South Africa start tri-series with easy win over Zimbabwe

South Africa kicked off their tri-series campaign with a commanding five-wicket win over Zimbabwe, chasing down the modest target with ease.

Zimbabwe, sent in to bat, struggled early against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite a fighting unbeaten fifty from skipper Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe barely scraped to a competitive total. Thanks to solid knocks from debutant Rubin Hermann and Dewald Brevis, the Proteas chased the target comfortably.

At Harare Sports Club on Monday, South Africa crossed Zimbabwe’s 141 with 25 balls to spare.

Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing two wickets for just 39 runs. Opener Brian Bennett looked promising with 30 runs off 4 boundaries but was soon dismissed by George Linde.

Raza and Ryan Burl then stitched together a 66-run stand off 38 balls, providing some stability. Burl scored 29 with a six and three fours before falling. Raza held one end together, blasting 54 off just 28 balls with two sixes and three fours.

South Africa’s chase began poorly. Debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius suffered a golden duck at the hands of Richard Ngarava, who also bowled out Reeza Hendricks in his next over. Trevor Gwandu then removed Rassie van der Dussen, leaving South Africa wobbling at 38 for 3.

But debutant Hermann and Brevis rescued the innings with a 72-run stand off just 37 balls. Hermann made 45 with one six and five fours before Ngarava broke the partnership by rattling his stumps.

Ngarava finished with 3 wickets in the match, taking his T20I career tally to 83 — the highest for Zimbabwe, overtaking Sikandar Raza’s 81.

Brevis played a blistering knock, hammering 41 off 17 balls with five sixes and a four, earning him the Player of the Match award. Debutant Corbin Bosch also chipped in with an unbeaten 23 off 3 boundaries, ensuring a smooth finish.

South Africa will face New Zealand on Wednesday in their next tri-series clash.