ZIM vs SA: Wiaan Mulder-inspired South Africa sweep series with 236-run victory over Zimbabwe in 2nd Test to extend their winning streak

South Africa convincingly swept the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, securing an emphatic innings and 236-run victory on the third day of the second Test at Queens Sports Club to extend their winning streak in the longest format. This was South Africa's tenth consecutive win in Tests. Having been put into bat, South Africa amassed a formidable first innings total of 626 for 5 before declaring. They then proceeded to dismiss Zimbabwe for 170 in their first innings, enforcing the follow-on. Zimbabwe fared slightly better in their second innings, reaching 220 before being bowled out, ensuring a comprehensive win for the visitors.

South Africa crush Zimbabwe in 2nd Test to sweep series

Zimbabwe resumed their second innings on the third day at 51 for 1. While they managed to add 92 runs in the morning session, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing them from mounting any significant resistance. Seamer Corbin Bosch was instrumental in wrapping up the innings, taking 4 wickets for 38 runs, while spinner Senuran Muthusamy contributed with 3 wickets. Takudzwanashe Kaitano (40), Nick Welch (55), and skipper Craig Ervine (49) provided some fight for Zimbabwe, but their efforts were ultimately in vain.

This Test match will also be remembered for the unusual decision by South Africa's stand-in captain, Wiaan Mulder. Mulder was unbeaten on 367, just 34 runs short of breaking Brian Lara's 21-year-old record of 400 for the highest individual score in a Test innings. However, Mulder chose to declare the innings at lunch on the second day, much to the astonishment of many. Despite being within touching distance of a significant milestone in cricket history, and with ample time remaining in the five-day match, Mulder opted against attempting to break the record. The 27-year-old all-rounder, whose Test batting average prior to the match was 26.2, felt it would be disrespectful to surpass the achievement of a cricketing great. Nevertheless, his innings was the fifth-highest individual score in Test cricket history and a new record for South Africa. Mulder also had a successful match with the ball and in the field, taking three wickets and three catches.

South Africa fielded a largely different team from the one that won the World Test Championship against Australia the previous month. However, they still proved to be significantly stronger than their neighbors, having also won the first Test by a substantial margin of 328 runs. South Africa's next challenge will be an away series against Pakistan in October. Zimbabwe's next Test assignment is a two-match series against New Zealand.