Corbin Bosch delivered an exceptional all-round performance, leading South Africa to a dominant 328-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Bosch's remarkable feat included a maiden Test century in the first innings and a five-wicket haul in the second, securing a comprehensive win for the visitors.
South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions, entered the series with a somewhat fresh look, missing key players such as Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada. Keshav Maharaj took the reins as captain for the first time in a Test match. The team included debutants Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Codi Yusuf. Despite the changes, the Proteas showcased their strength and depth, continuing their winning momentum.
Zimbabwe faced a daunting task, chasing a massive target of 537 runs set by South Africa. Resuming on Day 4 at 32 for 1, the hosts immediately found themselves under pressure. Corbin Bosch struck with the very first ball of the morning, dismissing Nick Welch for a golden duck. This early breakthrough set the tone for the day, as Zimbabwe's batting order struggled to cope with the South African attack.
Bosch continued his impressive performance, claiming the wicket of Sean Williams, who had attempted an aggressive counter-attack, scoring 26 runs off 18 balls. Debutant Codi Yusuf also made an immediate impact, taking the wicket of Prince Masvaure. Zimbabwe then collapsed, losing wickets in quick succession to Bosch and Yusuf, slipping from 82 for 2 to 82 for 6. Yusuf further added to the damage by dismissing Wessly Madhevere and Tafadzwa Tsiga for ducks.
Captain Craig Ervine (49) and Wellington Masakadza (57) offered some resistance, forming an 83-run partnership for the seventh wicket. However, Bosch returned to break the partnership, dismissing Ervine just shy of his half-century, thanks to a diving catch by Tony de Zorzi. Bosch then completed his five-wicket haul by bowling Vincent Masekesa. Keshav Maharaj eventually took the final wicket, dismissing Masakadza, to seal the victory. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 208.
Corbin Bosch's all-round brilliance earned him a special place in South African cricket history. He became only the fourth South African to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test match, joining the ranks of Jimmy Sinclair, Aubrey Faulkner, and Jacques Kallis. Kallis was the last South African to achieve this feat, accomplishing it twice, once in 1999 and again in 2002. Bosch is also the first South African and 14th overall to register this unique feat away from home.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius also scored his maiden Test century in the first innings. Keshav Maharaj achieved a milestone, taking his 200th Test wicket and becoming the first South African spinner to reach this mark.
South Africa's dominant performance has equaled their longest winning streak in men's Test cricket, tying the record of nine straight wins set in 2002-2003. However, this Test series against Zimbabwe is not part of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle, as Zimbabwe is not among the top nine ranked teams eligible to participate. South Africa will begin their WTC campaign against Pakistan in October.
The South Africa tour of Zimbabwe includes two Test matches and a T20I tri-series involving New Zealand.
