Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten maiden double century put South Africa firmly in control after Day One of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.
Handed the Test captaincy for the first time following an injury to Keshav Maharaj, Mulder rose to the occasion with a remarkable innings, finishing the day on 264 not out from 259 deliveries. His knock included 34 fours and three sixes, combining brute force with precise stroke play in what is now the highest score of his Test career.
The 27-year-old’s form has been imperious — this was his second century in as many Tests, having scored 147 in the second innings of the previous match at the same venue.
South Africa’s innings began shakily, with debutant Lesego Senokwane (3) and opener Tony de Zorzi (10) dismissed in the morning session. But Mulder and David Bedingham (82) steadied the ship with a third-wicket stand worth 184. Bedingham impressed with a fluent 101-ball knock before falling to Tanaka Chivanga, who was the pick of Zimbabwe’s bowlers with 2/85.
In-form youngster Lhuan-dre Pretorius then joined his captain at the crease and continued his purple patch. The 19-year-old, who scored a century on debut last week, played positively yet sensibly, rotating the strike and punishing anything loose. He shared a 217-run partnership with Mulder, contributing a well-made 78 before holing out to Wellington Masakadza off the bowling of Kundai Matigimu just before stumps.
At the close of play, Mulder and Dewald Brevis (15 not out) had guided South Africa to a commanding 465/4, with the visitors firmly in the driver’s seat going into Day Two.
SCORE
ZIMABABWE v SOUTH AFRICA
Second Test, day 1
South Africa: 465/4
Wiaan Mulder 264, David Bedingham 82, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 78; Tanaka Chivanga 2/85*
