Mulder's ton leads SA to commanding position

THE Proteas pressed home their advantage on the third day of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, with a knock of 147 by Wiaan Mulder guiding to them to 369 in their second innings at the Queens Sports Club, and a commanding lead of 536 runs. The world champions started the day on 49/1 with Tony de Zorzi on 22 and Mulder on 25.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Zimbabwe's bowlers toiled in the Illness-enforced absence of star bowler Blessing Muzarabani for most of the day’s play. Tanaka Chivanga was left to shoulder much of the seam-bowling load. He proved a handful for the SA batters early on, accounting for the wicket of Tony de Zorzi for 31.

All-rounder Mulder and middle-order batter David Bedingham were particularly harsh on spinner Vincent Masekesa, depositing him over the ropes in quick succession, on their way to a 50-run partnership. Fellow spinner Wellington Masakadza broke the partnership when he had Bedingham caught for 35. First-innings centurion Lhuan-dre Pretorius was then bowled by a wicked turning delivery from Masekesa, who also snagged the wicket of Dewald Brevis soon thereafter.