South Africa Seals Series with Emphatic Win
South Africa has concluded its tour of Zimbabwe with a commanding victory in the second Test, winning by an innings and 236 runs to secure a 2-0 series sweep. The match, which took place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, ended within three days, highlighting South Africa's dominance.
South Africa Tour Of Zimbabwe 2nd Test Date and Time
The South Africa Tour Of Zimbabwe 2nd Test began on Sunday, July 6, 2025, with play starting at 10:00 AM local time. Despite being scheduled for five days, the match concluded on July 8, 2025.
Toss and South Africa's Mammoth First Innings
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe elected to bowl first, a decision that proved costly. South Africa amassed a staggering total of 626 for 5 declared. The innings was built around a monumental, career-defining performance from Wiaan Mulder, who stood in as captain. Mulder scored an unbeaten 367 runs. He was supported by David Bedingham, who contributed a solid 82. Mulder's declaration left him just 33 runs shy of Brian Lara's world record for the highest individual score in Test cricket.
Zimbabwe's Struggle
Facing a massive deficit, Zimbabwe's batting lineup faltered in both innings.
- First Innings: Zimbabwe was bowled out for 170. Sean Williams was the lone fighter, scoring a notable 83 not out. Spinner Prenelan Subrayen was the chief destroyer for the Proteas, taking 4 wickets for 42 runs.
- Second Innings: Forced to follow on, Zimbabwe put up a slightly better fight but was ultimately dismissed for 220. Nick Welch scored a half-century with 55 runs, and Craig Ervine added 49. For South Africa, Corbin Bosch was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 38 runs, while Senuran Muthusamy took 3 for 77.
South Africa First Innings: 626/5 declared
South Africa's score is represented as 626 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.
Top Batting Performances:
- Wiaan Mulder (c): Scored an unbeaten 367 runs from 334 balls, including 49 fours and 4 sixes.
- David Bedingham: Scored 82 runs from 101 balls before being dismissed lbw by Tanaka Chivanga.
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius: Scored 78 runs from 87 balls.
- Kyle Verreynne: Remained not out with 42 runs.
Bowling Figures for Zimbabwe:
- Tanaka Chivanga: Took 2 wickets for 112 runs in 24 overs.
- Kundai Matigimu: Took 2 wickets for 124 runs in 21.3 overs.
- Wellington Masakadza: Took 1 wicket for 184 runs in 33 overs.
Zimbabwe First Innings: 170 all out
Top Batting Performances:
- Sean Williams: Was the top scorer with an unbeaten 83 runs from just 55 balls.
- Wessly Madhevere: Contributed 25 runs.
- Craig Ervine (c): Scored 17 runs.
Bowling Figures for South Africa:
- Prenelan Subrayen: Was the most successful bowler, taking 4 wickets for 42 runs in 10 overs.
- Codi Yusuf: Took 2 wickets for 20 runs.
- Wiaan Mulder: Took 2 wickets for 20 runs.
- Corbin Bosch: Took 1 wicket for 27 runs.
Zimbabwe Second Innings (Follow-on): 220 all out
Top Batting Performances:
- Nick Welch: Scored a resilient 55 runs.
- Craig Ervine (c): Scored 49 runs.
- Takudzwanashe Kaitano: Contributed 40 runs.
Bowling Figures for South Africa:
- Corbin Bosch: Led the attack, taking 4 wickets for 38 runs in 19 overs.
- Senuran Muthusamy: Took 3 wickets for 77 runs.
- Codi Yusuf: Took 2 wickets for 38 runs.
- Wiaan Mulder: Took 1 wicket for 24 runs.
A Decisive Victory
The win marked South Africa's tenth consecutive Test victory and wrapped up the series 2-0. Wiaan Mulder was deservedly named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his incredible all-round performance, which included 531 runs and seven wickets across the two Tests.