
Zimbabwe's Williams bags century but South Africa lead by 216 in Bulawayo
A South African side missing several regulars will resume on 49 for one on the third morning after Zimbabwe made 251 in reply to the tourists' first-innings score of 418 for nine declared.
Opener Tony de Zorzi is 22 not out and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has 25 as South Africa look to build a formidable total for their hosts to chase.
Matthew Breetzke was the only wicket to fall in their second innings after he was caught by Wessly Madhevere in the gully off the bowling of Tanaka Chivanga for one.
The 38-year-old Williams held his side's first innings together with a sixth century in 21 tests, despite taking a nasty blow to the helmet from teenage South African speedster Kwena Maphaka.
Maphaka had earlier ended opener Brian Bennett's game when he too was struck on the helmet and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the fixture with concussion.
Bennett's place was taken by concussion replacement Prince Masvaure, who managed only seven before he became one of four wickets for Mulder (4-50).
Debutant seamer Codi Yusuf finished with figures of 3-42 and stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj took 3-70, including the wicket of Williams, who was stumped by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.
South Africa are fielding only four of the players who did duty in the World Test Championship victory over Australia at Lord's earlier this month.
One of their three debutants is Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who at 19 years and 93 days on Saturday became the youngest player to score 150 in men's test cricket when the left-hander struck 153 in 160 balls in South Africa's first innings.
It was also the second fastest score of 150 by a debutant in tests, taking 157 deliveries, behind India's Shikhar Dhawan, who managed 150 in 131 balls against Australia in 2013.
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Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Straits Times
Australia seize control as Smith's masterclass extends lead to 254
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CNA
14 hours ago
- CNA
Australia seize control as Smith's masterclass extends lead to 254
Steve Smith's magnificent 71 guided Australia to 221 for seven at stumps on day three of the second test against West Indies in Grenada on Saturday, helping the tourists to build a commanding 254-run lead despite late wickets and persistent rain interruptions. Australia, who began the day two wickets down after losing Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja on Friday, made it to lunch at 69 for three and appeared vulnerable on a pitch offering variable bounce and seam movement. Nathan Lyon's nightwatchman role lasted 33 balls and yielded eight runs before he fell to Alzarri Joseph, with John Campbell taking the catch at third slip. At that point, Australia were crying out for some heroics, and up stepped Smith and Cameron Green, who combined for a crucial 93-run partnership that turned the tide inexorably in the visitors' favour. Green contributed a vital 52, his highest score batting at number three, before falling immediately after reaching his half-century when he chopped a Shamar Joseph delivery on to his stumps. Smith, back in the side after missing the first test with a finger injury, found his rhythm after a cautious start, smashing a six off Roston Chase and hitting seven boundaries in a patient knock that spanned 119 balls. The veteran looked in complete control as he guided Australia through the middle sessions but his masterful innings ended when he was given out lbw to Justin Greaves after an unsuccessful review. "We're in a nice spot," Smith said. "I don't think the wicket is going to get any better, it will probably do a few more tricks. "The new ball is going to be pretty crucial for us. Hopefully we can get up to somewhere around 300 and then we'll see how it goes." Travis Head provided explosive support with 39 from 60 balls, including four boundaries, before being bowled by a Shamar Joseph delivery that nipped back sharply and caught him completely off guard. Beau Webster managed just two runs before edging Greaves to slip, but Alex Carey helped to avert a mini-crisis with an unbeaten 26 that included some aggressive strokeplay. The pitch continued to pose challenges through the day, with balls keeping low at times and offering variable bounce that troubled the batsmen. West Indies' bowlers toiled hard on the surface, with Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Greaves claiming two wickets apiece, but their efforts were undermined by Australia's patient accumulation of runs. With Carey and Pat Cummins at the crease overnight, Australia's imposing advantage leaves West Indies facing an uphill battle. Sunday promises to be decisive, with Australia needing a few more runs to set an even more daunting target, while West Indies require early wickets to keep alive their hopes.


CNA
19 hours ago
- CNA
Sloppy Springboks beat brave Italy 42-24 in Pretoria
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