Mulder’s 147 gives Zimbabwe improbable target of 537

South Africa 418/9 decl. & 369 (Wiaan Mulder 147, Keshav Maharaj 51; Wellington Masakadza 4-98) lead Zimbabwe 251 & 32/1 (Takudzwanashe Kaitano 12; Corbin Bosch 1-1) by 504 runs.

Day 3 Report:

Wiaan Mulder smashed a career-best 147 to propel South Africa to a massive 369 in their second innings, leaving Zimbabwe with an improbable target of 537.

Mulder and Tony de Zorzi started positively, but their partnership was broken when de Zorzi was caught off Tanaka Chivanga. Mulder and David Bedingham then built a strong stand, accelerating the scoring rate. Blessing Muzarabani's absence due to illness left Zimbabwe with only one pace option, Chivanga, who bowled well but was unable to contain the South African batsmen.

Bedingham fell to Wellington Masakadza, followed by Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, both dismissed by Vincent Masekesa. Mulder continued to bat aggressively, reaching his century and pushing South Africa's lead past 350.

He shared a valuable partnership with Kyle Verreynne, extending the lead further. Mulder fell three runs short of a 150, caught off Wessly Madhevere. Verreynne followed soon after, edging to slip off Masakadza.

Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch then added a brisk stand, taking the lead past 500 before Tea. Maharaj brought up his fifty, but Zimbabwe fought back with quick wickets. Bosch was bowled by Masakadza, and Maharaj followed suit, also falling to the same bowler. Muzarabani returned to the field and took the final wicket, castling Maphaka.

Zimbabwe's openers, Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Prince Masvaure, survived a testing period against the South African bowlers. Kaitano fell in the last over of the day, edging a Bosch delivery.