By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Zimbabwe conceded the advantage to South Africa after dictating terms in the first hour of the second Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
The bowlers seemed to justify Craig Ervine’s decision to bowl first by dismissing openers Tony de Zorzi and debutant Lesego Senokwane early to have South Africa wobbling at 24 for 2.
Wiaan Mulder standing in as captain, and David Bedingham took the attack to the bowlers, raising a half-century stand off just 35 deliveries to throw Zimbabwe’s plans off gear. By lunch, the pair had extended their unbroken third-wicket stand to 89 as South Africa finished 113 for 2.
South Africa, having registered a comprehensive 328-run victory over their hosts last week, leads the two-test series 1-0.
South Africa made three changes to their victorious side from last week. The first was a forced change. Senuran Muthusamy came in for the injured Keshav Maharaj, who pulled out of the test after suffering a groin strain. Mulder took over the captaincy duties in Maharaj’s stead.
“It’s been a dream of mine to captain. I haven’t had the opportunity to do it much at professional level, I did it quite a lot when I was younger,” Mulder shared ahead of the encounter.
The other two changes are Senokwane coming in for Matthew Breetzke at the top of the order, and Prenelan Subrayen replacing Kwena Maphaka. According to Mulder, the changes were to ensure that players like Senokwane, who have made a clear case for themselves at domestic level, get the opportunity to perform on the big stage.
Zimbabwe also made a few changes to their starting lineup as they hunt for a series-levelling victory. One of those changes was the introduction of Kundai Matigimu, a Tuks alumnus, to the starting XI. Brian Bennett, who suffered an injury in the first test, is still sidelined. They will be looking to Takudzwa Kaitano.
Zimbabwe: Tanaka Chivanga, Craig Ervine, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicolas Welch, Sean Williams.
South Africa: Lesego Senokwane, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, Prenelan Subrayen.