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In the post-lunch session on day two of the first Test at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Sean Williams, the Zimbabwe batter, who is 38 years of age, brought up his sixth hundred in the longest format of the game against South Africa. In response to the big first innings total of 418/9dec, Zimbabwe found themselves in early trouble before the veteran helped his team to stay in the hunt in the contest with a three-figure score despite wickets falling at the other end.
Sean Williams arrived at the crease after Brian Bennett had to retire hurt due to the Kwena Maphaka bouncer hitting him flush on his helmet, essentially leaving them three down for 28 runs. He shared an 89-run stand for the third wicket with fellow senior player and captain Craig Ervine, to bring Zimbabwe out of troubled waters with a great blend of defensive and aggressive batting against a very potent South Africa bowling lineup.
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The left-handed batter brought up his hundred in just 122 balls with a single on the bowling of Wiaan Mulder, pulling a shorter length delivery through to deep square leg fielder. He celebrated the moment in style in front of his home fans, punching the air in delight while saying a few words before taking off his helmet and raising his bat for everyone to see at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
After the tea break was completed, Zimbabwe resumed their innings and lost a wicket, to find themselves on 238/7 in 60 overs, still trailing by 180 runs with Sean Williams (133* off 158) and Vincent Masekesa (2* off 14) at the crease, as of this writing.
Below are the playing XIs of Zimbabwe and South Africa for first Test of two-match series:
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett*, Takudzawanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga
South Africa: Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (c), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka
(*Prince Masvaure replaces Brian Bennett as concussion substitute)
