New Delhi: Sean Williams notched up his sixth Test century to equal Grant Flower and Brendan Taylor for the second-most tons by a Zimbabwe batter in the longest format. Williams achieved the feat on Day 2 of the ongoing 1st Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday. Williams slammed a brilliant 137-run knock to help Zimbabwe stage a fightback after a poor start in their first innings.
Replying to South Africa’s massive first-innings total of 418 runs, Zimbabwe got off to a sluggish start in their first innings as they lost opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano on a duck in the very first over, before Nno.3 Nick Welch departed cheaply on 4. Meanwhile, opener Brian Bennett got retired hurt after being hit by a bouncer on 19, leaving the hosts in disarray.
Williams helped Zimbabwe recover with a crucial partnership with skipper Craig Ervine (36) for the third wicket. He then added 48 runs for the third wicket with Wessly Madhevere (15) before combining with the lower middle order and the tail-enders to propel the hosts to a respectable 251/10 in their first innings.
Williams top-scored for Zimbabwe with his 137 off 164 balls, laced with 16 fours. With the help of his century, he became Zimbabwe’s joint second-highest centurion in Test cricket alongside Flower and Taylor. Williams has smashed six tons in just 40 innings in Test cricket. Grant Flower ended his Test career with six tons in 123 innings, while Taylor scored 6 centuries in 68 innings.
Zimbabwe legend Andy Flower leads the elite list with 12 centuries in 112 innings in Test cricket. He holds the record for the most centuries by a Zimbabwe batter in Tests.
Andy Flower – 12
Sean Williams – 6*
Brendan Taylor – 6
Grant Flower – 6
Williams is also only the second Zimbabwe batter after Andy Flower to score a Test century against South Africa. Flower scored two centuries against the Proteas in Tests in his career. However, despite Williams’ ton, Zimbabwe could only manage 251 runs in their first innings, to concede a huge 167-run lead against the visitors.
