Zimbabwe vs South AfricaCricket NewsCricket SeriesInternational CricketInternational MatchesLatest Cricket UpdatesSouth Africa cricket playersSouth Africa national cricket team newsTestTest CricketTest Cricket UpdatesTest Match UpdatesWiaan MulderZimbabwe cricketersZimbabwe national cricket team news
South Africa Crush Zimbabwe by an Innings and 236 Runs to Seal 2-0 Series Win
Mulder’s Heroics and Ruthless Bowling Hand South Africa a Commanding Victory in Bulawayo
South Africa have completed a dominant clean sweep over Zimbabwe, winning the second and final Test in Bulawayo by an innings and 236 runs on Day 3. This comprehensive result sealed a 2-0 series whitewash, with the Proteas showcasing their all-round strength and depth.
The foundation for this emphatic win was laid by stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder, who produced a historic double century — an unbeaten 367 — followed by disciplined and relentless bowling that crushed Zimbabwe’s resistance in under three sessions.
Zimbabwe Falter Despite Early Promise on Day 3
Top-Order Resistance Fizzles Out Under Pressure
Resuming the third day at 51/1, Zimbabwe looked to fight back with Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Sean Williams at the crease. However, it didn’t take long for Senuran Muthusamy to strike. Kaitano chipped a soft catch to Mulder at cover and departed for 40.
Shortly after, Sean Williams was clean bowled by Wiaan Mulder, marking yet another major contribution by the South African skipper. That delivery rattled the off-stump and signaled the beginning of a steady unraveling of Zimbabwe’s second innings.
Zimbabwe’s Middle-Order Fightback Short-Lived
Welch and Ervine Steady Briefly Before Collapse Ensues
A valiant half-century from Nick Welch (55) and a composed 49 from skipper Craig Ervine briefly held the South African bowlers at bay. The pair stitched together a 50+ partnership, frustrating the visitors for 21 overs.
But Muthusamy, who bowled with persistent flight and guile, drew Welch into a mistimed flick, resulting in a leading edge caught at slip — a critical breakthrough. Once that stand was broken, Zimbabwe collapsed dramatically, losing eight wickets for just 67 runs.
Related: South Africa’s previous victory in the first Test vs Zimbabwe – Match Summary
South African Bowlers Trigger Dramatic Collapse
Yusuf and Bosch Deliver Final Blows
South Africa’s young pace duo Codi Yusuf and Corbin Bosch ran through the lower-middle order and tail with ruthless efficiency. Wessley Madhevere and Tafadzwa Tsiga offered little resistance, both dismissed cheaply by Yusuf within six overs of each other.
Ervine, nearing his half-century, was castled by Corbin Bosch, who then went on to dismiss Kundai Matigimu and Blessing Muzarabani in the same spell. This clinical bowling display left Zimbabwe reeling at 184/9.
Late Flourish from Chivanga and Masakadza Delays the Inevitable
Tailenders Offer Some Fight
Zimbabwe’s last-wicket pair, Wellington Masakadza and Tanaka Chivanga, added some respectability to the total, holding out for nearly nine overs. Chivanga counterattacked with a 26-ball 22 that included three boundaries and a six, providing a brief moment of defiance.
But in the extended session, Muthusamy returned to trap Chivanga and wrap up the innings. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 220, surrendering to an innings and 236-run defeat, one of their heaviest in recent years.
A Historic Test Performance by Wiaan Mulder
Highest Test Score by a South African Captain
Mulder’s incredible unbeaten 367 in the first innings not only helped build an insurmountable total but also marked the highest-ever Test score by a South African captain. His contributions with both bat and ball set the tone for a commanding team performance.
This series win highlights the growing bench strength of South African cricket, especially with several senior players rested or rotated.
More on Wiaan Mulder’s Test records and stats – ESPNCricinfo
South Africa’s emphatic Test series victory over Zimbabwe is a statement of intent ahead of their future international assignments. With standout performances from Mulder, Muthusamy, Bosch, and Yusuf, the Proteas showed dominance in all departments. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will need to regroup and address both batting inconsistency and bowling impact if they aim to be competitive in longer formats.
This series result also strengthens South Africa’s position in the ICC World Test Championship standings, while offering fresh names to watch in the build-up to upcoming multi-format series.
Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Points Table – Latest Standings
