In the opening match of the tri-nation T20I series, Zimbabwe vs South Africa ended with South Africa claiming a comfortable five-wicket victory. The match was held at the Harare Sports Club on Monday, July 14.
South African captain Rassie van der Dussen won the toss and chose to bowl first. The decision paid off quickly. Lungi Ngidi struck early with a run-out of Wessly Madhevere, who managed only one run from nine balls.
Zimbabwe struggled in the early overs. Clive Madande and Brian Bennet formed a brief partnership but failed to increase the scoring rate. Madande scored just 8 off 16 balls before being dismissed by Nqabayomzi Peter. Bennet looked promising but was dismissed for 30 off 28 by George Linde.
At 55/3, Zimbabwe needed experienced players to rescue the innings. Captain Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl responded with a solid 66-run partnership off 38 balls. Raza remained unbeaten with a well-crafted 54 off 38 deliveries, including two sixes and three boundaries. Burl added 29 off 20 before falling in the 18th over.
Zimbabwe posted a total of 141/6 in 20 overs. George Linde led the South African bowling attack, taking 3 wickets for just 10 runs in three overs.
Chasing 142, South Africa had a shaky start. Lhuan-Dre Pretorious was dismissed for a golden duck. Zimbabwe took three early wickets, reducing the Proteas to 38/3 by the end of the powerplay.
However, the momentum shifted as Dewald Brevis and Rubin Hermann built a match-winning partnership. The duo added 72 runs in just 37 balls. Brevis smashed 41 off 17 balls, while Hermann played a steady 45 off 37.
Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 23 guided South Africa home in 15.5 overs.
This Zimbabwe vs South Africa match marked a strong start for the Proteas in the series. Both teams will now prepare for the upcoming fixtures in this tri-nation contest. The next Zimbabwe vs South Africa clash is expected to be even more competitive.
In cricket news, West Indies batting failure puts Australia in control on 15-wicket day — Click to read how Australia dominated with both bat and ball
