Duminy and Kallis flay Zimbabwe

South Africa routed Zimbabwe and whitewashed the two-match series with a ruthless 215-run win that was every inch as comprehensive as it sounds. Both their returnees from injury--veteran Jacques Kallis and the flourishing JP Duminy--starred to set up a massive 331, before the bowlers completed the rout.

Once again, Zimbabwe's wicketkeeper, Tatenda Taibu, showed the most resistance as he scored 52 off the paltry 119 that Zimbabwe stitched up. Coming in against the new ball after both openers had fallen for ducks, caught brilliantly at slip by Kallis, Taibu continued where he had left off on Sunday, middling his first two deliveries for fours, and batting fluently (seven fours) while the innings crumbled around him. Albie Morkel furthered his claims as an allrounder, taking two wickets in his first over, and finishing with 3 for 20 off six--slightly flattering figures as he had tended to stray a little leg-side, but satisfying nonetheless. Charl Langeveldt, against whom Taibu had been particularly fluent, returned to exact his revenge, and Roelof van der Merwe wrapped up the tail as both took 3 wickets apiece. Zimbabwe's heavy defeat was their sixth in a row, following a 4-1 loss to Bangladesh last month.

The feature of the day had been Duminy's maiden one-day century. The left-hander has had a remarkable last twelve months, and he showcased his form with an outstanding 111 off just 87 balls. It followed a strong start, where Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis had put on a rapid 108. Kallis has been eager of late to shed his somewhat unfair image as a blocker, and he showed his attacking side with an adventurous 81. His first scoring shot, a six hammered over point off seamer Kyle Jarvis, was an ominous sign. Smith, dropped on 4 at gully, took full toll, muscling a 39-ball fifty with trademark pulls and drives. When he fell, it was to his opposing number, Prosper Utseya, for the lack of pace, Taibu completing a smart stumping even as Kallis motored past 50.

Both openers, though, were overshadowed by Duminy, who saw himself in before dispatching Graeme Cremer's leg-spin with a massive slog-sweep. The deft reverse-sweeps came out as well, spoiling any rhymth the spinners might have had. Ray Price took three wickets in the middle, but failed to stop Duminy, who kept the runs coming in torrents and found a capable ally in Mark Boucher, who clobbered 31 off 19 balls at the death as South Africa careened past 300. Against a sturdy, well-equipped unit, warning bells should be going off in England's camp.