### South Africa Dominates First Test Against Zimbabwe Despite Williams' Heroics - In the ongoing first Test match between South Africa and Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, South Africa has established a commanding position. After declaring their first innings at 418 for 9, they led Zimbabwe by 167 runs. Zimbabwe's Sean Williams provided a glimmer of hope for his team with a remarkable century, scoring 137 runs, but the home side still trails significantly as South Africa extended their lead to 216 runs by the end of Day 2 [https://24newshd.tv/30-Jun-2025/williams-hits-century-for-zimbabwe-but-south-africa-in-control]. ### Breakdown of the Match Progression 1. **First Innings Overview**: - South Africa declared at 418 for 9, with notable contributions from Wiaan Mulder (153) and Dewald Brevis (51) [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/international/zimbabwe-vs-south-africa-1st-test-day-3-score-wiaan-mulder-hundred-zim-vs-sa-highlights-report/article69756875.ece]. - Zimbabwe struggled in response, managing only 251 runs, with Williams being the standout performer [https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/cricket/2025/06/29/cricket-zimbabwe039s-williams-bags-century-but-south-africa-lead-by-216-in-bulawayo]. 2. **Key Performances**: - Sean Williams scored 137 runs off 163 balls, contributing more than half of Zimbabwe's total [https://24newshd.tv/30-Jun-2025/williams-hits-century-for-zimbabwe-but-south-africa-in-control]. - South Africa's bowling attack was led by debutant Codi Yusuf, who took 3 wickets for 42 runs [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/international/zimbabwe-vs-south-africa-1st-test-day-3-score-wiaan-mulder-hundred-zim-vs-sa-highlights-report/article69756875.ece]. 3. **Injury Impact**: - Zimbabwe faced a setback when opening batsman Brian Bennett had to retire hurt due to a concussion, which further weakened their batting lineup [https://24newshd.tv/30-Jun-2025/williams-hits-century-for-zimbabwe-but-south-africa-in-control]. 4. **Current Match Status**: - As of the close of play on Day 2, South Africa was 49 for 1 in their second innings, setting Zimbabwe a daunting target of 537 runs for victory [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/international/zimbabwe-vs-south-africa-1st-test-day-3-score-wiaan-mulder-hundred-zim-vs-sa-highlights-report/article69756875.ece]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Batting Performances**: - Sean Williams: 137 runs from 163 balls - Wiaan Mulder: 147 runs in South Africa's second innings [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/international/zimbabwe-vs-south-africa-1st-test-day-3-score-wiaan-mulder-hundred-zim-vs-sa-highlights-report/article69756875.ece]. - **Bowling Figures**: - Codi Yusuf: 3 wickets for 42 runs - Wiaan Mulder: 4 wickets for 50 runs in the first innings [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/international/zimbabwe-vs-south-africa-1st-test-day-3-score-wiaan-mulder-hundred-zim-vs-sa-highlights-report/article69756875.ece]. ### Conclusion: South Africa's Commanding Position - **South Africa is firmly in control of the first Test against Zimbabwe**, leading by 216 runs after Day 2, with a significant target of 537 runs set for Zimbabwe to chase. Despite Sean Williams' impressive century, the home side's batting struggles and key injuries have left them in a precarious position. The match continues to unfold, with South Africa looking to capitalize on their dominant position in the upcoming days [https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/cricket/385160/williams-hits-137-for-zimbabwe-but-south-africa-in].