TAKASHINGA left-arm orthodox spinner Wellington Masakadza spun his way to a career-best four-wicket haul, but his personal milestone was overshadowed by a formidable South African batting display that has left Zimbabwe staring down the barrel of a monumental record chase in the first Test at Queens Sports Club.

On a challenging day three, South Africa declared their first innings on 418 for nine before being bowled out for 369 in their second, setting Zimbabwe a towering target of 537 for an unlikely victory.

The day’s play began with the visitors on 49 for one, and Zimbabwe landed an early blow when Tanaka Chivanga induced an edge from Tony de Zorzi.

However, Wiaan Mulder proved to be the immovable object, anchoring the innings with a commanding 147.

Mulder constructed crucial partnerships, first a 72-run stand with David Bedingham (35) before Masakadza made the breakthrough, tempting Bedingham into a mistimed pull shot pouched by Williams at midwicket.

A brief wobble saw South Africa slip to 155 for five, as debutant centurion Lhuan-dre Pretorius (4) had his stumps rearranged by a Vincent Masekesa delivery that ripped through the gate.

Masakadza then came into his own, running through the lower-middle order. He found the edge of Kyle Verreynne’s bat with a sharply turning delivery, and later bowled a defiant Corbin Bosch (36) who missed a slog-sweep. His fourth victim was Keshav Maharaj (51), who was deceived in flight after dancing down the track, the ball crashing into his middle stump.

Masakadza finished with figures of 4/98 from his 22 overs, his best return in Test cricket. Chivanga (2/76) and Masekesa (2/117) provided able support.