Williams' Ton the Lone Spark as South Africa Surge Ahead

Sean Williams' sixth Test ton remained the lone fighting spark for Zimbabwe in the first Test in Bulawayo. South Africa have now extended their lead to 216 runs at the end of Day 2.

South Africa declared on their overnight score of 418 for 9 and sent Zimbabwe in to bat. Codi Yusuf picked up his first Test wicket, and then got Nick Welch to poke one behind to the 'keeper. Brian Bennett scored three quick boundaries before being hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Kwena Maphaka and was substituted off for concussion.

Craig Ervine and Williams stitched a 96-run partnership, with Williams getting two flat batted shots to the fence of Maphaka. Ervine was more steady in his approach, and the two batters punished the loose deliveries. Williams was put down after Lunch off Keshav Maharaj before he brought up his 50.

Ervine got lucky with a streaky boundary over the slip cauldron but was stumped off Maharaj in the next over, bringing up the left-arm spinner's 200th Test wicket. Wessley Madhevere was proactive, running the threes early on and also slog sweeping Maharaj for six. Williams enjoyed playing the left-arm spinner with two boundaries as Zimbabwe brought up the 150.

Mulder broke the threatening stand, and Williams brought up his century. But the following ball saw the back of Masvaure with Mulder picking up his second. Tafadzwa Tsiga wasted no time with back to back boundaries off Mulder, but his bright start faded away quickly as Mulder struck in his next over.

Zimbabwe lost their last five wickets for just 50 runs. Yusuf sent Wellington Masakadza back to the pavilion, while Maharaj outsmarted the centurion, Williams, and had him stumped. Mulder and Maharaj cleaned up the last two wickets for two runs as Zimbabwe were bowled out on 251.

Zimbabwe refused to die down as Tanaka Chivanga ensured Matthew Breetzke went back early. Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder then played out the rest of the day before Stumps was called, and the tourists are currently 49 for 1.

Brief Scores:
South Africa 418/9 decl. & 49/1 lead Zimbabwe 251 by 216 runs.