From Lord’s to Bulawayo, on a wing and a beer

South Africa Triumphs in Bulawayo

Corbin Bosch starred with both bat and ball as South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by 328 runs in the second Test in Bulawayo.

Bosch scored a crucial 100 not out in the first innings, coming to the crease after South Africa slumped to 55/4 and 181/6. He then took 5/43 in Zimbabwe's second innings, helping the visitors secure a comfortable victory.

These were Bosch's first century and five-wicket haul at Test level, achieved in only his second Test.

While Lhuan-dre Pretorius' debut century of 153 was also vital to the win, Bosch's all-round performance arguably made him the most deserving player-of-the-match.

Wiaan Mulder, who captained South Africa in the absence of Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj, also impressed with 4/50 in the first innings and a valuable 147 with the bat.

South Africa's victory came despite fielding a significantly changed side from the one that won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's. Only four players from that winning team featured in Bulawayo.

Bosch's performance was particularly noteworthy given he had to watch the WTC final from the sidelines.

"You realise how fine the margins are, especially from a bowling standpoint," Bosch said. "The game at Lord's inspired me – watching how [Kagiso Rabada] and a bunch of the Australian bowlers, and Marco [Jansen], went about their business. It made me realise how good those guys really are.

"And it made me believe that's where I want to be. That's what I want to aspire to; on that level delivering day in, day out, time and time again."

Bosch's captain, Wiaan Mulder, echoed these sentiments, praising the allrounder's work ethic and leadership qualities.

"Corbin has just come into our environment and he's settled in very well," Mulder said. "Not many can bowl 140 [kilometres an hour] and bat the way he does.

"I'm so happy for him. He works really hard on his game, and he trusts his skill and backs himself. It's nice to see everything come together for him."