South Africa National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: South Africa kicked off their T20 Tri-Series campaign with a dominant five-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe on Monday at the Harare Sports Club. A fantastic three-wicket spell from all-rounder George Linde and a fiery knock from Dewald Brevis sealed the win with 25 balls to spare.
South Africa, led by Rassie van der Dussen, won the toss and elected to bowl first. Linde's impactful bowling helped restrict Zimbabwe to a modest 141/9.
Zimbabwe's top order struggled early, finding themselves at 55/3 within 10.5 overs, losing Wessly Madhevere (1), Clive Madande (8), and Brian Bennett (30 off 28 balls). However, skipper Sikandar Raza took on the responsibility, dragging the hosts out of trouble with a resilient 59 runs off 44 balls, supported by all-rounder Ryan Burl (34 off 29 balls). Their partnership helped Zimbabwe reach the 100-run mark in 15.4 overs, eventually setting a target of 142.
In their chase, South Africa initially stumbled, losing early wickets. However, crucial knocks from debutant Rubin Hermann (32), the explosive Dewald Brevis (49 off 24 balls), and all-rounder Corbin Bosch (19)* pulled them out of troubled waters, securing a comfortable victory.
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Raza reached his half-century in 34 balls, with three fours and two sixes. Pacer Nandre Burger ended the 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket, dismissing Burl for a 20-ball 29, with three fours and a six. Zimbabwe was 121/4 in 17.1 overs.
Raza stayed unbeaten at 54* in 38 balls, with three fours and two sixes as Zimbabwe posted 141/6 in their 20 overs.
Linde (3/10 in three overs) was the top bowler for SA. Lungi Ngidi, Burger, and Nqabayomzi Peter took a wicket each.
During the run-chase, debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorious was cleaned up for a first-ball duck by Richard Ngarava (3/35). Zimbabwe put SA in a spot of bother at 38/3 in 5.4 overs, with Reeza Hendricks (11) and skipper Dussen (16) being sent to the pavilion as well.
Hermann, a debutant, partnered with Brevis, and the duo added 72 runs for the fourth wicket, pushing SA beyond the 100-run mark in 11 overs.
Trevor Gwandu (2/15) removed Brevis for a quickfire 41 in 17 balls, with a four and five sixes. SA was 110/4 in 11.5 overs. Ngarva got Hermann's for 45 in 37 balls, with five fours and a six. SA was 130/5 in 14.2 overs.
Bosch (23* in 15 balls, with three fours) and Linde (3*) took SA to a five-wicket win with three balls left.
Inputs from ANI