ZIM vs SA: Centuries from Pretorius, Bosch flip the script for South Africa on Day 1

India Today

14 hours ago

Defending World Test Champions, South Africa's return to Test cricket in Bulawayo began in complete disarray but ended with a flourish that few would have predicted. After a chaotic morning session left them reeling, the day transformed into one of spirited fightback and remarkable firsts. Debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius and lower-order batter Corbin Bosch led the charge with contrasting but equally impactful centuries, propelling the visitors to a strong 418 for 9 by the close of play on Day 1 against Zimbabwe.advertisementIn a line-up barely resembling their World Test Championship-winning core, South Africa were thrown into the fire early. A fired-up Tanaka Chivanga shredded the Proteas' top order with a ruthless new-ball spell. In the space of a few overs, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke and David Bedingham were all back in the pavilion, and when Wiaan Mulder fell to a run-out mix-up, the scoreboard read a miserable 55/4.ZIM vs SA, 1st Test Day 1: Highlights
Enter Lhuan-dre Pretorius.Just 19 years old, and on Test debut, Pretorius walked in when the dressing room mood would've been somber. But with a boldness that belied his age, the left-hander launched a counterattack that flipped the narrative. He struck a six within minutes of arriving and began peppering the off-side with crisp drives and calculated aggression. What followed was a sensational innings carved out of both flair and fight.advertisementPretorius found initial help from another Proteas young gun Dewald Brevis, who smashed a lively 51 off just 41 deliveries to inject energy after lunch. That brief stand allowed Pretorius to grow into his innings with confidence. Even as Zimbabwe pushed hard with appeals and half-chances, the teenager remained composed. With no DRS in play, he benefitted from a few close calls but never lost his intent. He brought up his maiden Test hundred in just 112 balls, becoming the youngest South African to score a debut century. His knock—153 off 160—was a blend of clean strokeplay, sharp temperament, and fearless shot-making, featuring 20 fours and 4 big sixes.His dismissal after tea gave Zimbabwe a brief window of hope, but Corbin Bosch—another relative newcomer to the format—ensured the Proteas stayed on top. Unlike Pretorius' fireworks, Bosch's knock was a study in patience. Coming in at No. 8, he first focused on survival, ticking along in singles and building small but meaningful partnerships with Keshav Maharaj and Codi Yusuf.Then, as the Zimbabwean attack tired, Bosch began to open up. In the final session, he shifted gears with timing and clarity, eventually reaching his maiden Test hundred off 124 deliveries with a boundary in the day's last over. Unbeaten on 100, Bosch walked off with Maphaka—who had ended the day with a six—having scripted South Africa's unlikely dominance.advertisementFor Zimbabwe, Chivanga's four-wicket haul was the standout performance in an otherwise frustrating day. Missed chances, poor fielding, and the inability to capitalise on their early advantage left them chasing shadows by stumps.What started with panic and collapse ended with promise and poise. If South Africa's new era needed a signal of intent, they've found it in the audacity of a teenager and the steel of a lower-order fighter.- Ends