“There was little left to guess in the end—only how long Zimbabwe could resist.” After folding for under 200 in the first innings, the hosts managed to show slightly more resolve while following on. But it wasn’t enough. South Africa wrapped up a commanding innings and 236-run victory in just three days in Bulawayo to seal the series 2–0.
The result was almost inevitable after the visitors posted a mammoth 626 for 5 declared, powered by an extraordinary knock from stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder, who carved his name into history with a record-shattering triple century.
In their 136-year Test history, this marks the first time South Africa have won 10 consecutive Tests, breaking their previous best of 9 straight wins between March 2002 and May 2003. Only two other teams have reached double digits in consecutive Test wins—West Indies (11 in 1984) and Australia, who did it twice (16 wins between 1999–2001 and again in 2006–2008).
This series win is even more impressive considering South Africa had rested several senior players. After Temba Bavuma was sidelined with injury before the series, Keshav Maharaj led the side in the first Test, which they won by 328 runs. Maharaj was then ruled out with an injury, opening the door for Mulder to lead in the second match.
And what a debut it was as captain. Mulder smashed an unbeaten 367 off 334 balls, becoming the first player in Test history to score a triple hundred on captaincy debut. With 49 fours and 4 sixes, he seemed destined to chase down Brian Lara’s world record 400—but chose not to.
After the match, Mulder explained the surprising declaration:
“Brian Lara is a legend. That record deserves to remain his. If I ever get such a chance again, I’ll still do the same.”
As for Zimbabwe, their combined total across both innings was just 390 runs, barely ahead of Mulder’s individual tally. They were bowled out for 170 in the first innings, and followed on with 220 in the second. Only Craig Ervine (49) showed any real resistance.
Brief Scores
- South Africa 1st Innings: 626/5 decl.
- Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 170 all out
- Zimbabwe 2nd Innings (Follow-on): 220 all out in 77.3 overs (Tendai Chivanga 22, Craig Ervine 49; Dane Paterson 4/38, Muthusamy 3/77)
Result: South Africa won by an innings and 236 runs
Series Result: South Africa win 2-match series 2–0
Player of the Match: Wiaan Mulder
Player of the Series: Wiaan Mulder
