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Aiden Markram raises his bat after scoring a fifty. (AFP)
With the return of AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn after long absences from Test cricket, and with all South Africa's front-line fast bowlers fit for the first time in more than a year, coach Ottis Gibson described the selection issue as "a good nightmare". "India are the number one team in the world at the moment and we know we need to be at our best if we are going to compete with them and beat them, which is our ultimate goal," said Gibson.
Six or seven batsmen? Three or four fast bowlers? A spin bowler? An all-rounder? These are all questions that will be troubling Gibson and his fellow selectors. The situation is complicated by South Africa’s unique racial balancing act, with Cricket South Africa committed to having an average of six players of colour, including two black Africans, in their starting teams.
Three black Africans – batsman Temba Bavuma, all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada – played in South Africa’s most recent Test matches, two one-sided encounters against Bangladesh. But with batsman De Villiers and fast bowlers Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel back in the mix, only Rabada of the three seems guaranteed to start in what should be another lop-sided contest.
Assuming captain Faf du Plessis is passed fit after recovering from shoulder surgery, it will be difficult to fit Bavuma into the batting line-up, while Phehlukwayo’s medium-pace is unlikely to be required when there are four world-class fast bowlers in the squad. Zimbabwe had a disappointing warm-up when they were beaten by a largely unheralded Invitation team in Paarl, but they were able to gain some experience with a pink ball under floodlights.
It is the first day-night Test to be played in South Africa. When the hosts held their first practice under lights on Friday they found the ball helped the seam bowlers more at night than during the day, which has been a pattern in floodlit Tests elsewhere. The floodlights at St George's Park were upgraded during the off-season. Only two Twenty20 matches have been played at the ground since then, with the team batting second winning on both occasions.
Meanwhile, the big challenge for De Villiers and his teammates, though, is what happens after the clash against Zimbabwe –- a three-Test tour by number one team India, starting in Cape Town on January 5. "I’m very excited that they are going to be touring in South Africa. I haven’t played against India for a while now, so it’s going to be a really good series," said De Villiers.
Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Peter Moor(w), Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer(c), Kyle Jarvis, Chris Mpofu, Blessing Muzarabani
South Africa (Playing XI): Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers(c), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock(w), Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel
Commentary (South Africa innings)
65.3 K Jarvis to A Markram, OUT! It is a legal delivery! My word, Brendan Taylor has taken a stunner! He has done a Quinton de Kock. Superb, absolutely superb. 251/4
Edged and gone! But has Jarvis overstepped? Oh dear... oh dear...
65.2 K Jarvis to Markram, Outside off, another block. 251/3
65.1 K Jarvis to Markram, Around off, defended to the leg side. 251/3
64.6 G Cremer to Bavuma, Full and outside off, watchfully defended. 251/3
64.5 G Cremer to Bavuma, The batsman fails to put bat on ball. 251/3
64.4 G Cremer to Markram, Short and outside off, cut through point for a single. 251/3
64.3 G Cremer to Markram, Oops... Markram comes down the track and looks to flick but is nowhere near the pitch of the ball. Gets a leading edge to point. 250/3
64.2 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 250/3
64.1 G Cremer to Markram, Outside off, watchfully defended. 250/3
GRAEME CREMER changes ends again...
63.6 K Jarvis to Bavuma, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 250/3
63.5 K Jarvis to Markram, Yes, it is still hurting. Aiden looks to punch and run through the off side but limps as he gets across. 250/3
63.4 K Jarvis to A Markram, Ouch... that would have hurt. Aiden looks to work this through the leg side but gets a thick inside edge onto his knee. 249/3
63.3 K Jarvis to Markram, One more leave outside off. 249/3
63.2 K Jarvis to Markram, Outside off, left alone. 249/3
63.1 K Jarvis to Markram, FOUR! Welcome into the attack, mate! A short ball outside off, Markram goes back and punches it through the covers and gets a boundary. Moves to 123. 249/3
KYLE JARVIS is back on. Around 12 minutes to go for Dinner.
62.6 G Cremer to Bavuma, Landed outside off, Temba looks to play at that but then withdraws his bat. 245/3
62.5 G Cremer to Bavuma, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 245/3
62.4 G Cremer to Bavuma, Full and just outside off, watchfully defended. 245/3
62.3 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. 245/3
62.2 G Cremer to Bavuma, Shorter in length, cut away for a single. 244/3
62.1 G Cremer to Bavuma, Full and outside off, Bavuma leans and pushes this towards point. 243/3
61.6 S Raza to Bavuma, Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a run. 243/3
61.5 S Raza to Bavuma, The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 242/3
61.4 S Raza to Bavuma, FOUR! Too short, outside leg, Bavuma goes back and pulls it behind square leg for a boundary! 242/3
61.3 S Raza to Markram, Fuller this time but Markram still goes back and punches it to long on for a run. 238/3
61.2 S Raza to Bavuma, A tad short this time, Bavuma goes back and works this through mid-wicket for a single. 237/3
61.1 S Raza to Bavuma, Bowled wide outside off, left alone. 236/3
60.6 G Cremer to Markram, Beautiful comeback. The line and length are similar and Aiden looks to defend but is beaten. 236/3
60.5 Cremer to Markram, SIX! Effortless! Not a bad delivery, tossed up outside off, expecting it to turn but Markram gets to the pitch of the ball as soon as it lands and lofts it as clean as a whistle over long off! 236/3
60.4 G Cremer to Bavuma, Finally puts bat to ball and works it through mid-wicket for a single. 230/3
60.3 G Cremer to Bavuma, Again in that line outside off, this time TB plays inside the line of that. 229/3
60.2 G Cremer to Bavuma, Similar ball, this time Temba looks to paddle but misses. Taylor puts in an appeal for a caught behind but then keeps quiet. 229/3
60.1 G Cremer to Bavuma, Beauty. Tossed up outside off, Bavuma lunges to defend but the ball spins away a mile and beats the outside edge. 229/3
59.6 S Raza to Bavuma, Goes back and works it through mid-wicket for one. 229/3
59.5 S Raza to Bavuma, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 228/3
59.4 S Raza to Markram, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a run. 228/3
59.3 S Raza to Bavuma, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. 227/3
59.2 S Raza to Bavuma, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 226/3
59.1 S Raza to Bavuma, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. 226/3
58.6 G Cremer to Bavuma, The batsman has been struck on the thigh pad. One run added to the total. Leg bye given by the umpire. 226/3
58.5 G Cremer to Markram, Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a single. 225/3
58.4 G Cremer to Markram, Landed outside off, not much turn, left alone. 224/3
58.3 G Cremer to Markram, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 224/3
58.2 G Cremer to Markram, Another long hop, cut through point for a couple. 50-RUN stand comes up and at a pretty decent rate too. Third one today. Can this one go into triple figures? 224/3
58.1 G Cremer to Markram, Short and outside off, cut straight to point. 222/3
57.6 S Raza to Bavuma, The batsman works it down the leg side. Two runs added to the total. 222/3
57.5 S Raza to T Bavuma, FOUR! Full and outside off, Bavuma leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary! 220/3
57.4 S Raza to Markram, Driven through mid on by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. 216/3
57.3 S Raza to Markram, Full and outside off, watchfully kept out. 215/3
57.2 S Raza to Markram, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 215/3
57.1 S Raza to Bavuma, Full on middle, swept through square leg for a single. 215/3
56.6 G Cremer to Markram, Full and outside off, well kept out. 214/3
56.5 G Cremer to Markram, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 214/3
56.4 G Cremer to Bavuma, Pushes this down to long on for a single. 214/3
56.3 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single. 213/3
56.2 G Cremer to Markram, Short and outside off, cut away for a couple more. 212/3
56.1 G Cremer to Markram, FOUR! SECOND TEST TON for Markram and that too, in succession! Boy, does this lad look solid. In his first innings, he was dismissed for 97, else he could have had three tons in as many innings! Well played. Full and outside off, Markram comes forward and drives it through the covers and gets a boundary! The crowd and the team applaud his effort. Can he score a double now? Does he have the time to do that? 210/3
Markram is back on strike... Number 99 once more...
55.6 S Raza to Bavuma, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 206/3
55.5 S Raza to Bavuma, Slightly fuller but Temba prefers to play that from the crease and clips it through mid-wicket for a couple. 206/3
55.4 S Raza to Bavuma, Action replay of the previous delivery. 204/3
55.3 S Raza to Bavuma, Outside off, punched towards short mid-wicket. 204/3
55.2 S Raza to Bavuma, Landed outside off, spinning in, left alone. 204/3
55.1 S Raza to Bavuma, Landed around off, defended from the crease. 204/3
54.6 G Cremer to Markram, Full and outside off, watchfully defended. 204/3
The crowd senses now... Markram on 99...
54.5 G Cremer to Bavuma, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single. 204/3
54.4 G Cremer to Bavuma, Landed outside off, left alone. 203/3
54.3 G Cremer to A Markram, Short and outside off, cut away for a single. 203/3
54.2 G Cremer to Markram, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 202/3
54.1 G Cremer to Markram, Outside off, punched towards cover. 202/3
GRAEME CREMER changes ends...
53.6 S Raza to Markram, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. 202/3
53.5 S Raza to Markram, Outside off, watchfully defended. 201/3
53.4 S Raza to Bavuma, The batsman plays a pull shot to this short delivery. One run added to the total. 201/3
53.3 S Raza to Bavuma, BOWLED! No! Missed! One of the few things happening in this session... Outside off, Bavuma looks to punch this through the covers but the ball stays low and takes the inside edge. Cannons back but goes past the off stump to fine leg. Two runs taken and that brings up the 200 as well. 200/3
53.2 S Raza to Bavuma, Stays back in his crease and defends. 198/3
53.1 S Raza to Markram, Short and around off, Markram punches this down to long on for a single. 198/3
SIKANDAR RAZA to bowl his off spinners now.
52.6 C Mpofu to Bavuma, Full and outside off, watchfully defended. 197/3
52.5 C Mpofu to T Bavuma, The ball takes the outside edge goes towards the slip region. 197/3
52.4 C Mpofu to Bavuma, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. 197/3
52.3 C Mpofu to Bavuma, FOUR! Superbly played. Fractionally short outside off, Bavuma gets on top of the bounce and dabs it behind gully to the third man fence. 197/3
52.2 C Mpofu to Markram, Banged in short, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. 193/3
52.1 C Mpofu to A Markram, A length ball outside off, Markram pushes at it but then the ball suddenly bites off the surface. The batsman is surprised by it but manages to take his right hand off the bat. The ball hits the top of the bat's handle and dies down in front of gully. 192/3
51.6 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single. 192/3
51.5 G Cremer to Markram, Down the leg side this time, clipped fine for a couple. 191/3
51.4 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 189/3
51.3 G Cremer to Markram, FOUR! Nicely done. Shorter in length, outside off, Markram waits on his back foot and then dabs it to third man for a boundary. Moves into the 90s now... 189/3
51.2 G Cremer to Markram, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. 185/3
51.1 G Cremer to Markram, Landed outside off, de Villiers comes forward and shoulders arms. Oops... did I write de Villiers? Indeed I have! Markram and de Villiers play so similar to one another that it is hard not to compare the two. In this case, I admit my mistake, it is Markram. 185/3
50.6 C Mpofu to Bavuma, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 185/3
50.5 C Mpofu to Bavuma, Full and outside off, driven straight back to the bowler. 185/3
50.4 C Mpofu to Bavuma, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 185/3
50.3 C Mpofu to Bavuma, This is slightly short in length, Temba lets it through again. 185/3
50.2 C Mpofu to Bavuma, Full again, slightly wider than the previous one, outside off, shouldered arms to once more. 185/3
50.1 C Mpofu to Bavuma, Full and outside off, coming in with the angle, Bavuma shoulders arms. 185/3
49.6 G Cremer to Markram, Landed outside off, turning away, let through. 185/3
49.5 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 185/3
49.4 G Cremer to Markram, The line is closer to the off stump and Markram defends. 185/3
49.3 G Cremer to Bavuma, Full on middle, Bavuma paddles it through square leg for a single. 185/3
49.2 G Cremer to Bavuma, One more leave outside off, allowing the ball to turn. 184/3
49.1 G Cremer to Bavuma, Outside off, quietly let through to the keeper. 184/3
48.6 C Mpofu to Markram, FOUR! ELEGANT! Not the best of balls to finish what would have been a great over. Half volley outside off, Markram leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary. 184/3
48.5 C Mpofu to A Markram, Outside off, Markram pushes hard, but with soft hands. Gets an outside edge which dies down in front of gully. 180/3
48.4 C Mpofu to Markram, Full and straight, watchfully blocked out. 180/3
48.3 C Mpofu to Markram, Comes forward and dabs this towards mid on. 180/3
48.2 C Mpofu to Markram, Outside off, left alone. 180/3
48.1 C Mpofu to Markram, Full on middle, pushed straight to mid on. 180/3
47.6 G Cremer to Bavuma, A short ball outside off, Bavuma looks to pull but misses. That stayed low. 180/3
47.5 G Cremer to Bavuma, Outside off, pushed straight to cover. 180/3
47.4 G Cremer to Bavuma, The batsman gets a leading edge on that one. 180/3
47.3 G Cremer to Bavuma, Now he gets the sweep out and earns a couple. 180/3
47.2 G Cremer to Bavuma, FOUR! Streaky. Full and outside off, Bavuma pushes forward but gets a thick outside edge which rolls past first slip to the third man fence. 178/3
47.1 G Cremer to Markram, On middle and off, clipped through the leg side for a single. 174/3
46.6 C Mpofu to Bavuma, Fuller on off and middle, defended off the front foot onto the ground. 173/3
TEMBA BAVUMA makes his way to the middle at no.5.
Drinks are on the field now. The break couldn't come in at a better time. It would be sweeter with the dismissal of the Protea skipper. He has an ability to switch gears and take the attack to the opposition and that danger is averted. Markram has started to look good now, getting his runs at a quicker pace. He has scored his last 33 runs in 45 balls. So that's another potential threat for the visitors. Will they get him before Dinner?
46.5 Mpofu to Villiers, OUT! Another one is in Mpofu's pocket here! What a wicket this one is! De Villiers was in an attacking mode today and this shot is one of those that a batter would play only when he is looking to attack. Chibhabha hurls it on a fuller length on off, de Villiers drives it back aerially. Chamu gets low to his left quickly and takes it inches off the ground and throws the ball up in delight. Once again he celebrates by making the zipping-the-pocket action. The 96-run stand is broken. Zimbabwe making good inroads. 173/3
46.4 C Mpofu to Markram, Markram gets an inside edge onto his pads to this length ball. The ball rolls to the on side and a run is taken. 173/2
46.3 C Mpofu to Markram, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 172/2
46.2 C Mpofu to Markram, FOUR! The placement is good here! Length ball outside off, Markram stays back and cuts it through backward point for a boundary. 172/2
46.1 C Mpofu to A Markram, This ball is cut away to the man at point. 168/2
45.6 G Cremer to Villiers, Here's another short one from Cremer. This gives ample time for the batter to go back and play his shot. ABD goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a single. 168/2
45.5 G Cremer to Markram, Floated outside off, driven through covers for one. 166/2
45.4 G Cremer to Markram, Markram gets back in his crease and defends it with a straight bat. 165/2
45.3 G Cremer to Markram, Tossed up outside off, Aiden doesn't bother putting bat to that. 165/2
45.2 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 165/2
45.1 G Cremer to Villiers, De Villiers hits it to the man at sweeper for a single. Cremer isn't helping anyone by bowling on a shorter length. 165/2
44.6 C Chibhabha to Markram, Outside off, left alone. 164/2
44.5 C Chibhabha to Markram, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 164/2
44.4 C Chibhabha to de Villiers, Mr.360 gets to his 40th Test fifty in a trice - off just 62 deliveries. He has looked fluid with his shots since he has walked in. There was a phase when he was edging the ball more but he's got through that and is starting to look threatening. He taps this one towards mid on and scampers to the other end. Raises his bat to acknowledge his feat. 164/2
44.3 C Chibhabha to Villiers, FOUR! Look at this man's power! De Villiers nonchalantly plays the short arm jab over mid-wicket and helps himself to a boundary. It was a length ball angling into him and he picked it up pretty early. Gets to 49 with this one. 163/2
44.2 C Chibhabha to Villiers, De Villiers clips this through mid-wicket for a brace. 159/2
44.1 C Chibhabha to Markram, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total. 157/2
43.6 G Cremer to Villiers, Punched towards the cover region from the crease. 156/2
43.5 G Cremer to Villiers, The batsman works it down the leg side. 156/2
43.4 G Cremer to Villiers, Flatter on off, de Villiers gets it off the inner half towards short fine leg. It was the wrong one. 156/2
43.3 G Cremer to Villiers, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 156/2
43.2 G Cremer to Markram, Markram places it towards the cover region and gets to the other end. 156/2
43.1 G Cremer to Markram, Served on a length on the stumps, blocked off the front foot onto the ground. 155/2
42.6 C Chibhabha to Villiers, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 155/2
42.5 C Chibhabha to Markram, Worked away round the corner for one. 155/2
42.4 C Chibhabha to Markram, FOUR! This adds salt to the injury! Length ball outside off, Markram gets a thick outside edge onto this one as he looks to keep this out. The ball races away through the slip cordon for a boundary. 154/2
42.3 C Chibhabha to Markram, A stifled appeal there, dies quickly. Chibhabha lands it on a length outside off, Markram misses his defense due to the inward movement on that. Gets hit high on the front pad, that draws an appeal from the opposition. We felt that the height and the impact could be an issue. No! Hawk Eye shows the ball to be nailing the bull's eye. Got the importance of DRS, Zimbabwe? 150/2
42.2 C Chibhabha to Markram, This ball on off is driven back towards the bowler. 150/2
42.1 C Chibhabha to Villiers, On the pads, flicked away through square leg for one. 150/2
41.6 G Cremer to Markram, Solidly defended off the front foot. 149/2
41.5 G Cremer to Markram, FOUR! Markram is getting into the groove here. Gets a low full toss on off and middle, Markram accepts the offering gleefully. Dispatches it over mid-wicket for a one-bounce boundary. 149/2
41.4 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 145/2
41.3 G Cremer to Markram, Tossed up outside off, Markram gets his front foot forward and lets it be. 145/2
41.2 G Cremer to Villiers, Floated in line of the stumps, clipped away through mid-wicket for one. 145/2
41.1 G Cremer to Villiers, Wide outside off, de Villiers hits it towards covers. The fielder there leaps high to his left to prevent a run. Chibhabha the man. 144/2
40.6 C Chibhabha to A Markram, FOUR! Pristine timing! Full ball outside off, Markram just drives it through mid off. Such is the timing that in spite of the dive from the fielder, a boundary results. 144/2
40.5 C Chibhabha to Markram, Outside off, left alone. 140/2
40.4 C Chibhabha to Markram, Aiden hangs back and keeps it out nicely. 140/2
40.3 C Chibhabha to Villiers, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. 140/2
40.2 C Chibhabha to Markram, Full on off, driven straight back. The ball deflects towards long on after striking the stumps at the other end. A run added to the tally. 139/2
40.1 C Chibhabha to Villiers, Clipped through mid-wicket for one. 138/2
39.6 G Cremer to Markram, SIX! What a shot from Markram! This came out of nowhere. Cremer bowls a half-tracker on off, Aiden has enough of these short ones. He goes back to this and pulls it over wide long off for half a dozen. 137/2
39.5 G Cremer to Markram, Markram gets forward and blocks that. 131/2
39.4 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball but fails. 131/2
39.3 G Cremer to Villiers, This ball is punched through covers for a single. 131/2
39.2 G Cremer to Villiers, Cremer is getting the drift there and that's getting de Villiers into trouble here. He looks to block it with a lunge but the turn means that the outside edge of the bat is beaten. 130/2
39.1 G Cremer to A Markram, The short of length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side. The batsmen have run through for a single. 130/2
38.6 Chibhabha to Villiers, NOT OUT! Impact isn't an issue but there is a big inside edge! Chibhabha lands it on a length outside off, de Villiers looks to block but there is a slight inward and hence strikes him on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire doesn't agree. Cremer has a chat with Taylor and opts for the DRS. Replays show the presence of a thick inside edge, confirmed by the Snicko as well. Zimbabwe exhaust both their reviews within 39 overs in the innings! 129/2
The reviews for Zimbabwe are on the line! There is an appeal for LBW against de Villiers. The umpire stays unmoved. Cremer asks his keeper before deciding to opt for the DRS. Impact could be an issue...
38.5 C Chibhabha to Markram, Eased through mid-wicket for one. 129/2
38.4 C Chibhabha to A Markram, Fuller outside off, Markram seems to have struck on the thigh pad. A stifled appeal follows from the visitors to no avail. Replays shows the presence of a big inner edge. 128/2
38.3 C Chibhabha to Markram, Hurled full outside off, de Villiers covers the stumps and lets it go. The ball moved away a touch after pitching. 128/2
38.2 C Chibhabha to de Villiers, De Villiers drives it towards mid on and quickly gets to the other end. 128/2
38.1 C Chibhabha to Villiers, Here's another edge from ABD's bat. Length ball aiming at the off stick, moves away a touch after pitching. The batter is squared up a touch and he gets it off the outer half towards backward point. 127/2
37.6 G Cremer to Markram, This one is punched towards covers. 127/2
37.5 G Cremer to Markram, Tossed up googly on off, Aiden picks this one well and keeps it out towards short leg. 127/2
37.4 G Cremer to Markram, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 127/2
37.3 G Cremer to Villiers, Huge applause goes all over the ground to acknowledge the 50-run partnership between Markram and de Villiers. This ball is punched through the cover region for a single to get to the mark. 127/2
37.2 G Cremer to Markram, This isn't good from the visiting skipper. Flatter and shorter outside off, slapped through covers for one. 126/2
37.1 G Cremer to Villiers, Floated fuller on off, de Villiers gets down and sweeps it to fine leg for one. 125/2
GRAEME CREMER is back on. He had got some turn in the couple of overs that he has bowled so far. Hence it is imperative for him to look and build up on that to pick up a wicket.
36.6 C Chibhabha to Villiers, Good running. Length ball on the stumps, de Villiers pats it in front of mid on and hares to the other end. 124/2
36.5 C Chibhabha to Villiers, De Villiers hangs back to this one and defends it watchfully. 123/2
36.4 C Chibhabha to Markram, Markram clips this one through mid-wicket and gets to the other end. 123/2
36.3 C Chibhabha to Markram, Fuller on off and middle, driven to the man at mid off. 122/2
36.2 C Chibhabha to Markram, Length ball on off, blocked from the crease. 122/2
36.1 C Chibhabha to Markram, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 122/2
35.6 K Jarvis to Villiers, Another edge, this time the ball rolls towards point for nothing. 122/2
35.5 K Jarvis to Villiers, Edged but safe! On a length outside off, de Villiers hangs his bat out at that. The ball takes the edge and goes to second slip. Ervine there takes it on the bounce and has a shy at the batter's end but misses. 122/2
35.4 K Jarvis to Villiers, Outside off, left alone. 122/2
35.3 K Jarvis to de Villiers, SIX! Irrespective of the format, when AB de Villiers is at the crease, can a biggie be far away? Nopes! Gets a length delivery that is on the shorter side, de Villiers just heaves it over square leg. Such is the timing on that it goes the distance. On another look, it shows that Jarvis delivered an off cutter there. 122/2
35.2 K Jarvis to Villiers, Similar delivery, this time the Protea skipper defends it from the crease. 116/2
35.1 K Jarvis to Villiers, Length delivery on off, AB hops and keeps it out towards the bowler. 116/2
34.6 C Chibhabha to Markram, Around off, blocked solidly from the crease. 116/2
34.5 C Chibhabha to Markram, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 116/2
34.4 C Chibhabha to Markram, Markram gets beaten there! Length delivery just outside off, the ball nips away a touch after pitching. Aiden looks to defend it but misses. 116/2
34.3 C Chibhabha to Villiers, Length ball outside off, punched through covers for one. 116/2
34.2 C Chibhabha to Markram, On the pads, flicked away through mid-wicket for a single. 115/2
34.1 C Chibhabha to Markram, Outside off, left alone. 114/2
CHAMU CHIBHABHA back on. Wonder why Cremer is inclined to go to him, in spite of him not being threatening with the ball.
33.6 K Jarvis to Villiers, Fuller on off, driven back straight from where it came. 114/2
33.5 K Jarvis to Villiers, De Villiers stands in the crease and defends it solidly. 114/2
33.4 K Jarvis to Villiers, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 114/2
33.3 K Jarvis to Markram, There it is! 2nd Test fifty for Aiden Markram. He has deserved it, hasn't he? Watchful in his defense and crisp in his strokeplay, that's what this 50-run knock includes. How does he get there? Taps it towards mid-wicket to scamper to the other end. 114/2
33.2 K Jarvis to Markram, Outside off, left alone. 113/2
33.1 K Jarvis to Markram, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 113/2
32.6 B Muzarabani to Villiers, FOUR! Another one! De Villiers is looking to get a move on. Gets another short delivery outside off, the Protea skipper hangs back and slaps it nicely through cover-point for a boundary. He moves to 27 in a partnership of 36. 113/2
32.5 B Muzarabani to Villiers, FOUR! Probably, de Villiers read what we had mentioned on the last ball. Not commanding? Here he goes! Boom! Muzarabani bangs this short outside off, ABD hangs back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. No chance for the fielder in the deep to cut that off. 109/2
32.4 B Muzarabani to Villiers, De Villiers is looking a touch loose in his defense, opines by colleague KI. After Tea he hasn't looked commanding and even in the previous over he got a run off the inner half of his bat. This one - well he hung his bat out in defense but again did so off the inner half. 105/2
32.3 B Muzarabani to Villiers, Landed in line of the stumps, blocked from the crease. 105/2
32.2 B Muzarabani to Markram, Fuller around off, Markram looks to work it away to the on side but gets a leading edge through covers. Gets a run that takes him to 49. 105/2
32.1 B Muzarabani to Markram, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 104/2
31.6 K Jarvis to Markram, Markram gets an inside edge towards square leg. De Villiers hares across to the other end and completes a run easily. 104/2
31.5 K Jarvis to Markram, Turned towards mid-wicket from the crease. 103/2
31.4 K Jarvis to Villiers, Nicely bowled. Jarvis gets it to land on a fuller length around off and it nips back in. De Villiers gets it off the inner half of his bat through the gap between mid on and mid-wicket. Mpofu hares behind it from the former position and parries it to the latter (Moor, maybe). Three runs result before the ball is returned. 103/2
31.3 K Jarvis to Villiers, Pitched further up on off, defended from the crease. 100/2
31.2 K Jarvis to Villiers, Landed full on off, AB defends it with a straight bat face. 100/2
31.1 K Jarvis to Villiers, Starts with a full ball on off and middle, eased towards mid on. 100/2
Kyle Jarvis to run in from the other end.
30.6 B Muzarabani to Markram, Nicely clipped through mid-wicket. Before the tidying up job is done in the deep, a brace results. 100/2
30.5 B Muzarabani to Markram, Fuller on off, Aiden presents a straight bat to keep it out. 98/2
30.4 B Muzarabani to Villiers, Yet again angled in on the pads, de Villiers flicks it away to fine leg for one. 98/2
30.3 B Muzarabani to de Villiers, A touch fuller on the stumps, eased towards mid on. 97/2
30.2 B Muzarabani to Villiers, Sprayed down the leg side, de Villiers doesn't bother putting bat to that. 97/2
30.1 B Muzarabani to Markram, Begins with a length ball angling into Markram, he taps it towards mid on and gets to the other end in a flash. 97/2
Welcome back! The players would be refreshed in this break and so would their vigors be. The visitors are in a huddle, discussing some last-minute plans, before taking their positions on the ground. Markram and de Villiers make their way out to the centre. Their stand is worth 19 as of now, with the latter scoring 15 of those. Blessing Muzarabani to start off the proceedings with the ball.
... Day 1, Session 2 ...
Markram is still solid out there and looks poised for a big score. He survived a DRS scare earlier, though he was never really in danger with that. Giving him company is the comeback-man de Villiers. He has been fluent with his drives as of now and would like to hammer the opposition to all parts of the ground, apart from settling into the longest format of the game. Another exciting session awaits us, with Cremer getting some purchase from the deck. How will the session pan out? Join us in a while to find out.
Good comeback from Zimbabwe towards the end! They were struggling to pick up wickets earlier in spite of finding the edges of the bats then. The bowlers weren't too indisciplined yet failed to stop the openers from getting over a fifty-run stand. Perhaps, there was something special in the drinks. Post that, Zimbabwe managed to pick up a couple, glaring being Amla's scalp very cheaply. He played a shot that he would be ruing in the dressing room right now.
29.6 G Cremer to A Markram, Floated on the stumps, driven through mid on for one. That's TEA, DAY 1! 96/2
29.5 G Cremer to Markram, Flatter outside off, Markram covers his stumps and lets it go. Taylor fails to collect it and it goes towards slip. 95/2
29.4 G Cremer to Markram, Aiden lunges forward and blocks this one. 95/2
29.3 G Cremer to Markram, This is the wrong 'un. Markram doesn't spot this early and defends it off the inner half towards short leg. 95/2
29.2 G Cremer to Markram, Served on a fuller length on off, defended towards covers. 95/2
29.1 G Cremer to Villiers, Tossed up outside off, on a shorter length. De Villiers camps back and slaps it through covers for one. 95/2
28.6 C Chibhabha to Markram, Full on off and middle, driven towards mid on. 94/2
28.5 C Chibhabha to Markram, Landed outside off, left alone. 94/2
28.4 C Chibhabha to Markram, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 94/2
28.3 C Chibhabha to A Markram, Full in length outside off, driven towards covers. 94/2
28.2 C Chibhabha to Markram, Fuller in length on off, defended off the front foot onto the ground. 94/2
28.1 C Chibhabha to Markram, Length delivery outside off, pushed towards point. 94/2
Another change. CHAMU CHIBHABHA is back for another spell. About 5 minutes left to Tea...
27.6 G Cremer to Villiers, Blocked solidly off the front foot onto the ground. 94/2
27.5 G Cremer to Villiers, Another ball that spins. This is tossed up on off, de Villiers looks to play it through covers but yet again gets beaten. 94/2
27.4 G Cremer to Villiers, Wonderfully bowled! Cremer floats this up and the ball drifts in to the batsman. It pitches and spins away past the outside edge of de Villiers' bat. Taylor whips off the bails but AB is well in. 94/2
27.3 G Cremer to Markram, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single. 94/2
27.2 G Cremer to Villiers, A touch shorter outside off, de Villiers gets back and slaps this through covers for a single. 93/2
27.1 G Cremer to Villiers, Flatter outside off, cut away towards backward point for nothing. Not much turn there. 92/2
Spin is here finally. GRAEME CREMER has the ball in his hand. Begins with a slip and a short leg.
26.6 C Mpofu to Villiers, Flicked away off his pads through square leg for one. He moves to 13 of 13 balls and also, 9 runs have come off this over. 92/2
26.5 C Mpofu to Villiers, ABD defends this one by getting behind the line of the ball. 91/2
26.4 C Mpofu to Villiers, Outside off, left alone. 91/2
26.3 C Mpofu to Villiers, The batsman has driven that ball straight back. 91/2
26.2 C Mpofu to Villiers, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for the Protea skipper! This one is majestic, as all straight drives are. Mpofu overpitches this on the stumps, de Villiers drives it back. No chance for anybody to cut that off when Mr.360 times it so well. Moves to 12 from 9. 91/2
26.1 C Mpofu to Villiers, FOUR! Mpofu isn't displaying any control here. He angles this on a length on the pads, all de Villiers has to do is get bat to that. He clips it with nice timing and the ball runs away in front of square on the leg side for a boundary. 87/2
25.6 K Jarvis to Markram, Aiden keeps this ball on the stumps out from the crease. 83/2
25.5 K Jarvis to Villiers, Fuller on the pads, flicked away towards fine leg for a single. 83/2
25.4 K Jarvis to Villiers, Driven nicely towards covers. 82/2
25.3 K Jarvis to Villiers, Outside off, left alone. 82/2
25.2 K Jarvis to Villiers, Defended from the crease with a straight bat. 82/2
25.1 K Jarvis to A Markram, Short ball on off, pulled away towards deep square leg for one. 82/2
24.6 C Mpofu to Markram, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. 81/2
24.5 C Mpofu to de Villiers, 10000 First Class runs for ABD! A nice way to start your innings here, a small milestone. This is bowled straighter in line, de Villiers clips it through mid on. Gets three for doing so. 80/2
24.4 C Mpofu to Villiers, Flicked off the pads towards square leg. 77/2
24.3 C Mpofu to Villiers, Fuller ball, angling down leg, de Villiers misses his flick and gets rapped low on the front pad. 77/2
Hold your breaths! AB DE VILLIERS has made his way to the middle next. He is coming back to this format after almost a couple of years. January 2016 was his last game in the longest format. Would be interesting to see how he approaches this.
24.2 C Mpofu to Amla, OUT! Oh Amla, what have you done? He has thrown it away in a Test match, something that you don't associate with him. Mpofu lands it on a back of a length outside off, Amla hangs on the back foot and looks to slap it square of the wicket on the off side. All he manages is to spoon a catch towards cover-point. Moor gets to his left and pouches this easily. Mpofu cannot believe what has just happened here. He is delighted, yes, but not able to fathom the batter he has just got here. Does some strange celebration of putting something in his pocket and zipping it up. Shows that he wants to signify that he has pocketed Amla. The hosts are rocked back early. 77/2
24.1 C Mpofu to Amla, FOUR! Glorious, gracious and great! Mpofu hurls it full on off and middle, Amla just pushed it down the ground. The timing is such that mid off doesn't stand a chance of cutting that off. 77/1
CHRIS MPOFU to bowl now. The wickets column has zero against it and he would want a figure there, sooner than later.
23.6 K Jarvis to Markram, Outside off, left alone. 73/1
23.5 K Jarvis to Markram, Length ball on off, Aiden gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it. 73/1
23.4 K Jarvis to Markram, Beaten! Jarvis is doing well to get the batsman forward. Hurls this on a full length outside off, inviting Markram to drive. He gets ahead and presents a straight bat but the ball passes the edge and goes to the keeper. 73/1
23.3 K Jarvis to Markram, Pitched further up to the batsman outside off, Aiden covers his stumps and has nothing to do with that. 73/1
23.2 K Jarvis to Markram, On a length on off, Aiden is squared up a touch before blocking that from the crease. 73/1
23.1 K Jarvis to Markram, Full ball outside off, Markram strides forward confidently in defense. The ball goes to the cover fielder. 73/1
22.6 B Muzarabani to Amla, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. 73/1
22.5 B Muzarabani to Amla, Angled in on a good length, Amla judges it well to shoulder arms to that. 73/1
22.4 B Muzarabani to Amla, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. 73/1
22.3 B Muzarabani to Amla, Blessing bowls this too wide outside off to make Amla play that. 73/1
22.2 B Muzarabani to Amla, Fuller on off and middle, driven towards mid on. 73/1
22.1 B Muzarabani to Amla, Full outside off, Amla lets it be. 73/1
BLESSING MUZARABANI gets another spell. Perhaps a wicket that fell earlier would have mooted this change.
21.6 K Jarvis to Amla, Angled into the batter, Amla clips it through square leg for a run to get going. 73/1
21.5 K Jarvis to Amla, Amla blocks this one from the crease. 72/1
21.4 K Jarvis to Amla, Harmless delivery outside off, left alone by Amla. 72/1
The Mighty Hash, HASHIM AMLA is seen walking out to bat next. Whoever be the opponent, this bearded batter is never tired of scoring big runs and he would relish this opportunity presented to him here.
21.3 K Jarvis to Elgar, OUT! Jarvis draws first blood! The bowling change has worked for Zimbabwe. Jarvis bowls this on the pads, this should have been nudged away for a single. Elgar had the same intention. But the ball stopped a touch on the track, which meant that Elgar was early into his flick. The fielder at mid-wicket, Moor, had an easy offering and he accepted it gleefully. The 72-run opening stand ends. Elgar looks disappointed with his fall and he hits the advertising board with his bat. 72/1
21.2 K Jarvis to Elgar, Landed on middle, Elgar lets the ball come on before dead-batting that. 72/0
21.1 K Jarvis to Markram, On the pads, turned through mid-wicket for a single. 72/0
KYLE JARVIS is brought back for another spell.
20.6 C Chibhabha to Markram, Markram taps it towards wide mid on for one. 71/0
20.5 C Chibhabha to Markram, Markram defends it from the crease. 70/0
20.4 C Chibhabha to Markram, FOUR! Typical shot from a Highveld batsman, says the on-air commentator. Chibhabha bowls it on a shorter length outside off, Markram stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket. Jarvis in the deep runs to his left but fails to prevent a boundary that results. 70/0
20.3 C Chibhabha to A Markram, The batsman has driven it through mid on. 66/0
20.2 C Chibhabha to Markram, Well done, Raza! Width on offer on this length ball outside off, Markram cuts it from the crease. Sikandar rushes to his right, dives and prevents a run. 66/0
20.1 C Chibhabha to Markram, Begins with a delivery on a length outside off, cut away towards backward point. 66/0
CHAMU CHIBHABHA is asked to roll his arm over. A touch surprising from the skipper to not bring himself on.
19.6 C Mpofu to Elgar, This is kept out off the front foot. 66/0
19.5 C Mpofu to Elgar, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. 66/0
19.4 C Mpofu to Elgar, Length delivery outside off, Elgar presents a straight bat to block that. But the ball climbs a bit more and strikes him high on the bat. 66/0
19.3 C Mpofu to Elgar, Hurled outside off, left alone by Elgar. 66/0
19.2 C Mpofu to D Elgar, FOUR! Elgar is the leading scorer in Tests for the South Africans and this shows why! Mpofu comes round the wicket and overpitches it outside off. Dean leans ahead and just times his drive wide of mid off. Such is the timing that the mid off fielder had no chance of preventing the ball from going to the fence. The opening stand is worth 66 now. 66/0
19.1 C Mpofu to Markram, A low full toss down leg, Markram gets bat to that and the ball goes to fine leg. A run is what AM gets for that. 62/0
18.6 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Full ball on off, kept out off the front foot. 61/0
18.5 B Muzarabani to Elgar, FOUR! Muzarabani is losing it here. He has largely been disciplined but not on this occasion. Lands it short and wide outside off, the room is enough for Elgar to play. Camps back and cuts it fiercely through point to get a boundary. 61/0
18.4 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Hurled outside off, left alone. 57/0
18.3 B Muzarabani to Markram, On the pads, clipped away to fine leg for one. 57/0
18.2 B Muzarabani to A Markram, Fuller on off, driven towards mid off. 56/0
18.1 B Muzarabani to A Markram, FOUR! Glorious stroke! Markram has largely been watchful in this innings so far but he had middled his drives. Sees this ball bowled full outside off, he gets his left foot out and drives it through the cover region for a boundary. 56/0
17.6 C Mpofu to Markram, On the pads, flicked away through square leg for a single. 52/0
17.5 C Mpofu to Markram, Length ball on off, Aiden presents a straight bat in defense. 51/0
17.4 C Mpofu to Markram, Keeps this length delivery out off his back foot. 51/0
17.3 C Mpofu to Markram, Outside off, left alone. 51/0
17.2 C Mpofu to Markram, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 51/0
17.1 C Mpofu to Markram, Full length ball on off, blocked off the front foot. 51/0
16.6 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Elgar blocks this off the front foot onto the ground. 51/0
Mpofu's right arm that is the bowling arm is slightly lower than that of Muzarabani, observes Michael Holding on air. Due to this, the new comer gets more bounce than the former. Also, Mpofu's followthrough is very abrupt while Muzarabani has a more complete followthrough.
16.5 B Muzarabani to Elgar, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 51/0
16.4 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Beautiful delivery. Blessing angles it across Elgar on a fuller length outside off, Elgar pushes his bat at it. But the ball moves away greatly to miss the edge of the bat. 51/0
16.3 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Continues over the wicket and lands it on a length outside off, cut away towards point. 51/0
16.2 B Muzarabani to Markram, Straightens his line and bowls it on the pads, Aiden clips it towards fine leg for a single. 51/0
16.1 B Muzarabani to Markram, Runs in from over the wicket and hurls it on a fuller length outside off. Markram covers his sticks and lets that pass. 50/0
The first drinks break in the game has been taken. South Africa have not lost a wicket but started a bit shaky. They were not really finding the middle of the bat. The Zimbabwean bowlers have managed to get the edge of the bat but nothing really has happened. Quiet session for both teams but Zimbabwe will be looking to pick up a wicket as soon as possible.
15.6 C Mpofu to Elgar, Defended from the crease by Elgar. 50/0
15.5 C Mpofu to Elgar, Outside off, tries to poke at it but misses. 50/0
15.4 C Mpofu to Elgar, Outside off, Elgar opens the face of the bat and guides it to third man. 50/0
15.3 C Mpofu to Elgar, Length ball, defended by Elgar. 50/0
15.3 C Mpofu to Elgar, WIDE! That's the 50-run stand. Way outside off and Elgar doesn't bother playing at it. 50/0
15.2 C Mpofu to Elgar, Fuller in length, played onto the ground. 49/0
15.1 C Mpofu to Elgar, Elgar drives this to mid on. 49/0
14.6 B Muzarabani to Markram, FOUR! Short and wide and Markram flashes his blade for a boundary. The ball goes through backward point all the way to the fence. 49/0
14.5 B Muzarabani to Markram, Shouts for an LBW! Muzarabani lets out a length delivery outside off and Markram decides not to offer any shot. To his surprise, the ball moves in a shade to strike him on the front pad. They put in an unsuccessful appeal. The bowler wants it reviewed, has a chat with his skipper who walks up to the keeper but they fail to take any decision. Eventually, the idea of taking the DRS is aborted. Good call as the replays show that it's missing the off stump by a fair distance. Markram, though, needs to be careful. Luckily for him, the ball didn't move back in a great deal to cause any harm. 45/0
14.4 B Muzarabani to Markram, Markram defends this outside off. 45/0
14.3 B Muzarabani to Markram, Length ball, defends it by getting behind the ball. 45/0
14.2 B Muzarabani to Markram, Outside off, Markram guides it towards backward point for no run. 45/0
14.1 B Muzarabani to Markram, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 45/0
13.6 C Mpofu to Elgar, Outside off, Elgar tries to poke at it but he gets an edge. The ball goes to the gully fielder, falling short of him. 45/0
13.5 C Mpofu to Elgar, FOUR! Gets right behind the line of the ball and drives it through covers for a boundary. Nobody bothers chasing that. 45/0
13.4 C Mpofu to Markram, Markram plays this to mid-wicket for a run. 41/0
13.3 C Mpofu to Markram, Around off and it gets an edge of Markram. Falls well short of second slip and a good stop there by the fielder. Dives to his right to save a certain boundary. 40/0
13.2 C Mpofu to Markram, Length ball, defended off the back foot by Markram. 40/0
13.1 C Mpofu to Markram, Outside off, Markram lets this through to the keeper. 40/0
12.6 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Outside off, left alone. 40/0
12.5 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Length ball around off, defends it onto the ground. 40/0
12.4 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Back of a length, Elgar defends this off his back foot. 40/0
12.3 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Short again, Elgar jumps to defend this. 40/0
12.2 B Muzarabani to Markram, Short ball, Markram pulls it away square of the wicket on the leg side to pick up a run. 40/0
12.1 B Muzarabani to Markram, Fuller in length, pushed to covers. 39/0
BLESSING MUZARABANI back on for another spell.
11.6 C Mpofu to Markram, Worked on the leg side to pick up a run. 39/0
11.5 C Mpofu to Markram, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. 38/0
11.4 C Mpofu to Markram, Wide outside off, left alone. 38/0
11.3 C Mpofu to Markram, In line of the stumps, Markram plays it onto the ground. 38/0
11.2 C Mpofu to Markram, Length this time outside off, Markram punches it to the off side for nothing. 38/0
11.1 C Mpofu to Elgar, Back of a length, Elgar punches it away to point for a run. 38/0
10.6 K Jarvis to Markram, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. 37/0
10.5 K Jarvis to Markram, Outside off, Markram tries to fiddle with it but misses. 37/0
10.4 K Jarvis to Markram, Outside off, left alone. 37/0
10.3 K Jarvis to Markram, FOUR! Fuller in length again and into the pads. Markram works it on through mid-wicket and the ball goes all the way to the fence. 37/0
10.2 K Jarvis to Elgar, Fullish in length, flicked away to the leg side for a run. 33/0
10.1 K Jarvis to Elgar, Elgar shoulders arms to let that one through. 32/0
9.6 C Mpofu to Markram, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 32/0
9.5 C Mpofu to Markram, Markram plays this onto the ground. 32/0
9.4 C Mpofu to Markram, Defended off the back foot. 32/0
9.3 C Mpofu to Markram, Wide outside off, Markram goes for it and misses. 32/0
9.2 C Mpofu to Markram, FOUR! Short and wide and Markram doesn't miss out on it. Slaps it through point for a boundary. 32/0
9.1 C Mpofu to Markram, A slight fuller, the batsman flicks it on the leg side. 28/0
CHRISTOPHER MPOFU is coming into the attack as first-change. He's been given a couple of slips first up.
8.6 K Jarvis to Elgar, Elgar defends this ball showing the full face of the bat. 28/0
8.5 K Jarvis to Elgar, On the leg stump region, Elgar plays it to mid-wicket for nothing. 28/0
8.4 K Jarvis to Elgar, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 28/0
8.3 K Jarvis to Markram, On the leg, Markram works it on the leg side to pick up a run. 28/0
8.2 K Jarvis to Markram, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 27/0
Deep square leg in place. Short ball next or double bluff?
8.1 K Jarvis to Elgar, Fuller in length and Elgar drives it again down the ground. Not timed like he would have liked it. The fielder chases it and saves a boundary. They come back for the third. 27/0
7.6 B Muzarabani to Markram, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 24/0
7.5 Muzarabani to Markram, NOT OUT! Zimbabwe lose their review early in the innings. It is a length ball outside off, Markram strides forward to defend. The ball moves away just a touch and goes to the keeper. Muzarabani yells in appeal but doesn't get the umpire's consent. Cremer is interested in it too and isn't seen asking the slip cordon to a great deal. Takes it upstairs and there is nothing on Ultra Edge. Taylor behind the stumps, say the commentators on air, didn't look convinced with that. Wonder what made them go upstairs then. 24/0
Review for caught behind by Zimbabwe. Have they got Markram? The bowler and the skipper feel so and hence they decide to take it upstairs. Remember, the keeper and the slip cordon didn't look all that interested...
7.4 B Muzarabani to Markram, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 24/0
7.3 B Muzarabani to Markram, FOUR! The bowler has just missed his length. Bowls it fuller on the leg and Markram flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 24/0
7.2 B Muzarabani to Elgar, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. 20/0
7.1 B Muzarabani to Elgar, FOUR! Straight drive and straight to the fence. Slightly full around off, Elgar drives it beautifully down the ground. 19/0
6.6 K Jarvis to Markram, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 15/0
6.5 K Jarvis to D Elgar, Tailing in to the batsman, Elgar gets an inside edge to it and the ball goes to hit the pad. They pick up a single. 15/0
6.4 K Jarvis to Elgar, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 14/0
6.3 K Jarvis to Elgar, Length ball, Elgar defends this showing the full face of the bat. 14/0
6.2 K Jarvis to A Markram, Length ball on middle, Markram plays this towards mid on. Mpofu gets to his right, puts in a lousy slide but fails to stop the ball. Before he runs after it to retrieve it, three runs result. 14/0
6.1 K Jarvis to Markram, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 11/0
5.6 B Muzarabani to Elgar, FOUR! Beautifully played! Muzarabani lands a half volley outside off, Elgar leans into it and pierces the gap through covers. There is proof of how good the outfield is, as the ball speeds away to the fence, the first of the game. 11/0
5.5 B Muzarabani to Elgar, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 7/0
5.4 B Muzarabani to A Markram, Delivered on a length outside off, angling in to Markram. He gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball rolls to the leg side. Elgar spots that, calls for the run and the batters complete it eventually. 7/0
5.3 B Muzarabani to Markram, Full outside off, shouldered arms to by Aiden. 6/0
5.2 B Muzarabani to Markram, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 6/0
5.1 B Muzarabani to Markram, A low full toss on off and middle, eased back towards the bowler. 6/0
4.6 K Jarvis to Markram, Fuller this time and on leg, they pick up a run on the leg side. 6/0
4.5 K Jarvis to Markram, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. 5/0
4.4 K Jarvis to D Elgar, Length ball, gets an inside edge of the bat, the ball goes down towards fine leg and they run through for a single. 5/0
4.3 K Jarvis to Markram, The batsman has worked it off his pads behind square. The batsmen have run through for a single. 4/0
4.2 K Jarvis to Elgar, Fuller in length, Elgar drives it straight to the stumps at the bowler's end. The ball deflects towards long off and they pick up a run. 3/0
4.1 Jarvis to Elgar, Stifled appeal from the players. A length ball angled across, goes through the big gap between bat and pad. It goes to the keeper and they all appeal. Nothing from the umpire there. 2/0
3.6 B Muzarabani to Markram, Moving into the batsman. Markram gets an inside edge to it and the ball hits the pad. 2/0
3.5 B Muzarabani to Markram, Length ball in of line with the stumps, Markram defends this showing the full face of the bat. 2/0
3.4 B Muzarabani to Markram, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. 2/0
3.3 B Muzarabani to Markram, Outside off on a good length, Markram plays it to point. 2/0
3.2 B Muzarabani to Markram, Darts this on a full length area. Markram defends this by getting his bat down in time. 2/0
3.1 B Muzarabani to Markram, Length ball around off, left alone by Markram. 2/0
2.6 K Jarvis to Elgar, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. 2/0
2.5 K Jarvis to Elgar, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. 2/0
2.4 K Jarvis to Elgar, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 2/0
2.3 K Jarvis to Elgar, Good ball, moving away from Elgar. He tries to flirt with it but misses the ball. 2/0
2.2 K Jarvis to Elgar, Wide outside off, left alone by Elgar again. 2/0
2.1 K Jarvis to Elgar, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. 2/0
1.6 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Back of a length ball on leg, Elgar tucks it away to fine leg for a run. 2/0
1.5 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Good ball by Blessing. Swinging in a bit, fuller in length and Elgar just gets bat to ball with one of his hands coming out. 1/0
1.4 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Length ball around off, Elgar defends this off his back foot. 1/0
1.3 B Muzarabani to Elgar, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 1/0
1.2 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Length ball around off, left alone by Elgar. 1/0
1.1 B Muzarabani to Elgar, Over the wicket on a good length, Slightly moving in to Elgar and it takes an inside edge before dying on the ground. Good ball first up. 1/0
The debutant BLESSING MUZARABANI will run in with the new cherry from the other end. He too, has a couple of slips in place.
0.6 Jarvis to Markram, Appeal made for an LBW, no avail though. Markram looks to play this length ball around off and middle to the on side, but misses and gets hit high on the pad. The visitors appeal unsuccessfully and ponder about the review before deciding against it. Height could have been the factor. A good over to start for Zimbabwe, just a run off it. 1/0
0.5 K Jarvis to Markram, Angled in to the batter, flicked towards mid-wicket. 1/0
0.4 K Jarvis to Markram, Full and swinging away outside off, Markram watches that go to the keeper's mitts. 1/0
0.3 K Jarvis to Markram, Sprayed down the leg side, Aiden has nothing to do with that. 1/0
0.2 K Jarvis to Markram, Better area this time. On a length aiming at the off stump, Markram stands tall and blocks it with a straight bat. 1/0
0.1 K Jarvis to Elgar, Not the best of lines to start with. Hurls it on a length on the pads, Elgar nudges it fine down the leg side. The keeper hares to stop that but a run results. Elgar and the Proteas are off the mark. 1/0