day. Takudzwanashe Kaitano will face Codi Yusuf's first delivery of the day, with Nick Welch at the other end. Can Zimbabwe's batting unit stitch a solid display and give their team a chance to fight back? Let's get underway!
Wessly Madhevere is up for a quick chat and begins by praising Wiaan Mulder, calling him a great talent he’s known since their Under-19 days. Says that Mulder is tough, and skilled, and it’s inspiring to see someone his age doing so well, proving that hard work truly pays off. Credits South Africa for executing their plans brilliantly, not offering many loose deliveries to capitalize on. Madhevere says the team is focused on staying in the present and not looking too far ahead. Admits that their first-innings performance wasn’t up to the mark but believes they can turn things around in the second. Personally, he’s aiming for a century and is committed to consistently performing for the national side.
Prenelan Subrayen is up for a quick chat. He starts by saying he’s very pleased with his performance and glad to have contributed with the ball. Mentions that the team has been in great spirits over the last two days, and the focus now is to come out strong and wrap things up quickly. Adds that it was a special experience bowling alongside Senuran Muthusamy. Says that the ball wasn’t doing that much, so he relied more on bowling wicket-to-wicket. Ends by saying that he’s especially happy about his maiden four-wicket haul, and it is a proud moment for him and his family.
Day 3 is often referred to as the moving day, and it could prove decisive if the South African bowlers regain their discipline. Will Zimbabwe pull off a miraculous comeback, or will the Proteas continue their dominance? The day promises to be thrilling, with the outcome of the match hanging in the balance.
Zimbabwe's first innings was a disaster, with the team being bowled out for 170. The Proteas enforced the follow-on, and Zimbabwe ended Day 2 on 51/1 in their second innings. Dion Myers fell to Corbin, but Takudzwanashe Kaitano has looked solid at the top, unbeaten on 34, while Nick Welch is on 6.
Welcome to Day 3 of the 2nd Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa! The Proteas have been in control throughout, and they're looking to wrap up the match today. Zimbabwe, still 405 runs behind, faces an uphill task to stage a comeback. The Proteas' declaration at 626/5 sparked curiosity, especially with Wiaan Mulder on 367. However, it was later revealed that the decision was made out of respect for Brian Lara's iconic record of 400 runs in a Test innings.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, with Day 3 ahead, Zimbabwe still trail by 405 runs and have nine wickets in hand. It’s a massive task ahead, and saving the match will take nothing short of a miracle. They’ll need to bat out the entire day and hope for some individual brilliance along the way. For South Africa, the plan will be simple - keep the pressure on, strike early in the morning session, and try to wrap things up as soon as they can. The match is heavily tilted in their favour, but the focus now shifts to whether Zimbabwe can show some grit and delay the inevitable. The action will resume for Day 3 at 8 am GMT on Tuesday, 8th July, but you can join us an hour before for all the buildup. Until then, take care! Ciao!
Wiaan Mulder, the man of the moment and the skipper of South Africa, is down for a chat. He describes his record-breaking innings as pretty special, admitting that he never thought he'd score a double or triple hundred. He credits his time playing County cricket in England for helping him develop as a batter and make crucial technical changes. Mulder reveals that he battles with self-doubt, but has worked on mental preparation. Says that during his innings, he tried to distract himself by singing songs between balls, including, Zombies, by The Cranberries. He didn't overly focus on breaking Brian Lara's record, prioritizing the team's needs instead. Ends by saying that after reaching a high score, he discussed with head coach Shukri Conrad, who echoed his sentiment that Lara's a legend and a player of his stature should likely keep the record. Mulder's priority was contributing to the team's success.
South Africa’s bowlers, despite having already done a lot of work, came out with the same intensity. Bosch looked sharp and got an early breakthrough. Codi Yusuf bowled with good control, and Mulder rotated his options smartly. They kept things tight and didn’t allow Zimbabwe to score freely, despite the easier pitch conditions in the evening. The Proteas continued to build pressure through tidy lines, aggressive field placements, and energy in the field, looking for more inroads before the stumps.
And then, South Africa enforced a follow-on, as they wanted to wrap things quickly, putting more pressure on this struggling Zimbabwe team. But they have shown a bit more fight in their second innings, in the last hour of the day's play. Takudzwanashe Kaitano, who got out for a golden duck earlier, looked solid and settled this time, staying unbeaten on 34. He found some rhythm and confidence, playing with better judgment. Dion Myers too started promisingly but was cleaned up by Corbin Bosch for 11. Nick Welch survived a tricky period and remained not out with Kaitano, as they tried to avoid further damage under fading light conditions.
When Zimbabwe finally got to bat post-lunch, things unraveled quickly. They lost a wicket off the very first ball, and the top order collapsed in no time. Wiaan Mulder, in the bowling too, and Codi Yusuf led the attack with two wickets each, while the debutant Prenelan Subrayen chipped in with four late-order scalps. The only resistance came from Sean Williams, who played a brilliant counter-attacking knock of 83 from just 55 balls. However, it wasn’t enough to avoid the follow-on, as Zimbabwe were bundled out for just 170 in 43 overs, nowhere close to what was needed to stay at par in the match.
South Africa scored at a rate of nearly 5.5 runs per over, which is rare in Test cricket, and they didn’t lose momentum at any point. On the bowling front, Zimbabwe struggled throughout. Tanaka Chivanga and Kundai Matigimu picked up two wickets each, but they couldn’t apply pressure for long enough to break South Africa’s rhythm. The fielding was also below par, with a couple of chances missed early in the innings that only made things worse for them. The bowlers looked completely worn out, and the moment South Africa declared, the signs of mental and physical fatigue were visible all over the Zimbabwean camp.
The light meter has come out and the on-field umpires have decided to call off the day's play. But South Africa completely dominated Day 2 of this 2nd and final Test match with a near-flawless display of both batting and bowling. The day began with Wiaan Mulder resuming from his overnight score of 264 not out, and he picked up exactly where he left off. With Kyle Verreynne supporting him well from the other end, Mulder soon reached his triple century, eventually finishing unbeaten on 367. South Africa declared their innings at a massive 626/5, having batted for 114 overs and sent a clear message of control. Zimbabwe's bowlers were left drained and defeated by the onslaught, especially by the skipper’s marathon effort that has now gone into the record books.
15.6Fuller around off, Nick Welch defends this as well. That will be STUMPS ON DAY 2!
15.5Floated on off, Nick Welch flicks this to short leg.
15.4Pushed through on off, Nick Welch blocks this out.
15.3Quicker one around leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano drills this to long on for one more.
15.2Fuller on off, Nick Welch rolls this to long on for one.
15.1Fuller around middle and off, Nick Welch defends this out.
14.6Short and wide outside off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano tucks this to mid-wicket and settles for no run.
14.5Good length wide outside off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it.
14.4Short and wide outside off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano edges this short of Brevis at gully.
14.3Good length around the pads, Nick Welch nudges this through square leg for one.
14.2Bumper, on leg. Nick Welch ducks down.
14.1Back of a length on the pads, Takudzwanashe Kaitano tucks this to fine leg for one.
13.6FOUR! Pushed through around off, Nick Welch presses forward and looks to punch this towards cover but gets an outside edge and the ball rolls past the first slip and races away through the third man region for a boundary.
13.5Full and wide of off, Nick Welch gets behind the line of it and defends this one.
13.4Tossed up around off, Nick Welch blocks this out.
13.3Much slower and wide outside off, Nick Welch looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
13.2Fuller on off, Nick Welch defends this out.
13.1Tossed up on off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano flicks this to long on for one.
Prenelan Subrayen replaces Corbin Bosch.
12.6Good length wide outside off, Nick Welch leaves it all alone.
12.5Touch fuller on the pads, Takudzwanashe Kaitano flicks this through mid-wicket for a single.
12.4On a length around middle and off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano tucks this to silly mid on for a dot.
12.3Back of a length around middle and leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano drops this towards short mid-wicket.
12.2On a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano keeps this out too.
12.1Good length around middle and leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano defends this out.
11.6Good length on the pads, Takudzwanashe Kaitano flicks this through backward square leg for one.
11.5Back of a length, around leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it.
11.4FOUR! A boundary more for Kaitano. On a length way too wide outside off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano reaches to it and drives this through cover for four runs. Takudzwanashe Kaitano has looked a different batter ever since the life he got on the first ball of this innings.
11.3Good length on off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano jams this back to the mid on fielder.
11.2On a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano defends this one.
11.1On a length wide of off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano looks to defend this one but gets beaten on the outside.
10.6On a length around the pads, Takudzwanashe Kaitano gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to fine leg for one.
10.5Good length on middle and leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano blocks this out.
10.4FOUR! Hits this a bit uppish but in the gap between the bowler's left and silly mid off for four runs. Good length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano punches this uppish but away from the reach of Mulder to his left for four.
10.3On a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano defends this one.
10.2Touch fuller around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it all alone.
10.1Good length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it.
9.6On a length around off, Nick Welch blocks this one.
9.5Short and wide outside off, Nick Welch leaves it all alone.
9.4Back of a length, angling into the batter. Nick tucks this to square leg.
9.3Good length on middle and off. Nick Welch defends this well.
Nick Welch walks out at 3.
9.2OUT! TIMBER! Dion Myers succumbs to a brilliant delivery by Corbin Bosch and the pacer gives him a proper sendoff as well. Good length, angling sharply back into the batter. Dion Myers gets a bit late in bringing his bat down behind it, and the ball sneaks past the batter and rattles the middle stump. This was a big jag-back in delivery, as the dust has puffed there, and Zimbabwe are one down in the second inning. They have a big task uphill, and the small resistance of the openers has come down.
9.1A good length delivery on off, Dion Myers defends this off his front foot.
8.6Good length on top of off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano defends this well.
8.5Good length wide of off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it all alone.
8.4Bumper, around middle and leg. Takudzwanashe Kaitano ducks down.
8.3FOUR! Kaitano is high on confidence on his second go. Pitched up around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano strides to the pitch of the delivery, gets on top of it and drives this all along the carpet for a boundary through the cover region.
8.2A typical smell of the leather stuff from Codi Yusuf. Short-pitched, shoots even more after hitting something on the deck. Takudzwanashe Kaitano does well to leave it.
8.1Good length around middle and off, Dion Myers tucks this away for one.
7.6On a length around middle and leg. Takudzwanashe Kaitano defends this off the back foot.
7.5On a length around the pads, Takudzwanashe Kaitano flicks this to deep square for two.
7.4Good length on the pads, Takudzwanashe Kaitano pushes this to mid on for no run.
7.3Good length around leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it.
7.2On a length around middle and off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano punches this firmly through mid on and runs two.
7.1Short-pitched, around leg. Takudzwanashe Kaitano ducks down.
6.6On a length down the leg, Dion Myers goes for the flick and misses. Kyle Verreynne dives low to his left and takes a one-handed catch and celebrates like taking a wicket, but the ball had clipped the pads of Myers.
6.5Short-pitched, on leg. Dion Myers sits under it.
6.4Good length wide outside off, Dion Myers slashes at it but the ball keeps low and he misses out.
6.3Short-pitched, around off. Dion Myers hops up on his toes and defends this out.
6.2Full and on the pads, Takudzwanashe Kaitano whips this towards long leg for one.
6.1On a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano edges this to gully's right for no run.
5.6Good length angling into the batter. Dion Myers gets an inside edge on the pads for no run. An appeal for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved. Myers too was quick to raise his bat and signal that he had edged this.
5.5Bends his back and hits the hard length, on top of middle and leg. Dion Myers keeps this out with a block.
5.4Hits the hard length around off, Dion Myers defends this back to the bowler.
5.3Good length around off, Dion Myers solidly blocks this one out.
5.2FOUR! PULLED WELL FOR FOUR! Short-pitched, around off. Dion Myers had the opportunity to free his arms and he took that with open arms. Stays leg side and pulls this over mid-wicket for four runs.
5.1Good length wide outside off, Dion Myers leaves it all alone.
4.6FOUR! A genuine half-volley around middle and leg. Takudzwanashe Kaitano gets into a good position to play the on-drive and gets a boundary for it. Patience with positive intent is very evident from these two Zimbabwean openers this time around.
4.5Short-pitched, on off. Takudzwanashe Kaitano sways away from it.
4.4Hits that nagging length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano almost gets squared up but manages to block this off the outside off his bat.
4.3Back of a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano hops up on his toes and defends this out.
4.2Good length on the pads, Takudzwanashe Kaitano gets behind it and pushes this to mid-wicket for no run.
4.1Good length on off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano blocks this out towards cover.
3.6On a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano goes for the drives through covers but gets it edged off the outside through the left of the fielder at point and runs three.
3.5Good length around middle and leg, Dion Myers tucks this in-between mid-wicket and mid on for one.
3.4Short-pitched, around off. Dion Myers leaves it.
3.3Good length on off, Dion Myers defends this off his back foot.
3.2FOUR! A little bit of wayward line down the leg from Corbin Bosch and Dion Myers hops back into his crease and delicately tickles this to the fine leg region for four.
3.1Full and wide of off, Dion Myers jams this back to the bowler.
2.6FOUR! Excellent placement and timing from Takudzwanashe Kaitano. Goes too full and straight at the pole, Takudzwanashe Kaitano gets right on top of it, presents the full face of his bat and nails the off-drive for a boundary.
2.5Good length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano leaves it all alone.
2.4On a length around middle and leg, Takudzwanashe Kaitano looks to nudge this around leg but the ball straightens and Kaitano luckily gets a leading edge rolling to mid off for no run.
2.3Back of a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano blocks this off his front foot.
2.2Too full, shaping away and wide outside off. Takudzwanashe Kaitano lets it go.
2.1Back of a length around middle and leg. Takudzwanashe Kaitano tucks this to mid-wicket for a dot.
1.6On a length around off, Dion Myers defends this towards cover-point for no run.
1.5Another one, full and wide outside off. Dion Myers looks to get the bat on the ball but bails out of the stroke at the end.
1.4Full and wide outside off, Dion Myers lets it go back to the keeper.
1.3Back of a length around off, Dion Myers pokes at it but gets beaten.
1.2Good length around off, Dion Myers pushes this to cover for no run.
1.1Good length on off, Dion Myers punches this back to mid-wicket for no run.
Corbin Bosch will share the attack from the other end.
0.6Way too full, wide outside off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano goes for the drive but gets beaten.
0.5EDGED AND DROPPED AT SECOND SLIP! On a length around off, Takudzwanashe Kaitano goes for a firm punch down the ground, so he presses forward, but the ball shapes away a bit. Gets an outside edge, low to the right of Lesego Senokwane at the second slip. Lesego dives but with firm hands and the ball goes in and pops out of his grasp.
0.4Off the mark is Myers with this single towards extra cover.
0.3Good length wide outside off, Dion Myers looks to slog across the line but the ball keeps low and beats Myers. Had this been in the line of stumps, Myers would've been gone by now.
0.2Short and wide again, around off. Dion Myers hammers this to mid off for no run. A bit of positive intent on display straightaway from Myers.
0.1Short and wide outside off, Dion Myers jumps towards the pitch of it and pushes this to cover for no run.
| Index | Price | Change | % Chg |
|---|---|---|---|
Nifty 50 | 25285.35 | 103.55 | 0.41 |
BSE Sensex | 82500.82 | 328.72 | 0.40 |
Nifty Bank | 56609.75 | 417.70 | 0.74 |
Nifty IT | 35609.05 | -19.45 | -0.05 |
BSE SmallCap | 53378.57 | 314.14 | 0.59 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 3732 | 124 |
| 2 | South Africa | 2873 | 115 |
| 3 | England | 4469 | 112 |
| 4 | India | 3515 | 107 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 2409 | 96 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 2364 | 88 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 1705 | 78 |
| 8 | West Indies | 1865 | 72 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 1648 | 61 |
| 10 | Ireland | 152 | 30 |
| 11 | Afghanistan | 104 | 21 |
| 12 | Zimbabwe | 137 | 8 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 4471 | 124 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 4160 | 109 |
| 3 | Australia | 3717 | 106 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 4235 | 103 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 3493 | 100 |
| 6 | South Africa | 3457 | 99 |
| 7 | Afghanistan | 2406 | 93 |
| 8 | England | 3252 | 88 |
| 9 | West Indies | 2814 | 80 |
| 10 | Bangladesh | 2506 | 76 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 1291 | 54 |
| 12 | Ireland | 938 | 52 |
| 13 | Scotland | 1522 | 46 |
| 14 | USA | 1387 | 41 |
| 15 | Netherlands | 1425 | 40 |
| 16 | Oman | 886 | 35 |
| 17 | Nepal | 1060 | 33 |
| 18 | Namibia | 707 | 21 |
| 19 | Canada | 357 | 16 |
| 20 | United Arab Emirates | 250 | 8 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 17396 | 272 |
| 2 | Australia | 10434 | 268 |
| 3 | England | 11308 | 257 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 12061 | 251 |
| 5 | South Africa | 10950 | 243 |
| 6 | West Indies | 12701 | 235 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 15141 | 233 |
| 8 | Sri Lanka | 9899 | 230 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 13711 | 225 |
| 10 | Afghanistan | 8914 | 217 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 11860 | 201 |
| 12 | Ireland | 6821 | 201 |
| 13 | Netherlands | 6366 | 182 |
| 14 | Scotland | 4178 | 182 |
| 15 | United Arab Emirates | 9887 | 180 |
| 16 | Namibia | 6075 | 179 |
| 17 | USA | 5769 | 175 |
| 18 | Nepal | 6582 | 173 |
| 19 | Canada | 5374 | 154 |
| 20 | Oman | 6046 | 147 |
| 21 | Uganda | 7952 | 142 |
| 22 | Papua New Guinea | 2621 | 138 |
| 23 | Kuwait | 5441 | 130 |
| 24 | Hong Kong | 6374 | 127 |
| 25 | Malaysia | 6508 | 123 |
| 26 | Bahrain | 7285 | 119 |
| 27 | Jersey | 2819 | 117 |
| 28 | Italy | 1725 | 115 |
| 29 | Qatar | 3863 | 114 |
| 30 | Bermuda | 3040 | 113 |
| 31 | Spain | 1872 | 110 |
| 32 | Saudi Arabia | 4245 | 109 |
| 33 | Kenya | 5074 | 106 |
| 34 | Tanzania | 4082 | 100 |
| 35 | Germany | 1924 | 87 |
| 36 | Nigeria | 3377 | 79 |
| 37 | Singapore | 2844 | 77 |
| 38 | Guernsey | 2071 | 77 |
| 39 | Cayman Islands | 1921 | 74 |
| 40 | Austria | 3771 | 71 |
| 41 | Denmark | 1262 | 70 |
| 42 | Norway | 2095 | 70 |
| 43 | Portugal | 1333 | 67 |
| 44 | Japan | 2266 | 67 |
| 45 | Belgium | 2059 | 57 |
| 46 | Cambodia | 1365 | 57 |
| 47 | Switzerland | 1086 | 49 |
| 48 | Finland | 1130 | 49 |
| 49 | Argentina | 627 | 48 |
| 50 | Sweden | 1048 | 48 |
| 51 | Malawi | 2019 | 47 |
| 52 | Botswana | 1547 | 47 |
| 53 | Isle of Man | 604 | 46 |
| 54 | France | 1109 | 46 |
| 55 | Thailand | 1654 | 46 |
| 56 | Romania | 1360 | 45 |
| 57 | Bahamas | 972 | 42 |
| 58 | Czechia | 911 | 41 |
| 59 | Cook Islands | 552 | 39 |
| 60 | Philippines | 827 | 38 |
| 61 | Rwanda | 2343 | 37 |
| 62 | Fiji | 387 | 35 |
| 63 | Vanuatu | 561 | 35 |
| 64 | Samoa | 594 | 31 |
| 65 | Ghana | 570 | 30 |
| 66 | Sierra Leone | 504 | 30 |
| 67 | Indonesia | 1650 | 29 |
| 68 | Hungary | 971 | 29 |
| 69 | Estonia | 665 | 28 |
| 70 | Malta | 1085 | 26 |
| 71 | Mozambique | 518 | 26 |
| 72 | Swaziland | 491 | 26 |
| 73 | Israel | 178 | 25 |
| 74 | Cyprus | 420 | 23 |
| 75 | Panama | 318 | 21 |
| 76 | Belize | 164 | 21 |
| 77 | Gibraltar | 494 | 19 |
| 78 | Luxembourg | 432 | 18 |
| 79 | Serbia | 451 | 17 |
| 80 | Costa Rica | 218 | 17 |
| 81 | Bhutan | 336 | 16 |
| 82 | Suriname | 119 | 15 |
| 83 | Brazil | 131 | 15 |
| 84 | Mexico | 222 | 13 |
| 85 | Maldives | 214 | 10 |
| 86 | Cameroon | 86 | 8 |
| 87 | Bulgaria | 145 | 6 |
| 88 | Korea | 94 | 6 |
| 89 | St.Helena | 44 | 6 |
| 90 | China | 29 | 5 |
| 91 | Lesotho | 24 | 2 |
| 92 | Turkiye | 26 | 2 |
| 93 | Gambia | 6 | 1 |
| 94 | Slovenia | 0 | 0 |
| 94 | Seychelles | 0 | 0 |
| 94 | Myanmar | 0 | 0 |
| 94 | Mali | 0 | 0 |
| 94 | Greece | 0 | 0 |
| 94 | Croatia | 0 | 0 |
| 94 | Mongolia | 0 | 0 |
Stumps 
