विलियम्स का शतक दक्षिण अफ्रीका की बढ़त का एकमात्र प्रकाश

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's collective bowling performance, led by Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj and Codi Yusuf, ensured a big 167-run lead. South Africa 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. The tourists were on the money straight away as Codi Yusuf picked up his first Test wicket off his fifth ball, dismissing Takudzwanashe Kaitano. Yusuf then got Nick Welch to poke one behind to the 'keeper. This was sandwiched by Brian Bennett scoring three quick boundaries.

However, Bennett's innings was cut short when he was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Kwena Maphaka. He was subbed off for concussion. Craig Ervine and Williams came together for the hosts, stitching a 96-run partnership. Williams got going with two flat batted shots to the fence while Ervine was more steady. The two batters were beaten numerous times but gritted it out before punishing 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 but was stumped off Maharaj in the next over. New batter Wessley Madhevere was proactive, running the threes early on and also slog sweeping Maharaj for six.

Williams, too, enjoyed playing the left-arm spinner with two boundaries as Zimbabwe brought up the 150. At the end of the hour, Mulder broke the threatening stand, dismissing Madhevere. Prince Masvaure came to the crease but was dismissed by Mulder in the next over. Williams brought up his century as the hosts continued to fight back.

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. It triggered a collapse for Zimbabwe as they lost their last five wickets for just 50 runs. Yusuf sent Wellington Masakadza back to the pavilion while Maharaj outsmarted 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's 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.