South Africa matched its longest winning streak in men’s Test cricket by crushing Zimbabwe by 328 runs on Tuesday, securing a ninth straight victory — a feat last achieved by the Proteas in 2002-03.

Medium-pacer Corbin Bosch starred with career-best figures of 5-43 as Zimbabwe, chasing an improbable 537, folded for 208 after lunch on day four. It marked Zimbabwe’s heaviest defeat by runs in Test history.

Bosch struck with the first ball of the day, removing Nick Welch, after dismissing opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano with the final delivery on Monday. Despite resistance from skipper Craig Ervine (49) and Wellington Masakadza (57*), Zimbabwe's hopes faded quickly, collapsing from 32-1 overnight to 82-6 within the first hour.

Bosch, playing only his second Test, also scored an unbeaten century in the first innings, becoming the first South African since Jacques Kallis in 2002 to register a hundred and five-for in the same Test.

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South Africa declared at 418-9 and added 369 in the second innings, while Zimbabwe managed 251 and 208.

Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius was named player of the match for his 153 on debut. Dewald Brevis (51 and a wicket) and Codi Yusuf (3-42 and 3-22) also impressed on their Test debuts.

Proteas stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj praised the young talents, saying, "Pretorius is a mature head, Brevis expresses himself fearlessly, and Bosch has slotted in perfectly — his all-round display was special."

The final Test of the two-match series begins Sunday at Queens Sports Club.

Source: Agency