South Africa kicked off the T20I triangular series with an impressive 5 wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Monday.
Proteas captain Rassie van der Dussen won the toss and elected to field first on a surface that offered little assistance to bowlers. The visitors handed debuts to three players: Corbin Bosch, Rubin Hermann, and Lhuan-dré Pretorius.
Zimbabwe’s batting struggles continued, with Wesley Madhevere the first to fall in the third over ,dismissed for just 1 run after hitting his own stumps off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi, leaving the hosts at 8-1.
Brian Bennett provided some resistance with a solid 30 off 28 balls before falling to George Linde.
A 50 run stand between captain Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl proved vital during the middle overs. Burl eventually departed in the 17th over for 29 off 20 deliveries.
Raza held firm until the end, finishing unbeaten on 54 his 15th T20I half-century as Zimbabwe posted a respectable 141/6 in their 20 overs.
For South Africa, left-arm spinner George Linde starred with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for just 10 runs at a tidy economy rate of 3.33.
In response, South Africa’s chase got off to a shaky start. Zimbabwe pacer Richard Ngarava struck early, removing both Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks within the first two overs.
But a crucial 50 run partnership between Dewald Brevis and debutant Rubin Hermann steadied the innings.
Hermann top scored with 45 off 37 balls before Ngarava struck again, clean bowling him with a beauty that knocked over middle stump.
Trevor Gwandu chipped in with two wickets for 15 runs, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Proteas, who reached 142/5 with four overs to spare.
Upcoming Matches:
Wednesday, 16 July – South Africa vs New Zealand
Friday, 18 July – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand
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