Credit: ICC
In the fourth T20 International of the tri-series, South Africa displayed a dominant show and hammered the home side by seven wickets at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. Fielding first after winning the toss, the Protea side put up a disciplined bowling show. In the opening powerplay, Corbin Bosch got the better of Zimbabwe’s top-order batters Wesley Madhevere and Clive Mandane. Sikandar Raza again failed to provide anything solid with his bat, He departed after scoring only nine off 12. Riding on the 78-run stand between opener Brain Benett and Ryan Burl, Zimbabwe crossed the 100-run mark.
Bennett emerged as the highest run-scorer for Zimbabwe in the match, accumulating 61 off 43. Burl stood at the crease until the end and scored an unbeaten 36 off 31. Zimbabwe erected an average total of 144/6 in their 20 overs. Bosch got two wickets and became the most-successful bowler for Proteas in the innings. Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Nqaba Peter got one wicket respectively.
South Africa chased down the target comfortably
Following the target, South Africa lost their openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks early. Tinotenda Maposa bagged the scalps of both batters. However, skipper Rassie van der Dussen and Rubin Hermann showcased their merciless side with their bats and built a 106-run partnership off just 68 balls. Hermann went on to notch up his maiden international fifty. He concluded his knock after scoring 63 off 36. His innings was studded with three fours and four sixes.
Dussen stood at the crease until the end and helped his side chase down the total in 17.4 overs. The right-handed batter struck an unbeaten 52 off 41. Dewald Brevis also chipped in with an unbeaten 13 off seven. Hermann’s batting got him the player of the match (POTM) award. With this defeat, it’s confirmed that Zimbabwe won’t feature in the tournament’s final to take place at the Harare Sports Club on July 26. This was the home team's third loss in the competition.
