South Africa wrapped up a crushing victory over Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs on the third day of the second Test at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday. Despite fielding what was effectively a second-string side, the visitors maintained complete control throughout the match, sealing a 2-0 series win. The hosts, resuming on 51 for one, showed signs of resistance in the morning session. Nick Welch scored 55 and captain Craig Ervine contributed 49 after the early dismissal of overnight batter Takudzwanashe Kaitano, who added 40. But the fight didn’t last long. Post-lunch, Zimbabwe suffered a dramatic collapse. Fast bowlers Corbin Bosch (4/38) and Codi Yusuf (2/38), along with left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy (3/77), triggered a slide that saw six wickets fall for just 31 runs. A late 36-run stand for the final wicket between Wellington Masakadza and Tanaka Chivanga only delayed the inevitable, as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 220 in their second innings. Stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder led from the front with a record-breaking unbeaten 367 — the highest Test score by a South African — propelling his team to a mammoth 626 for five declared in their first innings. The result marked South Africa’s 10th consecutive Test victory, surpassing their previous best streak from 2001 to 2003. Mulder and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne were the only players from the XI that won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s last month.
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Zimbabwe were hampered by the absence of key batters Brian Bennett, who was concussed in the first Test, and Ben Curran, ruled out due to a broken hand. South Africa introduced five debutants across the series but remained dominant. The two sides will now face off in Harare on Monday, as New Zealand joins them for a T20I triangular series.
