ZIMBABWE'S cricket team is grappling with mounting injury concerns as they face South Africa in the second and final Test match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
The Proteas have seized control, piling on runs and putting the hosts under immense pressure.
Zimbabwe's worries are primarily focused on the fitness of experienced all-rounder Sean Williams.
Williams, who was a standout performer with a century (137) in the first innings of the first Test, had to leave the field during the second session of the ongoing match due to a fever.
His availability for the remainder of the game remains uncertain, a significant blow to the Zimbabwean side.
This comes on the heels of other injury setbacks for Zimbabwe.
Opener Prince Masvaure was ruled out with a respiratory tract infection, having himself been a replacement for Brian Bennett, who suffered a concussion while batting in the first innings of the first Test at the same venue.
Zimbabwe lost that opening match by a substantial 328 runs and are desperate to show more resilience in the current fixture.
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South Africa's dominant batting display
South Africa, after being asked to bat first, have taken complete control of the match.
They ended Day 1 on a formidable 465/4, with captain Wiaan Mulder leading the charge. Mulder capitalised on the opportunity, scoring an unbeaten 264 runs off just 259 balls.
Mulder found strong support from David Bedingham (82 runs) and Lhundre Pretorius (78 runs), both of whom notched half-centuries.
Bedingham was dismissed leg before wicket by Tanaka Chivanga, while Pretorius was caught by Wellington Masakadza off the bowling of debutant pacer Kundai Matigimu.
Zimbabwe had a promising start, with Tanaka Chivanga removing opener Tony de Zorzi for 10 runs (30 balls), caught by Nick Welch within the first 9.1 overs.
Wellington Masakadza then chipped in, trapping Lesego Senokwane (3 runs) LBW after 13.5 overs, leaving South Africa at 24/2.
However, the Proteas swiftly recovered, with Mulder and Bedingham forging a commanding 184-run partnership for the third wicket, which lasted until the 51st over.
Mulder's magnificent double century was undoubtedly the highlight of the day.
He continued to build the innings alongside Pretorius, adding another 257 runs for the fourth wicket before Matigimu eventually broke the partnership.
As stumps were called, Mulder was joined at the crease by Dewald Brevis, who contributed 15 runs from 16 deliveries.
With their key players sidelined and the Proteas in full flight, how will Zimbabwe respond on Day 2 to try and turn the tide of this Test match?
