South Africa's lead grows even though Williams scored 137 runs
South Africa's lead grows even though Williams scored 137 runs
Sean Williams hit an aggressive century for Zimbabwe, but South Africa were in control after the second day of the first Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Sean Williams once again stood tall for Zimbabwe in red-ball cricket, crafting a defiant century against South Africa in Bulawayo his fifth Test ton since 2020 and a vital effort that anchored Zimbabwe’s fightback after a daunting start.
South Africa had declared overnight on 418 for 9, handing the hosts a huge task. Zimbabwe were soon wobbling at 23 for 2 when Williams arrived at the crease, and things worsened when Brian Bennett retired hurt after being struck on the helmet by Kwena Maphaka. Despite the early jolt, Williams counterpunched. He played positive strokes from the outset, striking two early boundaries off Maphaka a lucky edge past gully and a pulled shot to deep square leg.
At the other end, debutant Codi Yusuf made an immediate impact, dismissing Kaitano and Welch with testing deliveries that took advantage of the bounce and pace on offer. But Williams, joined by Craig Ervine, set about steadying the ship. Their 91-run partnership came under tough circumstances facing a charged-up South African attack with the ball doing plenty. Ervine absorbed pressure, scoring slowly but diligently, while Williams took on the role of aggressor.
Spin was introduced after a tight morning session, and Keshav Maharaj nearly struck when he beat Williams in flight and almost had him stumped. But the real breakthrough came when Ervine skipped down the pitch and missed, leaving Verreynne to remove the bails and end his knock at 36.
Williams, unbothered, kept the scoreboard ticking. He effectively used the sweep against Maharaj and manipulated length balls into hittable areas, particularly on the leg side. His fluent strokeplay saw him reach his sixth Test hundred a milestone that placed him among Zimbabwe’s elite.
Support came in brief spells Madhevere struck a six off Maharaj but soon fell to Mulder, who went on to dent Zimbabwe further with the wickets of Masvaure and Tsiga. Williams lost partners regularly, but he continued unfazed. He eventually fell for a brilliant 137, stumped by Maharaj in an attempt to accelerate, handing Verreynne his fifth catch.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 251, still trailing by 167, but they didn’t fold. Tanaka Chivanga struck early to remove Breetzke in South Africa’s second innings, offering a glimmer of resistance. However, de Zorzi and Mulder stood firm, guiding South Africa to 49 without further loss by stumps and extending the visitors’ lead to 216.