ZIM vs SA 1st Test: South Africa gain control on Day 2 despite Sean Williams' hundred

A defiant hundred from Sean Williams wasn't enough as South Africa gained control of the first Test against Zimbabwe at stumps on Day 2 on Sunday, June 29. Williams scored 137 off 164 balls to ensure that the hosts avoided the follow-on but the Proteas ended Day 2 on 49 for one with a lead of 216 runs.

Zimbabwe scored 251 in their first innings in reply to 418 in the first innings as Wiann Mulder scored 25 and Tony de Zorzi got 22 as the duo remained unbeaten at stumps, with the visitors losing Matthew Breetzke. South Africa had declared and Zimbabwe were struggling at 23 for two when Williams walked in. The hosts' woes were compounded when Brian Bennett had to walk back to the pavilion due to a delayed concussion.

ZIM vs SA 1st Test Day 2 Highlights

Bennett was hit on the helmet by a vicious bouncer from Kwena Mpahaka and was able to continue on for three more deliveries before walking back to the pavilion. From that point onwards, it was all about Williams, who only found support from captain Craig Ervine. The duo put on 91 runs and they had come together with Zimbabwe 390 runs behind as the South African pace duo of Mpahaka and Codi Yusuf finding rhythm.

The debutant got the wickets of Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Nick Welch to put the visitors on top but Williams decided to counter-attack with some delightful shots. He took a special interest in Maphaka and got a few boundaries in as Zimbabwe ended the first session without any further damage.

Mulder and Bosch replaced the new-ball bowlers and Ervine was particularly cautious against them, scoring just nine off 44 balls he faced after lunch. But he and Williams realised they need to get a move on and started to cut and slash before Keshav Maharaj brought himself on.

The spinner started to get something off the pitch and almost had Williams stumped on 40. But he got the breakthrough and got the wicket of Ervine to end the menacing partnership. Maharaj created history as he became the first South African spinner to get to 200 wickets.

After this point, Williams took the mantle to ensure follow-on was avoided and he decided to take on Maharaj and the rest of the bowlers. While Madhevere got 15, the rest of the batters, including concussion sub Prince Masvaure, failed to make a mark.

Williams got to his sixth Test hundred, joint second-highest by a Zimbabwe batter. Mulder picked up four wickets and Yusuf three to clean up the tail and ensure the visitors remained in the driver's seat.