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Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S brave resistance against the world’s best Test side melted in dramatic fashion in the afternoon session yesterday as South Africa took full advantage to seal a nine-wicket victory on the fourth day of the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club.
The hosts looked well set, first in pursuit of the 141-run arrears, as opener Vusi Sibanda, after the drama he provided on the third day but still managed to survive, provided the backbone that saw them reach 80-2 at lunch.

They even took that score to 98-2, which meant that the deficit was now 43, with eight wickets in hand and the two lost batsmen, including a night watchman, Donald Tiripano, who once again impressed with his grit as he frustrated the visitors in his vigil.

But when Mark Vermeulen and Sibanda perished, in quick succession, it signalled a collapse and only a brave eighth wicket stand between the impressive wicket-keeper batsman, Richmond Mutumbami, and tailender, John Nyumbu, ensured that the hosts forced the Proteas to bat again.

That, in itself, was a small victory for a team that many pundits said would be blown away but the Zimbabweans would be disappointed that they didn’t do more, in their second innings which folded at 181-all out, to put the Proteas into a tight corner.

Mutumbami’s performance, batting with a bruised foot, showed the other key batsmen that runs could be harvested from this slow pitch, with the right application, and there will be disappointment in the Zimbabwe camp that it ended this way.

That, on its own, is a significant statement from a team that many felt would not last beyond day three and which, until that afternoon collapse, was very much in the game.

“We were quite nervous going into this Test and we did not give South Africa the wicket they would have wanted and still it was tough playing them,” said Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor.

“A couple of soft dismissals after lunch really caused a lot of damage on us, we were in and out and couldn’t really build on a solid partnership because of that.
“But I am happy with the way the boys played over the last three days and I thought we had an edge to hold on.

“I really wanted us to play five days, we failed, but then there were more positives than negatives from this game especially for a side that has not played Test cricket in a long time.

“Our bowlers really did a good job. Chockie (Tinashe Panyangara) did well while Chatara was equally up for it.
“I could not have been happy with Nyumbu getting a five-for and playing against such big teams gives the younger players the belief, it’s not every day that we get to play the big teams. That we have a coach like Steve (Mangongo) is also a good thing because he demands a lot from us.”

South African captain Hashim Amla gave credit to Zimbabwe for playing good cricket but felt they were in control even on a wicket that really didn’t suit them.
“You have to encounter different wickets and they made a wicket that probably suited them more than us.

“Special mention to our batters for digging deep and getting that crucial lead.
“The ball was turning and they played really well. Piedt bowled exceptionally well, he stuck to his job and the pitch assisted him too. Hope he continues to grow.

“Test cricket is always tough and we are happy to get some wins under our belt. ODIs are a build-up to the World Cup and everyone is excited about that,” said Amla.