Masakadza Shines, But Can't Stop Zim Collapse

Witness Runodada Zim Now reporter

Despite a spirited fightback from Wellington Masakadza and Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe suffered a crushing 328-run defeat to South Africa on day four of the first Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Chasing an improbable target of 537, Zimbabwe resumed their second innings on 32 for one but quickly found themselves in trouble as South Africa’s bowlers seized control from the outset. Corbin Bosch, who had dismissed opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano with the final delivery of day three, struck with the very first ball of the morning to remove Nick Welch. From there, the hosts spiraled into a familiar pattern of collapse.

While Sean Williams looked to counter with a quickfire 26 from just 18 balls, his aggressive approach backfired as he fell to another Bosch bouncer. Debutant Codi Yusuf then tore through the middle order with three rapid strikes, including back-to-back ducks for Wessly Madhevere and Tafadzwa Tsiga. Zimbabwe crumbled to 82 for six, with their innings teetering on the brink of disaster.

Wellington Masakadza, who had already impressed with the ball earlier in the match, combined with veteran Craig Ervine to add a much-needed 83-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Masakadza, playing just his sixth Test, registered a career-best 57 off 92 deliveries, striking nine crisp boundaries in a determined knock.

“I felt like I owed my country with the bat,” Masakadza said after notching his maiden Test fifty, having previously never passed 17.

Ervine, composed and assured, fell just short of his own half-century on 49 after being brilliantly caught at short leg by Tony de Zorzi, a moment that effectively ended Zimbabwe's hopes of survival. Bosch went on to complete a maiden five-wicket haul, finishing with outstanding figures of 5 for 43.

Earlier in the match, South Africa had dominated proceedings, amassing 418 for nine declared in the first innings before following it up with 369 in their second. Zimbabwe, in contrast, struggled for consistency with both bat and ball. Their first-innings total of 251 was never going to be enough, and the second innings collapse confirmed their fate.

South Africa now lead the two-match series 1-0, with Zimbabwe left to regroup quickly if they are to avoid a series whitewash.