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(The Post News)– Corbin Bosch delivered a rare and remarkable all-around performance as the Proteas thrashed Zimbabwe by 328 runs on the fourth day of the first Test in Bulawayo. Bosch became just the fifth South African to score a century and claim a five-wicket haul in the same match, hitting an unbeaten 100 and finishing with 5/43 to wrap up Zimbabwe’s second innings for 208.
The match had started shakily for the visitors, who were reeling at 22/3 before debutants Lhuan-dre Pretorius (153) and Dewald Brevis (51) stabilized things. Bosch’s ton pushed the total to 418/9 declared, giving the Proteas control that they never relinquished.
Player of the Match Pretorius said the plan was simple: “Stay calm, soak up the pressure, and play my natural game. Zimbabwe showed some resistance, particularly through Sean Williams’ first-innings hundred, but Wiaan Mulder’s 147 put the result beyond doubt. Set an improbable 537 to win, Zimbabwe collapsed under the relentless pace.
Bosch struck with the final ball of day three and carried that momentum into Tuesday, claiming wickets in quick succession, including Williams, who made a brisk 26. Yusuf provided excellent support, picking up 3/22, while the Proteas bowlers exploited the conditions expertly.
Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine (49) and Wellington Masakadza (57) offered a spirited partnership to avoid complete humiliation, but it was too little too late.
The Proteas captain Keshav Maharaj praised his side’s grit: “Our bowlers delivered when it mattered. We backed their talent, and they responded.”
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