South Africa firmly seized control of the first Test against Zimbabwe on the second day at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, despite a valiant century from Zimbabwe's Sean Williams. By the end of the day, South Africa had established a commanding 216-run lead.

South Africa had declared their first innings overnight at 418 for 9. Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius had become the youngest player to score 150 runs in men's Test cricket, scoring 153 runs. Corbin Bosch also contributed a century, scoring 100 runs.

Zimbabwe's response began poorly, with debutant Codi Yusuf striking early, claiming his first Test wicket by dismissing Takudzwanashe Kaitano. Yusuf continued his impressive start by removing Nick Welch shortly thereafter. Further compounding Zimbabwe's woes, Brian Bennett, who had scored a century against England last month, was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Kwena Maphaka. Bennett was later ruled out of the remainder of the match with a concussion and replaced by Prince Masvaure.

At 23-2, Zimbabwe needed a partnership, and Craig Ervine joined Williams to provide it. The pair combined for 81 runs before Ervine was stumped off Keshav Maharaj's bowling for 36. This dismissal marked Maharaj's 200th Test wicket. Wessley Madhevere attempted to inject some impetus into the innings, but he was dismissed for 15, leaving Zimbabwe at 167 for 3.

Williams, however, remained resolute, reaching his half-century and then his century. His innings was a display of aggressive strokeplay, providing the main resistance for the home side. He struck a fluent 137 off 164 balls, which was more than half of his team's total.

Despite Williams's efforts, Zimbabwe's innings faltered, and they lost their last five wickets for just 50 runs. Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj wrapped up the innings, bowling Zimbabwe out for 251. Mulder finished with figures of 4 for 50, while Yusuf and Maharaj took 3 wickets each.

With a first-innings lead of 167, South Africa began their second innings. Tanaka Chivanga struck early, dismissing Matthew Breetzke. However, Tony de Zorzi (22) and Wiaan Mulder (25) saw out the rest of the day, guiding South Africa to 49 for 1 at the close of play and extending their lead to 216 runs.

South Africa is fielding only four of the players who played in the World Test Championship victory over Australia earlier this month. The match is not part of the World Test Championship.