ZIM Vs RSA, 1st Test: Maharaj Hails Newcomers As Bosch, Pretorius & Brevis Star For South Africa

Keshav Maharaj hailed the impact of South Africa's new boys after they dismantled Zimbabwe for a 328-run victory in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe went into day four of the opening Test needing 505 runs for victory, but they got nowhere near that total with Corbin Bosch fronting the tourists' attack.

On just his second Test appearance, Bosch ended Zimbabwe's second innings with figures of 5-43, having also hit an unbeaten century on day one. 

He was not South Africa's only centurion, however, with 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius becoming the youngest player to score at least 150 runs on their Test debut in the Proteas' first innings.

Another debutant, 22-year-old Dewald Brevis, added 51 runs on the opening day, causing Maharaj – who is standing in for injured captain Temba Bavuma – to praise the newcomers.

"I've had my eye on Lhuan-dre since the SA20, and he hasn't looked back since in any format," Maharaj said at the post-match presentation. "He's a mature young lad.

"To see how goes about his business in high-pressure situations was very heartwarming. 

"And then there's Dewald Brevis. Not many youngsters come into our system and express themselves the way he does. 

"Bosch is new to the international scene, but he's really fit like a glove. To see him conquer both facets in this Test match was really special."

South Africa have now won five straight men's Test matches, last recording a longer run of victories between January 2012 and February 2013 (six).

"Obviously it was very good to get over the line. To see the character was very heartwarming," Maharaj continued. "The display with the ball was very encouraging to see. 

"We know the talent within our systems. It was about getting them in the right frame of mind to execute, and they showed that throughout the four days."

Pretorius was named Player of the Match after his historic first innings, before telling the crowd: "It's a moment I'll cherish and remember for a very long time. 

"It was amazing. I haven't played a lot of first-class games, but I've been in that position once or twice. 

"I tried to stick to my gameplan. The message was quite clear in the change room, that I needed to be myself. Soaking in the pressure, and transferring it again was important."

The second Test begins on Sunday, with South Africa now unbeaten in all 10 of their red-ball matches against Zimbabwe (nine wins, one draw). They have only faced Bangladesh (14 wins, two draws) more often without ever losing.