Yusuf brings his lion heart to the Proteas to put SA in control

THERE were two outstanding moments on the second day of the first Test here in Bulawayo.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

First, Kwena Maphaka produced a rasping delivery that struck Brian Bennett flush on the crest of his green Zimbabwe helmet. The opener had looked comfortable up until that point, moving to 19 from 28 balls, but was forced to retire from concussion.

Second, Sean Williams, batting masterfully and in control of proceedings, too gets hit bang on the helmet from Maphaka.

While Williams may be a 38-year-old veteran, he was seeing the ball like a watermelon during his brilliant 137, but even he could not move out the way of another rapid delivery from the Proteas teenage paceman.

It is moments like these that separates Maphaka from the rest, and why the Proteas' future hinges on his searing pace.