Zimbabwe Vs South Africa Test Match Day 3 Highlights

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-07-01 13:38:24 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-07-01 16:05:19

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Zimbabwe battled hard on the third day of the first Test against South Africa in Bulawayo but couldn't avoid a deficit of over 300 runs.

South Africa dominated day three of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo to extend their strong grip on the match. After bowling Zimbabwe out for 142, South Africa didn't lose a single wicket and finished the day with a lead of 381. De Kock and Markram shone with the bat while Maharaj and Ngidi were best with the ball.

Zimbabwe needed early wickets on day three to get back in the contest but South Africa's opening pair of Aiden Markram and captain Dean Elgar ensured that didn't happen. The hosts did manage to pick up a few wickets in the latter part of the day, but by then South Africa were firmly in control.

Elgar was caught at slip in the eighth over of the day for 11 off the bowling of Wellington Masakadza. He was unable to add significantly to his overnight score of 11. His dismissal brought Temba Bavuma to the crease, and he managed to negotiate the tricky periods of play with Markram before going after the bowling in the latter stages of the session.

And it was Bavuma who really pushed the South African total upwards with a fiery knock. He finished the day with a run-a-ball 67, which included five fours and two sixes. Markram, meanwhile, brought up his second Test century with a four off Zimbabwe bowler Luke Jonga, who was playing his first Test match.

Apart from Markram and Bavuma, South Africa's wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock also contributed significantly, remaining not out at the end of the day. He scored 68 runs off just 61 balls, with the help of nine fours and two sixes.

It was always going to be a tough task for Zimbabwe to keep South Africa's strong batting line-up in check, and that proved to be the case ultimately, with the visitors extending their lead well beyond 300. Zimbabwe will need a remarkable comeback to save this Test match.

Go!