ZIM vs SA 2025, 2nd Test, Day 1 Review: Mulder's masterclass puts South Africa on top in Bulawayo

The stand-in South African skipper Wiaan Mulder produced a dominant performance at No. 3, taking full control on Day 1 of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. After Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to field, Mulder led the visiting side's charge with a sublime unbeaten 264, powering the visitors to 465/4 at the end of opening day's play.

Zimbabwe started brightly, reducing the visitors to 24/2. Tony de Zorzi fell early, nicking a delivery to gully, where Nick Welch held on to a sharp catch. Debutant Lesego Senokwane, who took 28 deliveries between his first and second runs in Test cricket, was trapped lbw attempting a paddle sweep off Wessly Masakadza, trying to ease the mounting pressure.

The hosts looked in control but lost momentum after switching to a short-ball strategy, which backfired. Mulder and David Bedingham took full advantage, scoring briskly and bringing up a 50-run stand in just 35 balls. Bedingham eventually fell for a well-made 82, lbw by Tanaka Chivanga, after sharing a 184-run stand with Mulder for the third wicket.

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Lhuan-dre Pretorius then joined the South African skipper, and the duo further deflated the hosts' bowlers, stitching together a massive 217-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Pretorius contributed a solid 78 before departing to Kundai Matigimu.

But the day belonged to the Proteas skipper. His unbeaten 264 came off just 259 deliveries, featuring 34 boundaries and three sixes. It marked his third Test century and his highest score in international cricket to date. His innings was near-flawless, with the only scare coming on 91, when he miscued a pull off Blessing Muzarabani, only for the ball to land safely between deep square leg and long leg.

Chivanga was the only Zimbabwean bowler to take more than one wicket, finishing with two on Day 1. At Stumps on the opening day, the visiting skipper is well on course for his maiden triple hundred alongside Dewald Brevis (15*), as South Africa look to cruise towards a commanding first-innings total.