Story by Raynald Ngwarati
THE South Africa national men’s cricket team, the Proteas have laid the foundation of a big first-innings score after closing the day on 465 runs for four in the opening day of the second Test match against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
It was a tough day on the field for Zimbabwe’s Chevrons as the Proteas ran riot, spearheaded by a record-breaking innings from skipper Wiaan Mulder.
The South Africans, who lost two wickets early in the first hour after brilliant bowling from Tanaka Chivanga and Wellington Masakadza, masterminded an emphatic comeback to take control on day one.
Just like in the first match of the series, Chivanga got the early breakthrough for Zimbabwe, claiming the priced wicket of Toby de Zorzi for 10 runs before Masakadza dismissed debutant Lesego Senokwane for three runs, leaving South Africa reeling at 24 for two.
Mulder, however, was determined to turn the tide for his side.
Promoted to number three on the batting card and handed the captaincy, Mulder anchored the Proteas’ innings and led their fightback from 24 for two to a commanding score by stumps on day one.
He built a 184-run third-wicket stand with David Bedingham before unleashing his attacking flair in a 217-run partnership with Lhuan dre Pretorius for the fourth wicket, as South Africa dominated proceedings.
The skipper found boundaries with ease, exploiting Zimbabwe’s sloppy fielding end route to a record-breaking innings. He shattered a 57-year-old mark for the most runs scored on his debut as captain.
Unbeaten on 264 runs at stumps, the 27-year-old is just 13 runs shy of surpassing Graeme Smith’s 22-year-old record for the highest individual score by a South African captain in a single innings.
With South Africa firmly in charge, the Chevrons will be eyeing early wickets on Monday to restrict the Proteas’ scoring rate.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl first.
