Mulder Honored as Player of the Match and Series for Exceptional Performance

BULAWAYO: Wiaan Mulder’s remarkable 367-run innings took center stage, complemented by Corbin Bosch’s impressive four-wicket performance in the second innings, as South Africa clinched a dominant innings and 236-run victory against Zimbabwe in the second Test held at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday.

This victory enabled South Africa to secure a 2-0 series sweep, following their commanding 328-run win in the initial match at the same venue.

Zimbabwe began their second innings at 51/1, still trailing by 405 runs after South Africa enforced the follow-on, having dismissed them for a mere 170 after amassing a substantial 626/5d.

Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Nick Welch managed to extend their overnight partnership by just 13 runs before Senuran Muthusamy claimed Kaitano’s wicket in the eighth over on the third day.

The right-handed opener scored 40 runs from 76 balls, including five boundaries.

Welch, on the other hand, contributed to two significant partnerships for the home team, adding 39 runs for the third wicket with Sean Williams (11) and then a 50-run stand with captain Craig Ervine before eventually being dismissed by Muthusamy.

He emerged as Zimbabwe’s highest scorer in the second innings, with 55 runs from 126 deliveries, featuring three fours and two sixes.

His dismissal triggered a collapse, with Zimbabwe losing their remaining five wickets for only 67 runs, resulting in a total of 220 and a significant victory for South Africa.

Ervine showed some resilience with a courageous 49 off 95 balls during the collapse, while number 11, Tanaka Chivanga, contributed a quick 22 from 26 balls.

Bosch stood out as South Africa’s leading bowler in the second innings, capturing four wickets for 38 runs in 19 overs, followed by Muthusamy with three. Codi Yusuf took two wickets, and Wiaan Mulder added one.

Recognizing his outstanding contributions, Wiaan Mulder was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.