South Africa A, led by a superb double century from captain Zubayr Hamza, sealed a convincing win over Zimbabwe A by an innings and 166 runs to claim a 1-0 lead in the two-match 4-Day series in Harare on Thursday.

Requiring eight wickets on the final day, South Africa’s pace attack needed just 30.3 overs to wrap up the game. Glenton Stuurman (3-18), Daryn Dupavillon (3-28), Migael Pretorius (2-10) and Lutho Sipamla (2-23) made contributions as Zimbabwe were skittled for 93.

Earlier in the game, South Africa A captain Zubayr Hamza recorded a career-best unbeaten 222 on day three. The 25-year-old piled up the runs off 240 balls (28 fours, 3 sixes) in the first match of the two-game series.

He combined with centurions Sinethemba Qeshile (124*) and Ryan Rickelton (109) to post 603-4 declared in South Africa’s first innings, which was in response to the hosts’ 344 all out.