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South Africa have suffered a major setback ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe as stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out due to a groin injury.
The left-arm spinner sustained a left groin strain while batting on the third day of the first Test in Bulawayo. He will return home for further medical evaluation to assess the extent of the injury.
In Maharaj’s absence, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been named captain for the second and final Test, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday. Meanwhile, Senuran Muthusamy has been added to the squad as Maharaj’s replacement.
South Africa have also released pacer Lungi Ngidi, who was initially expected to join the squad mid-series. The decision was made to give more opportunities to the seamers who impressed in the first Test.
The visitors head into the second Test with a 1-0 lead after a dominant performance in the opening match at Queens Sports Club, where they secured a convincing 328-run victory.
Debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius made an instant impact, scoring a brilliant 153 in the first innings as South Africa declared at 418/9. His outstanding knock earned him the Player of the Match award.
In reply, Zimbabwe posted 251, with Sean Williams scoring a fighting century. Wiaan Mulder led South Africa’s bowling effort with four wickets.
The Proteas increased the pressure in their second innings by setting a massive target, leaving Zimbabwe needing 537 runs for victory. Mulder stood out once more, this time with the bat, scoring a century while batting at number three.
Zimbabwe’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure and was eventually dismissed for 208 in their final innings. Corbin Bosch delivered a match-winning performance, claiming 5 wickets for 43 runs and adding a century in the first innings.
Wellington Masakadza (57) and Blessing Muzarabani (32*) showed some resistance, but their efforts weren’t enough to prevent South Africa from sealing a dominant win and taking control of the series.
