Zimbabwe did last a day longer at Centurion. And there were moments when Zimbabwe appeared resolute and at one stage, even threatened to take the game into the fourth day. Not that the result would have read much different.

The fact that a weakened and demoralized Zimbabwe were struggling to justify their position was only underlined by the partnership between returned veterans in Heath Streak and Andy Blignaut who helped post a spirited seventy-six run partnership for Zimbabwe in the first innings. Dion Ebrahim's thirty-seven and Mazakadza's twenty-six paled in front of Streak's eighty-five and Blignaut's half-century. Monde Zondeki picked up three wickets to signal his fitness while Jacques Kallis had one more opportunity to underline why he is such an invaluable component of the South African outfit with a four wicket haul. While Zimbabwe's first innings total of 265 was significantly better considering their dip in morale and the trashing at the hands of South Africa at Cape Town, it was going to fall short of challenging the hosts.

But the hosts were in a spot of bother after all. Despite AB de Villiers, skipper Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs all coming within inches of a half-century but failing in their individual pursuits, South Africa were looking a little shaky at 216 for the loss of five wickets. But Ashwell Prince took the opportunity to cement his place with a magnificent century of an unbeaten 139 that included its fair share of stroke play and finesse from the south paw. Jacques Kallis scored yet another half-century while Nicky Boje played splendidly only to miss out on what would have been a century to cherish scoring eighty-two becoming Graeme Cremer's third victim of the innings. That comeback meant South Africa were once again burying Zimbabwe with 480 on board.

Zimbabwe saw a couple of resolute batting phases with Mazakazda at the crease batting with a judicious mix of caution and stroke play for forty-seven with a brave Tatenda Taibu. But Zimbabwe found Zondeki's pace too much to absorb and found themselves at eighty-five for six. Streak held one end while Elton Chigumbara decided to show his determination to thwart South Africa's inevitable victory with forty-four against his name but once he departed, the resistance gave way on 149 and South Africa managed to wrap up the match and the series 2-0 within three days.

South Africa won by an innings and sixty-two runs. Monde Zondeki's successful return was capped quite rightly with 'the man of the match' award for his six wicket haul in Zimbabwe's second innings to add to his three wicket tally from the first innings. Kallis was also richly deserving of his 'man of the series' award. While South Africa's preparation for the West Indies tour remains to be assessed, Zimbabwe have bigger questions to answer and at present, the raw, young and desperately desolate team is at a loss for words.