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Bosch Show Leads Day 4 As South Africa Crush ZIM By Historic Margin In Test Opener

Soumyajit Dutta

Corbin Bosch [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X.com]Corbin Bosch [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X.com]

South Africa wrapped up a commanding 328-run victory over Zimbabwe on Day 4 of the first Test at the Central Gauteng Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. Chasing a mammoth 537 for victory, Zimbabwe were bundled out for 208 in just 66.2 overs, with pacer Corbin Bosch starring with a five-wicket haul.

Now, let's take a look at how things panned out in Bulawayo between South Africa and Zimbabwe on Day 4.

Corbin Bosch Gives Early Breakthroughs

Zimbabwe had resumed Day 4 at 32/1, trailing by 505 runs, with Prince Masvaure and Takudzwanashe Kaitano aiming to extend their resistance. However, Corbin Bosch struck immediately on the first delivery of the day, removing Nick Welch for a duck and breaking Zimbabwe’s momentum.

Sean Williams tried to counter-attack, smashing five boundaries in a quickfire 26 off 18 balls, but his stay was short-lived as Bosch had him caught behind. Masvaure’s gritty knock of 12 off 76 balls also came to an end when he edged one off debutant Codi Yusuf, who struck again to remove Wessly Madhevere and wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga in a sharp burst of seam bowling.

Ervine and Masakadza Offer Brief Resistance Amid The Crumble

Zimbabwe’s captain Craig Ervine fought valiantly with 49 off 77 balls, stitching a crucial 83-run stand with Wellington Masakadza (57 off 92). The duo revived some hopes before Bosch returned to dismiss Ervine, triggering another collapse.

Wellington’s composed half-century ended when he holed out off Maharaj, and the tail didn’t offer much resistance barring Blessing Muzarabani’s entertaining unbeaten 32 from just 29 deliveries, which included four boundaries and two sixes.

Corbin Bosch finished with exceptional figures of 5 for 43 from 12 overs, while Yusuf impressed with 3 for 22. Maharaj and Dewald Brevis chipped in with a wicket each to seal the win.

South Africa Stamps Dominance Over Zimbabwe

Earlier in the match, South Africa had piled up 418/9 in their first innings and declared, followed by a solid second innings score of 369, setting Zimbabwe a daunting target. Zimbabwe had managed 251 in their first outing, falling well short in both departments across the Test.

This crushing win not only showcased South Africa’s dominance with both bat and ball but also exposed Zimbabwe’s lack of depth in handling quality pace and spin across four days. The teams will now head into the second and final Test with South Africa in full command of the series.