251/10 (67.4)
CR : 3.71
418/9 (90.0)
CR : 4.64
South Africa won by 328 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
L Pretorius
153(160) & 4(6)
5:20 PM IST, 1:50 PM local time: South Africa win by 328 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Zimbabwe might have the most optimistic fan base in the world of cricket. Their supporters knew that the team was staring down at an improbable climb. Yet, a number of them turned up to the Queens Sports Club today, dressed up, ready to spur the Chevrons on. Even when Zimbabwe lost 5 wickets within the first 15 overs, they did not leave. In fact, the boisterous cheers that went up when Wellington Masakadza brought up his maiden Test fifty today, might have made some believe that the hosts were ahead in the Test match. In reality, they were like an amateur mountaineer huffing and puffing at the base of Everest.
Take nothing away from South Africa though. Yes, they are the World Test Champions and were the favourites to win this match. But remember, this was a second-string side packed with youngsters. Having said that, the sheer dominance they put on display over the last four days must have warmed the hearts of their fans.
Years later, this match might be remembered for the debut of teenaged Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who took to Test cricket like fish to water. His knock of 153 in the first innings gave the same thrill as some of his blitzkriegs in T20s have. His shot-making was authoritative, confident and enthralling to watch.
The other two debutants too had good outings. Codi Yusuf finished with 6 wickets in the match to go with the handy lower order runs he scored. Dewald Brevis notched up an imposing 41-ball-51 in the first innings and even picked a wicket right at the end.
Then, there was a 30-year old youngster, who might remember this match for a long time to come. Only in the second Test of his career, Corbin Bosch notched up his maiden century. He came out to bat when the team was 181/6 and propelled them to a score of over 400. While he went wicketless in the first innings, every time he had the ball in his hand today, it seemed as if a wicket was around the corner. He ended with five to his name.
Of course, there were contributions from the senior players too. Wiaan Mulder scored a gritty 147 batting at number three and picked up four wickets in the first innings. While Kyle Verreynne could not score big with the bat, he was as safe as a bank behind the stumps and affected 8 dismissals in the match.
All in all it was a combined effort from the entire team — just how it is in most Test wins.
Special mention to Zimbabwean veteran Sean Williams, who scored an impressive 137 in the first innings and even looked good for his 26 runs in the second but got undone by Bosch, who was well and truly on song this morning.
Zimbabwe might have the most optimistic fan base in the world of cricket. Their supporters knew that the team was staring down at an improbable climb. Yet, a number of them turned up to the Queens Sports Club today, dressed up, ready to spur the Chevrons on. Even when Zimbabwe lost 5 wickets within the first 15 overs, they did not leave. In fact, the boisterous cheers that went up when Wellington Masakadza brought up his maiden Test fifty today, might have made some believe that the hosts were ahead in the Test match. In reality, they were like an amateur mountaineer huffing and puffing at the base of Everest.
Take nothing away from South Africa though. Yes, they are the World Test Champions and were the favourites to win this match. But remember, this was a second-string side packed with youngsters. Having said that, the sheer dominance they put on display over the last four days must have warmed the hearts of their fans.
Years later, this match might be remembered for the debut of teenaged Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who took to Test cricket like fish to water. His knock of 153 in the first innings gave the same thrill as some of his blitzkriegs in T20s have. His shot-making was authoritative, confident and enthralling to watch.
The other two debutants too had good outings. Codi Yusuf finished with 6 wickets in the match to go with the handy lower order runs he scored. Dewald Brevis notched up an imposing 41-ball-51 in the first innings and even picked a wicket right at the end.
Then, there was a 30-year old youngster, who might remember this match for a long time to come. Only in the second Test of his career, Corbin Bosch notched up his maiden century. He came out to bat when the team was 181/6 and propelled them to a score of over 400. While he went wicketless in the first innings, every time he had the ball in his hand today, it seemed as if a wicket was around the corner. He ended with five to his name.
Of course, there were contributions from the senior players too. Wiaan Mulder scored a gritty 147 batting at number three and picked up four wickets in the first innings. While Kyle Verreynne could not score big with the bat, he was as safe as a bank behind the stumps and affected 8 dismissals in the match.
All in all it was a combined effort from the entire team — just how it is in most Test wins.
Special mention to Zimbabwean veteran Sean Williams, who scored an impressive 137 in the first innings and even looked good for his 26 runs in the second but got undone by Bosch, who was well and truly on song this morning.
Time for the post match presentation...
Blessing Muzarabani gets a special momento for becoming fastest Chevrons to get to 50 Test wickets.
Craig Ervine (Zimbabwe Captain): "I think another seamer would have done a lot of help. I think we weren't consistent enough with the ball. Too loose at times. We have played at the Queen's before. We didn't think that there would be so much seam and movement, we thought there would be more turn later.
Exceptionally, he comes out and plays his shot, plays positive cricket. He often puts the pressure on the bowler.
From a seaming perspective, Bless and TK are seamingly good. We needed some starts, we failed to do, including myself. Something which Sean did.
Yeah, he is still getting monitored. We will see over the few days how he gets up. Hopefully, he will be back for the next game. Cheers, thanks"
Player of the Match — Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Player of the Match): "It has not completely sunk in. It is a moment that I won't forget for a long time. I am grateful for it. I have played a few first class games. I just try to stick to my game. The message from the dressing room is to back myself. I try to be patient and take advantage of bad balls."
Keshav Maharaj (South Africa Captain): "Yeah, obviously very good to get over the line. We are a team with plenty of youngsters. To see the boys show that character and come up is exceptionally well.
No, we are very confident about our players. Really happy to see the signs of the youngsters coming in well, the way they have been coming and putting themselves in.
He's just not looked back from the performances he has out in. He is a mature young lad. Like I said, it's great to see him. Another young guy, Dewald Brevis, he has been amazing, really keen on looking. Another youngster, Kwena, he is very young and he has shown great character.
Yeah, Wiassy [Wiaan Mulder], he has been exceptional, be it with the bat or with the ball. And someone like Boschy [Corbin Bosch], he is new to the international scene. He works hard, he is a deep thinker and to see him conquer is just amazing. Thanks and amazing."
A young South Africa side steamrolls Zimbabwe to go 1-0 in the series. Perhaps, years later, this match might be remembered for the debut of teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who has hit the ground running at the highest level and was also adjudicated the Player of the Match. There were several other memorable performances. Re-live them by scrolling below.
On that note, it is time for the troika of Darpan Tikiya, Arijit Kundu and Sachin Yadav to say goodbye. We hope that you enjoyed the coverage as much as we did bringing it to you. Do join us for the second Test of the series that begins on Sunday, July 6. Till then, keep following Crickxo for cricketing action from around the globe. Sara Zvakanaka!
On that note, it is time for the troika of Darpan Tikiya, Arijit Kundu and Sachin Yadav to say goodbye. We hope that you enjoyed the coverage as much as we did bringing it to you. Do join us for the second Test of the series that begins on Sunday, July 6. Till then, keep following Crickxo for cricketing action from around the globe. Sara Zvakanaka!