By Razeen Gutta
- Nineteen-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored 153 runs and was named man of the match after leading South Africa to a 537-run target.
- Captain Keshav Maharaj praised the new players’ performance, but suffered an injury and will miss the second test on 6 July.
South Africa’s test team walked away with a huge win in Bulawayo, thrashing Zimbabwe by 328 runs after setting them a massive 537-run target.
The hosts only managed 208 runs in their second innings before being bowled out on Tuesday.
Teenage star Lhuan-dre Pretorius hit 153 off just 160 balls in the first innings and was named man of the match. He was praised by Captain Keshav Maharaj, who called him “a mature young man” and said his calm under pressure inspired the rest of the team.
Corbin Bosch also impressed. He scored a century in the first innings and took five wickets in Zimbabwe’s second innings.
Maharaj, who stood in as captain, said the win showed the depth of talent in South African cricket.
“We’ve just come off a big win and had a lot of new players in the squad,” he said. “They kept a cool head and performed well over the four days.”
But it wasn’t all good news. Maharaj picked up an injury while batting on day three and won’t play in the second test. Senuran Muthusamy has been called up as his replacement.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder will captain the team when the second and final test kicks off on Saturday, 6 July.
Pictured above: Keshav Maharaj.
Image source: @keshavmaharaj16
