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 South Africa have asserted complete control in the 2nd Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, with a commanding performance sending a strong message in their tour opener. After declaring at a massive 626 for 5, they enforced the follow-on and ended Day 2 with Zimbabwe trailing by a staggering 405 runs at 51 for 1. The stage is firmly set for a South African series sweep.

Mulder’s Marathon Masterclass

Stand-in Captain Wiaan Mulder scripted history with an unbeaten 367, surpassing previous national records and entering the fifth-highest individual score in Test history. Mulder’s innings was a massive endurance test, built on concentration and technique. “When I started playing for SA, I was nowhere near good enough... going to England helped me understand technical things... What’s going on between your ears is most important,” he reflected on the mental focus required. Despite pushing for Brian Lara’s iconic mark, South Africa chose to declare, mindful of the bowling effort ahead.

Test Records Tumble

Mulder’s innings didn’t just entertain—it reshaped the record books. His 367* became the highest-ever Test score by a South African, eclipsing previous national records, and pushed him into rarified international company. With the scoreboard reading 626 for 5, the Proteas were clearly dominant. Their decision to declare signaled full confidence in their bowlers to clean up Zimbabwe’s lineup swiftly.

Pace and Spin Strike Again

South Africa’s bowlers answered the batters’ challenge emphatically. While Zim top order was dismantled by the pacers, SA spinners cleaned up the lower order batsman. Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder picked two wickets each, contributing to Zimbabwe being bundled out for 170 and facing a daunting follow-on deficit.

Close of Play and Projections

At stumps, Zimbabwe were tenaciously battling at 51 for 1 in their second innings, with Takudzwanashe Kaitano unbeaten on 34 and Nick Welch at the other end. Subrayen continued to hold things tight, alongside Mulder and Bosch managing conditions and bowlers managing fatigue. A swift conclusion on Day 3 looks likely unless Zimbabwe engineer an unlikely comeback.

Series Outlook

South Africa now look set for a clean sweep in the series. Zimbabwe, by contrast, must regroup psychologically and tactically if they are to avoid a whitewash. With three more days left in the 2nd Test, all signs point to a South African sweep.

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