Bulawayo, July 02 (V7N) — South Africa have set an imposing target of 537 runs for Zimbabwe in the Bulawayo Test, leaving the hosts struggling at 150 for 6 in their second innings by the tea break on the fourth day.

Chasing their highest-ever target in 33 years of Test cricket, Zimbabwe’s batting faltered early. They lost opener Innocent Kaitano to Corbin Bosc on the final ball of day three, setting the tone for a difficult morning. The top and middle order crumbled further, slumping to 82 for 6 as South Africa’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure.

However, skipper Craig Ervine (41*) and all-rounder Wellington Masakadza (43*) provided some resistance with an unbroken 68-run partnership, offering a glimmer of hope for Zimbabwe.

Score summary at tea (Day 4)

  • Zimbabwe: 150/6, need 387 more runs to win

  • Craig Ervine: 41*

  • Wellington Masakadza: 43*

  • Corbin Bosc: 3/47

  • Kodi Yusuf: 3/55

Match highlights

South Africa’s dominance was built on a mammoth first-innings total of 418, powered by debutant Luan Dray Pretorius' stunning 153 and Corbin Bosc’s unbeaten century.

Zimbabwe’s reply was anchored by a valiant century from Shaun Williams before they folded for 251.

In their second innings, South Africa declared at 369, thanks to Wian Mulder’s second Test century and useful contributions from the lower order, setting Zimbabwe a record-breaking chase.

What’s next?

South Africa are now just four wickets away from sealing victory, while Zimbabwe face the daunting task of surviving against a potent Proteas attack on a wearing pitch.

END/MSS/AJ