ZIM vs SA 2025, 1st Test, Day 4 Review: Bosch, Mulder's all-round show powers South Africa to massive win
South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by 328 runs in the first Test.
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World Test Champions South Africa kicked off their new red-ball campaign with a resounding win, defeating Zimbabwe by 328 runs in the first Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Corbin Bosch’s historic all-round performance and Wiaan Mulder’s contribution headlined the four-day encounter that saw the Proteas dominate from the beginning to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Opting to bat first, they declared at 418/9d, thanks to contributions from Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who smashed 153, along with Dewald Brevis’ 51 and Bosch’s unbeaten 100, his maiden Test century. Zimbabwe replied with a 251, courtesy of Sean Williams’ 137. Mulder starred with the ball, picking up 4/50, while Codi Yusuf added three wickets to restrict the hosts to a decent total.
Zimbabwe suffered their heaviest defeat in Tests in terms of runs
In their second innings, South Africa continued to dominate. Mulder hit 147, well supported by skipper Keshav Maharaj (51) and Bosch (36), helping the visitors post 369 and set Zimbabwe a target of 537.
The Zimbabwean batting line-up collapsed early on Day 4. Bosch picked wickets on the final ball of Day 3 and the first of Day 4, putting himself on a hat-trick. While Williams and Ervine tried to steady the innings, a middle-order collapse saw Zimbabwe score 82/6. A brief partnership between Ervine (49) and Masakadza (57) frustrated the Proteas for a while, but once Bosch broke through with a diving catch by Tony de Zorzi, the game tilted towards the visitors.
Maharaj becomes first SA spinner to claim 200 Test wickets
Bosch completed his maiden five-wicket haul (5/43), becoming the first South African in 23 years to score a century and take a five-for in the same Test. Codi Yusuf (3/22) and Brevis, who picked up his maiden Test wicket, wrapped up the tail. Zimbabwe’s total of 208 meant their heaviest defeat in Tests in terms of runs.
"Obviously very good to get over the line. To see the character was very heartwarming. The display with the ball was very encouraging to see. No pressure, we know the talent within our systems. It was getting them in the right frame of mind to execute, and they showed that throughout the four days. I've had my eye on Lhuan-dre since the SA20, and he hasn't looked back since in any format. He's a mature young lad. To see how he goes about his business in pressure situations was very heartwarming. And then there's Dewald Brevis. Not many youngsters come into our system and express themselves the way he does. Wiaan, new position batting at 3, to see him take that opportunity with both hands, I'm really happy for him. Bosch is new to the international scene, but he's really fit in like a glove. To see him conquer both facets in this Test match was really special," Maharaj said after the game.
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