South Africa cruised to a dominant 328-run victory against Zimbabwe in the first Test at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday. The win was powered by an exceptional all-round performance from Corbin Bosch, who took a five-wicket haul to add to his maiden Test century in the first innings.
Zimbabwe, chasing a daunting target of 537, were bowled out for 208 in the afternoon session on Day 4. Bosch was the chief destroyer, finishing with figures of 5-43, while debutant Codi Yusuf provided excellent support, taking 3-22. Wellington Masakadza (57) and captain Craig Ervine (49) offered some resistance, but the rest of the Zimbabwean batting order crumbled under pressure.
South Africa had earlier declared their first innings at 418/9, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius scoring a brilliant 153 on his Test debut and Corbin Bosch contributing an unbeaten 100. In response, Zimbabwe managed 251, with Sean Williams scoring a valiant century. Wiaan Mulder starred with the ball for South Africa in the first innings, taking 4/50.
In their second innings, South Africa piled on the runs, posting 369 before being bowled out. Mulder again shone with the bat, scoring 147, while Keshav Maharaj made 51. Bosch also chipped in with a valuable 36. Set an improbable target, Zimbabwe struggled from the outset in their second innings, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Bosch's performance was particularly noteworthy as he became only the fourth South African to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test match. The other three are Jacques Kallis, Brian McMillan, and Aubrey Faulkner. His all-round brilliance has earned him plaudits and highlighted his potential as a valuable asset to the South African team. Before this match, some observers had noted that Bosch already had a hundred, a fifty and a four-wicket haul in just two games.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius also made history by becoming the youngest South African to score a Test century at 19 years old, breaking Graeme Pollock's long-standing record from 1964. Keshav Maharaj made a half-century in his debut Test as captain.
The victory gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The match also marked Zimbabwe's heaviest defeat in Tests in terms of runs.