Zimbabwe needed to score at least 405 runs in their second innings over the final two days to try and force a draw against the world champions – a daunting task that ultimately proved beyond them.

Having been forced to follow on, Zimbabwe resumed their second innings at 51/1 at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday. On Monday, they were bowled out for a modest 170 after being set a mammoth target of 626 to make South Africa bat again.

Wiaan Mulder. Photo: Zimbabwe Cricket

To their credit, the hosts showed greater resistance with the bat in their second innings, frustrating the Proteas for extended periods.

Nick Welsh top-scored for Zimbabwe with a gritty 55 off 126 balls. Captain Craig Ervine contributed 49 from 95 deliveries, while Takudzwanashe Kaitano added a valuable 40. Fast bowler Corbin Bosch once again led the South African attack with an impressive return of 4/38 in 19 overs. 

He was well supported by Senuran Muthusamy, who took 3/77 in 19.3 overs, and Codi Yusuf, who bagged 2/38 in 17 overs. Captain Wiaan Mulder also chipped in with a wicket.

Nick Welsh. Photo: Zimbabwe Cricket

Despite their spirited effort, Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 220 in 77.3 overs.

Mulder, who scored a record-breaking unbeaten 367 in South Africa’s only innings, was named Player of the Match. His tally of 531 runs and seven wickets across the two Tests also earned him the Player of the Series award.

The focus now shifts to white-ball cricket, with the T20 International Tri-Series set to get underway in Harare. South Africa will face Zimbabwe in the opening match on Monday, while Rob Walter’s New Zealand side will also feature in the tournament.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh