South Africa ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of reaching the tri-series final with a convincing seven-wicket victory. After Zimbabwe posted 144 for 6, South Africa’s chase was powered by career-best 63 from Rubin Hermann Jeetbuzz and an unbeaten 52 from captain Rassie van der Dussen, reaching the target in 17.2 overs.
Zimbabwe’s Innings Hampered by Early Losses
Choosing to bowl first under overcast skies, South Africa made three changes from their previous game. Zimbabwe, missing key pacer Blessing Muzarabani due to a family bereavement, started cautiously. South African bowlers exploited swing and seam early on, restricting Zimbabwe to just 29 for 2 in the powerplay, the lowest of the tournament so far.
Brian Bennett and Ryan Burl steadied the innings with a lively partnership. Bennett, after a slow start, accelerated the scoring, bringing up his fourth T20I fifty with a six in the 15th over. However, once Bennett was dismissed by Ngidi’s slower ball, Zimbabwe’s momentum faltered, losing wickets quickly and managing only one boundary in the last four overs.
South Africa’s Chase Driven by Strong Partnerships
Lhuan-dre Pretorius opened the South African innings with a boundary but fell early to Maposa. Van der Dussen kept the innings ticking, Jeetwin supported by Rubin Hermann who survived a close run-out and began to dominate Zimbabwe’s bowlers.
Despite tight bowling spells from Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza and Masakadza, Hermann unleashed a powerful assault, including his maiden T20I fifty featuring multiple sixes and boundaries. Van der Dussen also reached his half-century as South Africa crossed the 100-run mark comfortably by the midway point.
Closing the Game with Confidence
Though Raza brought on Ngarava in an attempt to slow the scoring, Hermann continued to punish the bowlers before being dismissed. Van der Dussen, alongside Brevis, calmly finished the chase in the 18th over, sealing South Africa’s place in the tri-series final and ending Zimbabwe’s campaign.
