Bulawayo, June 29 (UNI) South Africa took firm control of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club today, building a commanding 216-run lead by stumps on Day 2, despite a defiant century from Zimbabwe’s veteran batsman Sean Williams.

After declaring their first innings at an imposing 418 for 9, South Africa struck early in Zimbabwe’s reply, reducing the hosts to 23 for 2. But Williams, batting at No. 4, staged a valiant fightback with a superb 137, his sixth Test century, to help Zimbabwe post 251. South Africa then reached 49 for 1 in their second innings at close of play, with Wiaan Mulder (25*) and Tony de Zorzi (22*) holding firm.

Earlier, South Africa resumed the day by immediately declaring on their overnight total of 418, built around a brilliant 153 by Andile Pretorius and an unbeaten 100 from Corbin Bosch. Zimbabwe’s pacer Tanaka Chivanga was the standout bowler, returning figures of 4 for 83.

In Zimbabwe’s innings, the early blows came swiftly. Debutant Codi Yusuf struck in his first over, removing opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano, and followed up with the wicket of Nick Welch. The innings took a further hit when Brian Bennett, struck on the helmet by a rising delivery from Kwena Maphaka, walked off due to delayed concussion symptoms. He was later substituted by Prince Masvaure.

Zimbabwe were reeling at 23 for 2 when Williams arrived at the crease. In partnership with skipper Craig Ervine (36), he added 91 runs, steadying the innings despite relentless pressure from South Africa’s seamers. Ervine fell to Keshav Maharaj, stumped for 36, as Zimbabwe reached 123 for 3.

Williams continued his counterattack, especially targeting Maharaj, against whom he scored 43 off 52 balls. He brought up his hundred in style, joining Andy Flower in second place for most Test centuries by a Zimbabwe batsman. However, wickets continued to tumble around him — Mulder (4 for 50) and Yusuf (3 for 42) shared the spoils as Zimbabwe collapsed from 165 for 3 to 251 all out.

Maharaj had the last word on Williams, stumping him for 137, following which the Zimbabwe tail added just two runs.

Forced to bat again, South Africa lost Matthew Breetzke early, caught at gully off Chivanga. But Mulder and de Zorzi dug in, ending the day unscathed at 49 for 1, with the visitors extending their lead to 216 runs.

Brief Scores:

South Africa 1st innings: 418/9 dec (Pretorius 153, Bosch 100*, Chivanga 4/83)

Zimbabwe 1st innings: 251 (Williams 137, Ervine 36, Mulder 4/50, Yusuf 3/42)

South Africa 2nd innings: 49/1 (Mulder 25*, de Zorzi 22*)

South Africa lead by 216 runs

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