Sean Williams played a strong and attacking innings for Zimbabwe, scoring 137 runs from just 163 balls. His performance was the highlight for Zimbabwe on the second day of the first Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.
The left-handed batter scored more than half of Zimbabwe’s total of 251 runs. Despite his efforts, South Africa remained in a strong position by the end of the day.
South Africa were already 167 runs ahead after the first innings. By the end of the day, they increased their lead to 216 runs, reaching 49 runs for the loss of one wicket.
Earlier, Zimbabwe faced trouble early on after South Africa declared their first innings at 418 for nine, which was their score from the previous day.
Sean Williams ton helps Zimbabwe to 251 in the first innings at Queens Sports Club, trailing South Africa by 167.
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) June 29, 2025
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South Africa in Control Despite Williams’ Century for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe had a tough time on the field even though Sean Williams scored a brilliant 137 runs. South Africa stayed on top after the second day of the Test match in Bulawayo.
Bennett Injured
New South African player Codi Yusuf had a great start, taking two wickets in his first three overs. Zimbabwe got into more trouble when their opening batsman, Brian Bennett, was hit on the helmet while trying to play a hook shot against fast bowler Kwena Maphaka. He had to leave the field injured on 19 runs and was later ruled out of the match due to mild concussion.
Bennett, who had made 139 in his last Test against England, was replaced by Prince Masvaure. Masvaure came to bat at number seven but got out after scoring just 7 runs.
Williams Fights Alone
Sean Williams and Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine tried to steady the innings with a partnership of 81 runs. Ervine scored 36 before he was stumped by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne off Keshav Maharaj’s bowling. That stumping gave Maharaj his 200th wicket in Test cricket.
Debutants Shine for South Africa
Three South African debutants performed well. Codi Yusuf took 3 wickets for 42 runs. Lhuan-dre Pretorius had earlier scored 153 runs, and Dewald Brevis added 51 in the first innings.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder was impressive too, taking 4 wickets for 50 runs. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who is captaining the team in place of the injured Temba Bavuma, took 3 for 70.
Zimbabwe All Out for 251
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 251 runs in their first innings. Below is a brief scoreboard:
Zimbabwe 1st Innings Highlights
- Brian Bennett retired hurt: 19
- Sean Williams: 137
- Craig Ervine: 36
- Codi Yusuf: 3 wickets
- Wiaan Mulder: 4 wickets
- Keshav Maharaj: 3 wickets
South Africa 2nd Innings Starts Steady
In their second innings, South Africa lost an early wicket as Matthew Breetzke was caught for 1, again by Tanaka Chivanga, who took a wicket in his very first over.
But Tony de Zorzi (22*) and Wiaan Mulder (25*) made sure no more wickets fell before bad light stopped play. South Africa finished the day on 49 for 1, leading Zimbabwe by 216 runs overall.
Note: This Test match is not part of the ICC World Test Championship, and only four players from the South African team that recently won the final against Australia are playing in this game.
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