South Africa completed a dominant victory over Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs in the second Test at Bulawayo, finishing the match within two sessions on the third day. The result wrapped up a 2-0 series win and marked South Africa’s tenth consecutive Test victory, extending their run since the World Test Championship Final win over Australia last month.
Mulder’s Marathon Sets the Tone
Wiaan Mulder stole the spotlight with an unbeaten 367—almost matching Zimbabwe’s combined total across both innings. He was named Player of the Match and Series, finishing the two-Test set with 531 runs and seven wickets.
Zimbabwe were outmatched from the start. South Africa declared their first innings at 626 for 5, with Mulder and David Bedingham (82) laying the foundation. In response, Zimbabwe folded for 170 in their first innings, with Sean Williams scoring a defiant 83.
Forced to follow on, Zimbabwe began the third day at 29 for 1, still trailing by over 400. They lost their final nine wickets for 191 runs.
Zimbabwe Collapse After Promising Start
There was a brief moment of resistance early on as Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Nick Welch held off the South African attack through the first seven overs. But spin soon made the breakthrough. Senuran Muthusamy removed Kaitano for 40 with a simple catch at cover.
Welch attempted to counterattack with some aggressive strokes, including two sixes off Muthusamy. But despite reaching a half-century, he fell shortly after lunch when he edged one to slip.
Craig Ervine tried to hold the innings together but lost partners quickly. Codi Yusuf trapped Wessly Madhevere lbw and later dismissed Tafadzwa Tsiga with a short catch. Bosch then ripped through the lower order, taking three quick wickets to reduce Zimbabwe to 184 for 9.
Late Resistance, But No Recovery
Wellington Masakadza and Tanaka Chivanga added a few runs at the end, delaying the inevitable. Chivanga’s brief knock included 22 off 26 balls, with some crowd-pleasing strokes. But his top-edged shot off Muthusamy brought the match to an end.
Mulder fittingly took the final catch, having stood in as captain for the match. It capped off a complete team performance that left Zimbabwe with few answers and no foothold throughout the series.
Score Summary
South Africa declared on 626/5, with Wiaan Mulder unbeaten on 367 and Bedingham adding 82. Zimbabwe replied with 170 and 220 following on. Williams (83*) and Welch (55) showed resistance, but Subrayen (4-42) and Bosch (4-38) led the hosts to an innings-and-236-run win.
The match exposed the clear gap between the sides. Zimbabwe fought in patches, but South Africa’s bowling attack and Mulder’s brilliance made the difference.
