South Africa seals big win

Another crushing victory for the home side South Africa, as Zimbabwe finish the 2-Test series beaten, bruised and 2-0 in defeat. The South Africans men imposed a result of an innings and 62 runs upon the Zimbabweans, as Zondeki snared a career-best 6 wickets.

Resuming on 380/6, Ashwell Prince and Nicky Boje wasted little time in pressing their partnership to 142 in worth before the latter was bowled by Cremer – 480 for 7. Nicky Boje was out for 82 runs, an innings which took just 99 balls and featured 15 fours and 1 six. Graeme Smith called the innings closed immediately upon his dismissal, leaving Ashwell Prince unbeaten on 139.

Behind by 211 runs, Zimbabwe took to the middle again with only pride to play for. Even that was scarce. Zondeki and Nel quickly removed Rogers (0), Ebrahim (1), Matsikenyeri (5) and Taylor (6), and it was quickly 29/4. Captain Tatenda Taibu (13) and Hamilton Masakadza (47) tried to rescue the innings, adding 47 runs for the fifth wicket. When Taibu was Zondeki’s fourth victim, the last glimmer of Zimbabwean hope was perhaps ousted. That especially as Zondeki made Masakadza his fifth wicket 9 runs later.

Heath Streak laboured for 72 balls to score 16 and Elton Chigumbura figured for a 67-ball 44, but it was to little benefit. Zimbabwe slumped to 149 all out, with the last two wickets – Blignaut and Cremer – registered as ducks.

Score Summary:

Zimbabwe 1st innings 269 ao (85 overs)
HH Streak 85, AM Blignaut 52, DD Ebrahim 37
JH Kallis 4/33, M Zondeki 3/66, A Nel 2/17

South Africa 1st innings 480/7 dec. (109.5 overs)
AG Prince 139*, N Boje 82, JH Kallis 58, AB de Villiers/HH Gibbs 47
HH Streak 2/78, AG Cremer 3/106

Zimbabwe 2nd innings 149 ao (59.3 overs)
H Masakadza 47, E Chigumbura 44
M Zondeki 6/39, JH Kallis 2/20

Result: South Africa won by an innings and 62 runs
Series: South Africa won 2-0
Man of the Match: M Zondeki (SA)
Man of the Series: JH Kallis (SA)