[Match Thread] Zimbabwe v South Africa: Only Test

[lobsang]

We are heading into the fourth day of the test match, Zimbabweans players can hold their heads high up for the fact that they pushed South Africa who, many had thought, would finish off the test within two or three days maximum to the fourth day and made them toil hard for their runs.Here are few things i want to see happening today, Taylor is in a good touch and his confidence must be sky high after that classy yet match defining 93 knock in the first innings and today he will come out again and hopefully notch up a match saving hundred. And Williams on the other hand is really in a good touch and he must be feeling good with his batting. It was unfortunate that he was given out caught behind to a ball that did not kiss his bat. And its another opportunity for him to score at least a good fifty considering that he is meddling the ball very well. And Sibanda will have to score at least fifty odd runs to save his ass from the chopping block as well as Zimbabwe from conceding an innings defeat.

[Jemisi]

Oh Crimson, you are right. The top order run out is still to come.

[foreignfield]

Oh Crimson, you are right. The top order run out is still to come.

No, no, no ... surely the top order run out opportunity is out of the way now.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Let us put in the worst case scenario again. We are not far away from yesterday's thoughts of mine, although the bowlers have done exceptionally well to not get clobbered at all throughout the innings. But we still have enough deficit to encourage an innings defeat, what with the run out and Zimbabwe Collapse TM still pending.

I agree with foreignfield and can't see either Verm or Vusi surviving a session (although a desperate Vusi looking to save his career might pull it off, and good on him if he does). Tiripano will also go quickly and we'll at least see one of Taylor / Williams go cheaply (probably run out). We'll capitulate with a mini collapse and within the first hour after lunch, we'll fold within their score, or giving them a target of around 25. They will dispatch us in 15 minutes of play. One of Taylor / Williams will get a respectable 60+ score.

If we have to compete more, though, we need at least 3 50+ scores. With only one in the first innings itself (and a 45), it is difficult to see this coming. Either way, I don't see this getting into day 5. If we manage to take it there, that would be massive!

[CrimsonAvenger]

Having said that, we are already looking way better than the "talented" India, who got skittled out in two and a half days.

[foreignfield]

Well, we've bettered all our worst case scenarios so far, Crimson. How about:
-- The Don and Vusi take the sting out of the early onslaught by Steyn and Morkel
-- Together with MV they get through the first hour
-- At lunch we are four down and only 60-odd behind
-- Taylor and Williams take a liking to Piedt
-- Hash brings back Steyn and Morkel and nips out Williams, but Regis clings on
-- Taylor gets fifty, we take the lead and Regis falls to Piedt
-- At tea we are six down, BT and Richie in, 35 ahead
-- Taylor tries to cash in before the new ball is due and perishes
-- The new ball is taken, we are 60 ahead and soon 8 down
-- Chatara walks out to resume his duel with Steyn: 9 down, 75 ahead ... an hour to go
-- Richie goes to a fifty ... Nyumbu blocks, and blocks, and is finally knocked over
-- The lead is 100
-- Nyumbu takes the new ball and takes two quick wickets
-- At the close SA are 20-2

#Believersofthefifthday

[jimmylesaint]

I shall only estimate Zims next innings score-346.
SA i got my wires crossed and they'll make 112 in their second innings!
I collect my $500 from Jemisi and everyone is happy
Vusi for 50+
Taylor 20
Williams 100+
Nyumbu 50+

[SpitfiresKent]

I thought Vusi looked very good after he'd got off the mark with that dodgy single. I think that Zimbabwe will make South Africa bat again but the question is...how soon?

[Jemisi]

I'd say worst case scenario is Steyn to knock over a couple in the first few minutes. Run out follows. Piedt knocks over the last six for a ten for and they win by an innings and 33 before lunch.

[Jemisi]

I shall only estimate Zims next innings score-346.
SA i got my wires crossed and they'll make 112 in their second innings!
I collect my $500 from Jemisi and everyone is happy
Vusi for 50+
Taylor 20
Williams 100+
Nyumbu 50+

Would be 500 of the best dollars I've spent. I certainly don't want to collect my burger from you Jimmy.