Zimbabwe 251 and 32 for 1 (Kaitano 12, Masvaure 5*, Bosch 1-1) need another 505 runs to beat South Africa 418 for 9 dec and 369 (Mulder 147, Maharaj 51, Masakadza 4-98)
ZIMBABWE will have to bat out the remaining two days in order to save the first Test from the jaws of defeat after closing day three yesterday on 32/1, chasing a daunting 537 runs to win against South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday.
Prince Masvaure is on the crease, unbeaten on five from 49 balls, after losing fellow opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano for 12 runs from 62 deliveries.
Kaitano was caught by Lhuan-dre Pretorius off Corbin Bosch’s bowling, just when Zimbabwe looked set to end the day without losing a wicket.
The hosts managed to bowl out the Proteas for 369 in 82.5 overs, taking their wickets with precision.
Spinner Wellington Masakadza was the star of the show, claiming four wickets for 98 runs from 22 overs.
Tanaka Chivanga and Vincent Masekesa chipped in with two wickets each, while Blessing Muzarabani and Wesley Madhevere picked up a wicket apiece.
Resuming day three on 49/1 and a lead of 261 runs, South Africa piled on the heat on Zimbabwe courtesy of Wiaan Mulder’s century.
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Bulls to charge into Zimbabwe gold stocks
- Ndiraya concerned as goals dry up
- Letters: How solar power is transforming African farms
Keep Reading
Mulder scored 147 off 206 balls, dominating the Zimbabwean bowlers with gritty and destructive batting.
He was eventually caught by Kaitano off Madhevere’s bowling.
South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj weighed in with a half-century, scoring 51 before he was bowled out by Masakadza.
Despite the impressive performances from Mulder and Maharaj, the visitors’ batting line-up looked somewhat ordinary.
A quartet of Kyle Verreynne (36), Corbin Bosch (36), David Bedingham (35), and Tony de Zorzi (31) got into their 30s, but failed to capitalise on their starts.
With a massive 537 runs to chase, Zimbabwe’s task is daunting.
They will need to bat out two days without losing too many wickets to save the Test.
Masvaure and the rest of the batting line-up will have to show immense resilience and determination to achieve this feat.
The Proteas, on the other hand, will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Zimbabwean batting lineup and wrap up the win.
As the fourth day unfolds, all eyes will be on Queens Sports Club to see if Zimbabwe can pull off a remarkable escape or if South Africa will seal the win.
The stage is set for an intriguing battle and fans can expect some entertaining cricket today.
