Match Summary: South Africa 418 for 9 (Pretorius 153, Bosch 100*, Brevis 51, Chivanga 4-82) vs Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean pacer Tanaka Chivanga shone on the first day of the first Test match against South Africa at Queens Sports Club yesterday, but the Proteas dominated the second and third sessions to close at 418/9.
The hosts opted for two frontline seamers, Chivanga and Blessing Muzarabani, supported by spinners Wellington Masakadza and Vincent Masekesa.
This Test marked South Africa's return to Zimbabwe after an 11-year hiatus. South Africa, conversely, fielded four pacers and handed three players their Test debuts.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa found themselves in early trouble, losing three wickets for just 23 runs inside 14.2 overs. Opener Tony de Zorzi fell for a duck, caught by Brian Bennett off Chivanga in the sixth over.
Matthew Breetzke departed in similar fashion, caught by Bennett off Chivanga for 13. The in-form Chivanga then removed David Bedingham for a three-ball duck, caught by skipper Craig Ervine.
Zimbabwe controlled the first session, restricting South Africa to 90/4 in 28 overs. Chivanga was the primary destroyer, claiming three wickets and combining with Muzarabani for a run-out of Wiaan Mulder (17).
At lunch, debutants Lhuan-dre Pretorius (44*) and Dewald Brevis (10*) were at the crease.
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However, South Africa took control in the subsequent sessions.
Pretorius scored a brilliant 153 off 160 balls on debut, while Brevis contributed with his maiden Test fifty before being caught by Chivanga off Muzarabani.
"It was amazing. I was quite nervous at 23-3... but it's been a dream come true. I don't think it's sunk in yet. I'm glad today it's over," said Pretorius.
He added, "We knew they only had two seamers and we knew we could take the spinners out of the attack...I just love batting, fortunately it worked out for me today. It's a real dream come true, and for my parents and family to be here, it tops it off."
Zimbabwe struggled to replicate their morning form, conceding 158 runs in the second session and 170 runs in the third.
Corbin Bosch brought up his century, remaining unbeaten on 100 off 124 balls, joined by tailender Kwena Maphaka (9* off 12 deliveries).
Chivanga finished with figures of 4/83 from 16 overs, while Muzarabani took 2/59 from 20 overs.
Masakadza and Vincent Masekesa claimed one wicket each.
The match resumes on day two, with Zimbabwe's batting resilience set to be tested as they aim to pick up the remaining wicket and commence their innings.
