The defending World Test Champions, South Africa, registered a dominant win over Zimbabwe by a massive 328 runs in the opening game of the two-match Test series in Bulawayo. Despite featuring numerous fresh faces, the Proteas displayed great character away from home. The defeat marked the heaviest for the hosts in terms of run margin.
Corbin Bosch’s five-wicket haul seals dominant win for South Africa
Starting Day 4 in a comfortable position, with Zimbabwe needing over 500 runs and nine wickets in hand, the Proteas bowled with discipline to wrap up the Zimbabwean innings swiftly. By lunch, the hosts were struggling at 150 for 6, with much of their batting already back in the pavilion. Skipper Craig Ervine showed some resistance with a gritty 49, while Wellington Masakadza impressed with a fighting half-century, scoring 57 off 92 balls.
For South Africa, the day belonged to pacer Corbin Bosch, who delivered a superb spell to claim a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 43. Codi Yusuf also shone with the ball, picking up 3 wickets and earning praise for his swing and consistent lengths. Skipper Keshav Maharaj and young talent Dewald Brevis chipped in with one wicket each, completing a clinical bowling performance that secured South Africa a convincing victory.
Lhan-dre Pretorius shines with a tremendous century
Just weeks after their historic triumph at Lord’s, the Proteas were assigned their next challenge with a slightly different lineup. Despite the changes, the side delivered as per expectations, bringing several positives to the table. Among the standout performers was Lhan-dre Pretorius, who scored a scintillating century with a superb 153 in the first innings.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, showed promise but will need their youngsters to step up if they are to compete at this level. Veteran batter Sean Williams was phenomenal, anchoring their first innings with a gritty century, scoring 137 runs and providing much-needed stability to the batting lineup.
Also READ: Who is Codi Yusuf? South Africa’s new bowling hope with Dale Steyn’s stamp of approval
Here’s how fans reacted:
Massive win for the Proteas, beating Zimbabwe by 328 runs in the first Test in Bulawayo! 🇿🇦
Fast-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch shone in just his 2nd match with his maiden Test century and first five-wicket haul in the format!
Dominant team effort all round!#SAvZIM
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) July 1, 2025
🚨 HISTORY CREATED BY CORBIN BOSCH 🚨
– Corbin Bosch becomes the first South African player to take Hundred & five-wicket haul in a Test after 23 years. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/kQJbu6QMKz
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 1, 2025
Corbin Bosch better have a full time spot in the test team. He’s just gone and done what Jacques Kallis did several times throughout his career.
A 100 and a 5 fer. Plus, he compliments Jansen and Rabada with the ball.
Special mention to Mulder too. 147 and a 4 fer
— BokScrum (@BokScrum1211) July 1, 2025
Zimbabwe 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁 (𝗯𝘆 𝟯𝟮𝟴 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀) 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀.
Prev biggest defeat for ZIM in Tests: 315 runs by SL @ Galle, 2002#ZIMvSA #ZIMvsSA
— sudharshan sridharan (@sudharshansrid1) July 1, 2025
Our Proteas have kicked off the Test series with a solid, no-nonsense win! 🇿🇦 The boys showed serious skill, discipline, and smart cricket with both bat and ball. A proper team effort that puts us 1-0 up in the series. Lekker stuff!
Sorry bo Makhi, we had to test on u!#ZimvsSA pic.twitter.com/xthle9C5jS— Tlotliso Mphuthi 🇿🇦🇮🇱🇱🇸 (@TlotlisoM_) July 1, 2025
South Africa won 1st Test by 328 Runs. What a Performance Corbin Bosch (100*, 36 & 5/43), Wiaan Mulder (4/50 & 147) and Keshav Maharaj (21, 3/70, 51 & 1/71). Magnificent Knock on Test Debut Lhuan-dre Pretorius 153 (Player of the Match). Superb Knock D Brevis 51(41). Excellent…
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) July 1, 2025
THE WORLD CHAMPIONS SOUTH AFRICA BEAT ZIMBABWE BY 328 RUNS IN FIRST TEST MATCH..!!!!
– What a dominating Victory by Proteas. 🇿🇦#ShubmanGill #YashasviJasiwal #ViratKohli #KLRahul #INDvsENG #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/O2L8MWbGR2
— Monish (@Monish09cric) July 1, 2025
Damn Corbin Bosch must be flabbergasted!!
— 3rd August❤ (@_Milli__) July 1, 2025
The new World Test Champion South Africa handed Zimbabwe their heaviest defeat ever in test cricket.
The Proteas won by 328 runs in Bulawayo. #SAvZIM #ZIMvRSA #TestCricket— Sports Geeez (@Sportsgeeez) July 1, 2025
Corbin Bosch – first South African in 23 years to score a hundred and take a fifer in the same Test. 🇿🇦#SAvsZIM #ZIMvRSA pic.twitter.com/pwIw89Nbhq
— chanchal sarkar (@cricxnews140982) July 1, 2025
South Africa go 1-0 up in this two-match Test series ⚡🙌#Cricket #ZIMvSA #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/55Fst4PL0n
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 1, 2025
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