Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Olatundespo]

South Africa has given a target of 625 runs to Zimbabwe, it will never be possible for Zimbabwe to meet this huge target. South Africa's batting performance was very good and they batted well enough due to which they have given a huge target. However, meeting the target of 625 runs is not an easy task and it will be very challenging for Zimbabwe's batsmen. Zimbabwe's batsmen got their opening batting out early due to which they were under a lot of pressure and at the moment they have failed to complete 100 runs. At the moment, Zimbabwe has lost 91 runs and six wickets which is not good for the team at all but it seems that they will be all out soon. And this target given by South Africa may fail to meet even if Zimbabwe is allowed to play their second innings, we can ensure that Zimbabwe will lose this match.

It is very difficult for Zimbabwe to chase such a huge run. They are already a very weak team in Test cricket. South Africa batted brilliantly especially Mulder played a devastating innings of 367 runs. He single-handed pulled the team up which can be said to be another record in Test history. South Africa batted by influencing the Zimbabwe bowlers. Their first-order bowlers could not take any advantage from the pitch. At the end of the second day's play, the Zimbabwe team was still behind by 405 runs. Chasing a huge target, they started batting cautiously but opening batsman Dion Myers was out for just 11 runs although they still 9 wickets remain. I think the Zimbabwe team will lose by a huge difference.

[LDL]

I truly find it hard to believe that Mulder chose to declare on 367 when he was just 33 runs away from breaking Lara's insane record which was set over a decade ago. His reasoning about focusing on the team first is just silly considering their opponent is Zimbabwe.

This was a silly decision in my book. Anyway, the proteas are all over Zimbabwe in this test too and should win by an innings.

400 runs is an unforgettable record in Test cricket which Wiaan Mulder's 367* could have broken today but he may not have broken the record out of respect for Brian Lara.
He may not get another chance like this in his life, but we may think that Mulder may have made a foolish decision on the surface, but in reality, he may not have broken the record out of respect for Brian Lara.
Brian Lara set this record almost two decades ago, but today, South Africa's Mulder has not broken Brian Lara's record despite having ample opportunities. He may not get another chance in his life.

[Danica22]

Zimbabwe trailing by a huge margin of 456 runs. Zimbabwe will start their second innings in a while. Zimbabwe will probably not be able to score more than 200-220 in the second innings either.
Wiaan Mulder has been able to bowl well along with his excellent batting. Wiaan Mulder has taken two wickets in 6 overs. Besides, Prenelan Subrayen has taken four wickets

Zimbabwe started a bit better in the second innings. At the end of the day, Zimbabwe scored 51 runs for the loss of one wicket. Dion Myers was dismissed for 11 runs and Takudzwanashe Kaitano is still unbeaten on 34 runs. Zimbabwe is still trailing by 405 runs. It is unlikely that the team will score that much in the second innings. Zimbabwe will be able to score a maximum of 250-300.
Such one-sided test series are very boring. Zimbabwe should organize test series against teams like Bangladesh, UAE, Netherlands and Nepal. This will make the matches competitive

[dezoel]

It is very difficult for Zimbabwe to chase such a huge run. They are already a very weak team in Test cricket. South Africa batted brilliantly especially Mulder played a devastating innings of 367 runs. He single-handed pulled the team up which can be said to be another record in Test history. South Africa batted by influencing the Zimbabwe bowlers. Their first-order bowlers could not take any advantage from the pitch. At the end of the second day's play, the Zimbabwe team was still behind by 405 runs. Chasing a huge target, they started batting cautiously but opening batsman Dion Myers was out for just 11 runs although they still 9 wickets remain. I think the Zimbabwe team will lose by a huge difference.

Yeah, there is no chance for Zimbabwe to chase down this target they needed to keep things on positive note and try to have defeat with lower runs with an inning is already fixed for their lost in this game in 59 overs second string South African bowling line-up took 11 wickets. Corruption and worst domestic system is almost kill Zimbabwe cricket now it's time to have few changes which increase competitiveness of few teams which are going down badly in last few years I am fed up with this Zimbabwe performance because both matches are completely one-sided affair.

Wiaan Mulder break many records and have name in cricket history books due to his amazing inning feeling sorry for him because this was good opportunity to register another 400 inning in test history, but he took his decision in hurry and declared even they are capable of winning if they took more time in batting.

[Mahdirakib]

I truly find it hard to believe that Mulder chose to declare on 367 when he was just 33 runs away from breaking Lara's insane record which was set over a decade ago. His reasoning about focusing on the team first is just silly considering their opponent is Zimbabwe.
This was a silly decision in my book. Anyway, the proteas are all over Zimbabwe in this test too and should win by an innings.

The decision of declaration has surprised everyone. It was just day 2 of this match. Moreover, it was the first session of the day. So, the decision has surprised everyone. It isn't easy to get such opportunities in the whole career. However, he said this at the end of day two

Secondly, Brian Lara is a legend. For someone of that stature to keep that record is deserved. If I get the chance to do it again, I’d do it exactly the same way. I spoke to Shuks (Shukri Conrad) and he felt the same way. Brian Lara is a legend and he deserves to keep that record.

That's a bold statement from him. But still everyone will address it as a silly decision. I don't think that every player will think like that. I believe that any other player will try to break the record if they get the opportunity. They won't think about the legendary record of Brian Lara.

[WatChe]

South Africa are batting brilliantly in the first innings of the second Test against Zimbabwe. Wiaan Mulder is a great captain and his batting performance is really impressive which is beyond imagination, he is still unbeaten and he has made huge scores for the team. Wiaan Mulder is currently 264 runs and unbeaten, his 34 boundaries were worth seeing, his batting performance is so impressive that the audience is captivated. South Africa have scored 465 runs for the loss of 4 wickets and they are planning to play a long innings. I think South Africa can easily give a target of 650+ runs, and if Wiaan Mulder cannot get him out, then it can be even more.

Zimbabwe can't even give a good fight to 2nd-tier South African team and this series clearly tells the story that Zimbabwe not ready for such series. I don't know why Wiaan Mulder declared south African innings when he was just 33 runs away from breaking highest test runs in an innings record set by Brian Lara. Players get such opportunities once in a career, Wiaan can easily break the Lara record and after that he can declare the innings.

Only Sean Williams was able to score some runs from Zimbabwe side in first innings, he scored 83 runs on 55 balls. Zimbabwe should have scored some runs to at least avoid the follow on but they were all out for just 170 runs. 

[HelliumZ]

That's a bold statement from him. But still everyone will address it as a silly decision. I don't think that every player will think like that. I believe that any other player will try to break the record if they get the opportunity. They won't think about the legendary record of Brian Lara.

What we think is thought differently by the wise, as thought by South African batsman Mulder. Making a sudden decision while coming close to breaking a record and remaining unbeaten without breaking the record and honoring a senior legendary player will be a record in history. He showed himself to be a greater and bigger player than the honor he would have received by breaking the record, by showing respect to Brian Lara without breaking the record. I respect his great sacrifice.

[Out of mind]

Zimbabwe trailing by a huge margin of 456 runs. Zimbabwe will start their second innings in a while. Zimbabwe will probably not be able to score more than 200-220 in the second innings either.
Wiaan Mulder has been able to bowl well along with his excellent batting. Wiaan Mulder has taken two wickets in 6 overs. Besides, Prenelan Subrayen has taken four wickets

Zimbabwe started a bit better in the second innings. At the end of the day, Zimbabwe scored 51 runs for the loss of one wicket. Dion Myers was dismissed for 11 runs and Takudzwanashe Kaitano is still unbeaten on 34 runs. Zimbabwe is still trailing by 405 runs. It is unlikely that the team will score that much in the second innings. Zimbabwe will be able to score a maximum of 250-300.
Such one-sided test series are very boring. Zimbabwe should organize test series against teams like Bangladesh, UAE, Netherlands and Nepal. This will make the matches competitive

Zimbabwe were all out for 170 runs in the first innings, and in the second innings they started their game and lost one wicket, Dion Myers was out for 11 runs. Takudzwanashe Kaitano is still batting well and he is planning to bat for a long time, if his batting performance is good then he can score runs. However, Zimbabwe's batsmen are not trusted because they have failed to play the ball of South Africa's bowlers. Since they are still 405 runs behind, Zimbabwe will have to bat well, moreover, no matter how well they bat, they will still be prevented from winning this match. However, this is a one-sided match where South Africa is strong and Zimbabwe is normal. Such matches are really annoying, Zimbabwe will lose badly in this match.

[Haunebu]

It's Zimbabwe ffs and they are already 6 down. Unless Mulder ran out of carrots due to this marathon, I don't see any other explanation.

He mentioned that it was out of respect for Lara which is just more dumb reasoning. He could have etched an amazing record in the record books, but chose to give up for ethical nonsense. Smh!

He showed himself to be a greater and bigger player than the honor he would have received by breaking the record, by showing respect to Brian Lara without breaking the record. I respect his great sacrifice.

Sacrifice? I disagree. He threw away an amazing opportunity which makes him look stupid. Any other smart player in his shoes would have tried their best to get past that 400 mark. Records are meant to be broken plain and simple.

[noormcs5]

It is very difficult for Zimbabwe to chase such a huge run. They are already a very weak team in Test cricket. South Africa batted brilliantly especially Mulder played a devastating innings of 367 runs. He single-handed pulled the team up which can be said to be another record in Test history. South Africa batted by influencing the Zimbabwe bowlers. Their first-order bowlers could not take any advantage from the pitch. At the end of the second day's play, the Zimbabwe team was still behind by 405 runs. Chasing a huge target, they started batting cautiously but opening batsman Dion Myers was out for just 11 runs although they still 9 wickets remain. I think the Zimbabwe team will lose by a huge difference.

You are saying it is difficult for Zimbabwe to chase this score, i would say it is close to impossible for them. Although they had a decent start to the batting in the 2nd innings with Takudzwanashe Kaitano still batting on 34, but they still trail by 405 runs. It is almost impossible for them to first level the score and then take the lead with just 9 wickets in hand.

It is just a matter of how long the Zimbabwe team can survive. Sean Williams had a good innings in the last innings and also some batting were shown by the middle order. It would be interesting to see how Zimbabwe starts the game tomorrow.

[doomloop]

Australia won against West Indies for the second time, when Australia were batting in the second innings, I understood there and West Indies could not chase it as often West Indies middle order often got confused when they lost early wickets.

West Indies top order is good but on top the Australia's bowlers are massive and at the end of the day, the results are in front of us. Alex Carey was the player of the game, he played average, nothing surprising but still looking at the pitch condition and on the other team's effort, so he deserved it.

Two test matches with 4 complete innings for both sides bowlers are dominating while both sides are having terrible batting, but Australians are enjoying due to some better performance from their players Alex Carey won player of the match award in second test match due to his 93 runs in both innings.

Travis Head 188, Alex Carey 166 and Beau Webster 136 leading batsmen in this series while Shamar Joseph 14, Josh Hazelwood 11 and Jayden Seales 10 wickets are leading bowlers West Indies is almost on dead level in test format which needed to be work out for them and their management because if they keep going surely they could be out of contest. Again and again many voices rises for having some changes in this current system because things are getting worse due to quality difference between top teams and lower rank teams which are not healthy for competition.

[Just Say]

It is very difficult for Zimbabwe to chase such a huge run. They are already a very weak team in Test cricket. South Africa batted brilliantly especially Mulder played a devastating innings of 367 runs. He single-handed pulled the team up which can be said to be another record in Test history. South Africa batted by influencing the Zimbabwe bowlers.

There is no doubt that the Proteas batted with an impact on the Zimbabwean bowlers, their team's run tally by Wiaan Mulder brought it close to an epic innings. But he may not have wanted to break the record of a legend, which is why he never added a 400-run innings to his Test career despite having endless opportunities. The South African all-rounder said in a conversation that his team's coach also asked him to keep the West Indies legend's record intact, so I think he was walking that path. However it is indirectly true that Wiaan Mulder did not break Brian Lara's iconic record intentionally but everyone should be sure that his team will definitely leave the field with a victory against Zimbabwe.

[UmerIdrees]

It is very difficult for Zimbabwe to chase such a huge run. They are already a very weak team in Test cricket. South Africa batted brilliantly especially Mulder played a devastating innings of 367 runs. He single-handed pulled the team up which can be said to be another record in Test history. South Africa batted by influencing the Zimbabwe bowlers. Their first-order bowlers could not take any advantage from the pitch. At the end of the second day's play, the Zimbabwe team was still behind by 405 runs. Chasing a huge target, they started batting cautiously but opening batsman Dion Myers was out for just 11 runs although they still 9 wickets remain. I think the Zimbabwe team will lose by a huge difference.

In the last match, the South African team early lost their wickets but then the middle order stabilised the game but this time they once again had a bad start but then one of the top favourite player of all time, one and the only Mulder, who is leading the team came to bat.

Wiaan Mulder batted to his best of his ability and he scored up to 367 in just 334 balls, he is playing like ODI. So far, it is looking like South Africa to win the game one-sidedly and maybe they will not bat again according to current conditions, because now Zimbabwe can't even come to lead even in their dreams.

[MusaPk]

You are saying it is difficult for Zimbabwe to chase this score, i would say it is close to impossible for them. Although they had a decent start to the batting in the 2nd innings with Takudzwanashe Kaitano still batting on 34, but they still trail by 405 runs. It is almost impossible for them to first level the score and then take the lead with just 9 wickets in hand.

It is just a matter of how long the Zimbabwe team can survive. Sean Williams had a good innings in the last innings and also some batting were shown by the middle order. It would be interesting to see how Zimbabwe starts the game tomorrow.

After seeing poor batting of Zimbabwe in first innings its now clear that they won't be able to avoid an innings defeat. Zimbabwe score is 51/1 in second innings while in first innings they lost four wickets when score was 51 runs. If Sean Williams has not scored 83 runs in first innings then Zimbabwe won't be able to score even 100 runs in first innings. Zimbabwe batsmen must try to stay on pitch and try to score as many runs as possible to boost their confidence against top test teams. This series is going to be 2-0 and SA unlucky that this series is not part of WTC.  

[Cheema02]

It is very difficult for Zimbabwe to chase such a huge run. They are already a very weak team in Test cricket. South Africa batted brilliantly especially Mulder played a devastating innings of 367 runs. He single-handed pulled the team up which can be said to be another record in Test history. South Africa batted by influencing the Zimbabwe bowlers. Their first-order bowlers could not take any advantage from the pitch. At the end of the second day's play, the Zimbabwe team was still behind by 405 runs. Chasing a huge target, they started batting cautiously but opening batsman Dion Myers was out for just 11 runs although they still 9 wickets remain. I think the Zimbabwe team will lose by a huge difference.

Its impossible now for Zimbabwe to get back in this match because South Africa dominant bowling and batting performance in first match. Zimbabwe disappointed batting performance in first inning all team bowled out just 170 and follow on. Prenelan Subrayen bowling performance amazing to watch picked four important wickets in first inning. Zimbabwe current score is 50 runs by just lost on single wicket. Zimbabwe play a little bit good in second inning they didn't lose early wickets but still trail by 406 runs. I don't think Zimbabwe will scored enough runs to get some target to South Africa. I predicted outh Africa will easily won this test match with huge runs and one inning that will assit him to move top position on point table.

[Compromise me]

In the second Test match between Zimbabwe and South Africa, South Africa declared the innings with 626 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 114 overs in the 1st innings. Wian Mulder batted brilliantly which is very commendable. Wian Mulder was unbeaten on 367. Brian Lara was the individual top scorer in the history of Test cricket. Brian Lara scored 400 runs in an innings in Tests. Only 33 runs were needed to break Brian Lara's record. But Wian Mulder didn't get that chance. However Zimbabwe lost two wickets in the first two overs, so far Zimbabwe have collected 8 runs for the loss of 2 wicket in 3 overs.

South Africa International Test cricket team is dominanting is this match because they made good score in the first inning and many players were looking in good form. Zimbabwe International test cricket team is in bad situation because they could not bat well in first inning and all team team at just 170 runs. At the end of second day, score of Zimbabwe cricket team is just 51 with fall of 1 wicket, they will try to draw this match which is not possible because 3 days are remaining but rain can help that team from loss . Otherwise, South Africa team will win this match easily by high margin because they made 626 runs in this match and ZIM trail by 405 runs and that is hard to cover this distance.

[ZAINmalik75]

India levelled the test match series 1-1 and what a performance by the captain Shubman Gill. He scored three centuries individually in two innings and also 2 fifties. In the first innings, he scored 269 and then in the second innings, he made 161 and was the player of the game. But still both teams are in the race, as the first match was won by England, this one by India, so on 10th July, after three days the next game will start and I hope next time England will get Shubman Gill wicket early, otherwise it might be the same situation again.

Yeh Indian team finally won the vital match and honestly they really deserve that victory, because I never expected such kind of phenomenal bowling comeback from them as thier main pacer bumrah wasn't part of his team for second match. but still they manage to departure brook, smith and then rest of England team on just 271 that huge. I taught things will be most probably ended as draw, because English side has to just stick on ground. but a big round of applause for deep who can be somehow know hero of Indian team after gill as his contribution really mean for his team at such critical situation

[LDL]

After seeing poor batting of Zimbabwe in first innings its now clear that they won't be able to avoid an innings defeat. Zimbabwe score is 51/1 in second innings while in first innings they lost four wickets when score was 51 runs. If Sean Williams has not scored 83 runs in first innings then Zimbabwe won't be able to score even 100 runs in first innings. Zimbabwe batsmen must try to stay on pitch and try to score as many runs as possible to boost their confidence against top test teams. This series is going to be 2-0 and SA unlucky that this series is not part of WTC.  

It is easy to imagine how competitive a Test match would be with a weak team against the reigning WTC champions. While South Africa declared their first innings on 626, Zimbabwe ended their first innings without being able to avoid a follow-on and began their second innings batting. No matter how well Zimbabwe performs, they will be defeated by an innings. For now, let Zimbabwe gain some experience from the Test, besides, Zimbabwe has basically nothing to learn from this Test.

[Nothingtodo]

Wiaan Mulder batted to his best of his ability and he scored up to 367 in just 334 balls, he is playing like ODI. So far, it is looking like South Africa to win the game one-sidedly and maybe they will not bat again according to current conditions, because now Zimbabwe can't even come to lead even in their dreams.

One thing I didn't understand was how a player missed such a big opportunity, where adding just 33 runs would have set a new record in Test cricket history. Here, he voluntarily gave up batting and invited Zimbabwe to bat. Various news outlets have reported that Wiaan Mulder did not want to break cricket legend Brian Lara's record on his own, and he has also said that he would do it even if he had the opportunity a hundred more times. However, this is a personal matter for him, but it is rare in cricket to see someone who is so close to a record and then vows not to break it.

[As-Soon-As]

You are saying it is difficult for Zimbabwe to chase this score, i would say it is close to impossible for them. Although they had a decent start to the batting in the 2nd innings with Takudzwanashe Kaitano still batting on 34, but they still trail by 405 runs. It is almost impossible for them to first level the score and then take the lead with just 9 wickets in hand.

It is just a matter of how long the Zimbabwe team can survive. Sean Williams had a good innings in the last innings and also some batting were shown by the middle order. It would be interesting to see how Zimbabwe starts the game tomorrow.

After seeing poor batting of Zimbabwe in first innings its now clear that they won't be able to avoid an innings defeat. Zimbabwe score is 51/1 in second innings while in first innings they lost four wickets when score was 51 runs. If Sean Williams has not scored 83 runs in first innings then Zimbabwe won't be able to score even 100 runs in first innings. Zimbabwe batsmen must try to stay on pitch and try to score as many runs as possible to boost their confidence against top test teams. This series is going to be 2-0 and SA unlucky that this series is not part of WTC.  

Zimbabwe team performed very badly in the first innings, mainly South Africa batsman Mulder scored 367 runs alone. Zimbabwe team is not able to keep wickets, Zimbabwe team is going to lose this match safely. In the second innings, Zimbabwe team lost 1 wicket for 51 runs, so there is a possibility of losing more wickets.
If we observe in the first innings of Zimbabwe team, then they started losing wickets quickly, if the same situation happens in the second innings, then the players of Zimbabwe team will definitely be forced to lose by a huge margin. Due to losing wickets, Zimbabwe team is only facing huge pressure, due to which Zimbabwe team lacks patient batsmen.