Corbin Bosch crafts maiden ton to spark South Africa’s lower-order revival against Zimbabwe

Bulawayo: Allrounder Corbin Bosch delivered a sensational performance on Day 1 of the first Test in Bulawayo, guiding South Africa to a formidable 418/9 against Zimbabwe. Bosch, 24, crafted his maiden Test century — his first in first-class cricket — finishing unbeaten on 100 from 124 balls.

South Africa found themselves reeling at 181/6 when Bosch joined debutant Lhuan‑dre Pretorius. Together, they put on a gamechanging partnership worth 108 runs in 136 deliveries.

Pretorius, 19, had produced a scintillating 153 off 160 balls, becoming the youngest South African to score a Test century on debut. Dewald Brevis also chipped in with a lively 51, helping the Proteas recover from 55/4.

Bosch was initially cautious, surviving a drop at two early on. He showed patience under pressure, seizing control in the latter stages, scoring his fifty off 77 balls and celebrating his ton in the final over before stumps.

His contributions were bolstered by vital lower-order partnerships: 21 runs with captain Keshav Maharaj, 27 with Codi Yusuf, and a final stand with Kwena Maphaka, who was unbeaten on 9.

Bosch’s century not only spearheaded South Africa’s late surge past 400 but also highlighted his emerging value as a robust and reliable lower-order bat. The innings could prove decisive in the trajectory of this Test.

Brief scores

South Africa: 418/9 (Pretorius 153, Bosch 100 not out, Brevis 51, Chivanga 4-82) vs Zimbabwe