Keshav Maharaj led South Africa to victory with his brilliant five-for
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
South Africa needed less than two days to triumph in the first-ever four-day Test match as they pummelled Zimbabwe by an innings and 120 runs in Port Elizabeth.
The Proteas’ impressive win started with Morne Morkel’s five-for in Zimbabwe’s first innings before Keshav Maharaj achieved the same feat when they were made to follow on.
Starting off the day on 30/4, Zimbabwe lost debutant Ryan Burl early on as he was clean bowled by Morkel for 16.
Morkel struck again four balls later as he had Sikandar Raza caught behind for a duck.
Kyle Jarvis managed to make 23 before he was caught behind off the bowling of Andile Phehlukwayo.
Once Jarvis was gone, Zimbabwe only added 13 runs to their score before they were skittled out for 68, which is their fifth-lowest total in Test history.
Morkel was the pick of the bowlers with five wickets, while Phehlukwayo and Kagiso Rabada snapped up two wickets apiece. As for Vernon Philander, he chipped in with one.
Morne Morkel added two wickets to the three he took on the opening day
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
With a 241-run lead in hand, South Africa enforced the follow on and Zimbabwe lost opener Hamilton Masakadza early as he had to retire hurt after being struck on the elbow.
Chamu Chibhabha and Craig Ervine managed to put together a 46-run partnership before Chibhabha was caught behind off the bowling of Rabada for 15.
Maharaj then proceeded to take out Brendan Taylor for 16, while Phehlukwayo removed Ervine for 23.
Following Ervine’s dismissal, Maharaj tore through Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order, and even dismissed Masakadza, who returned to bat later in the innings. With none of their batsmen putting up a fight, Zimbabwe were bundled out for 121.
Maharaj was the most successful bowler with five wickets, while Phehlukwayo took three, and Rabada and Philander claimed one wicket each.
Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer was less than impressed with his side’s performance, and said: “We knew it was always going to be tough. When we saw how the ball moved around under the lights, we knew it was tough, especially with their attack. But we prepared, and mentally too, but at the end of the day they were too good for us.
“Against Sri Lanka and West Indies, they were flat wickets. So this was more about gearing up mentally and tightening our techniques, which let us down. I don’t think we were overwhelmed by the atmosphere. We were surprised seeing the ball move so much, and we didn’t assess the conditions.
“Just one of those things. We play a tri-series against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in January, then Dubai and then the qualifiers. Work to do.”
South Africa stand-in captain AB de Villiers was thrilled to have completed the match in quick time, and said: “Happy to return. You could see I was enjoying myself. Nice to get some runs, would’ve liked some more. Always a good crowd here, India next so taking some confidence out of this.
“My back is okay, not so bad at the moment. De Kock should be okay, the scans didn’t show too much damage. He just needs some rest. Faf will be back for the India series, and they will all be fit so our selectors will have the good problem of finding the XI.
“We bowled exceptionally well, we were quite happy with that spicy wicket. Still had to do the basics well, landed the ball in good areas for long spells. The slips and myself were in the game all the time. Goes well with some time on our legs ahead of the India series.
“We lost a lot of late wickets, but we structured our innings well. Aiden Markram’s in great form, and it doesn’t seem like he’s losing touch. Temba was good too. Overall, happy with our batting. The ball moves about late in day-night Tests, so it’s important not to lose wickets in the evening. It’s just about having the teams adapt, and understand the structures.”
South Africa opener Aiden Markram was named Man of the Match for his knock of 125, and said: “Pretty tough wicket, but as a batting unit we had the best of the conditions. Was good to get stuck in there. It’s been a good start to my career, enjoyed every minute of it. There are tough times and easy times, and it helps you grow as a person. Happy to take my opportunity.
“Learnt more about my game, my role, my strengths and to avoid my weaknesses. You learn a lot when you’re out in the middle, so that’s what I wanted to do. It got easier as we batted, but I never felt in. Was a tough wicket, but got easier the more time one spends in the middle. Looking forward to the India series a lot. Very exciting for me, and it’s how you want to test yourself. Want to fight against the best teams in the world, and there’s a lot of good players in our team. Should be exciting.”