Zimbabwe’s hopes of a fresh start in the T20I tri-series suffered a familiar blow as South Africa cruised to a six-wicket victory in the opening match at Harare Sports Club. Despite a fighting half-century from captain Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s total of 141 for 6 was chased down with ease by the visitors, who wrapped up the win with 27 balls to spare.
Raza’s 15th T20I fifty, his first against South Africa, was the backbone of Zimbabwe’s innings. His 54 from 38 balls lifted Zimbabwe from a sluggish 53 for 2 at the halfway mark to a more respectable total, aided by a lively 29 from Ryan Burl. Together, the pair added 66 off 38 balls to inject some late momentum, with Raza hitting three sixes in his knock, including two in one over off Andile Simelane.
Zimbabwe’s opening, however, had promise. Richard Ngarava, returning from a back injury, struck early to reduce South Africa to 17 for 2, dismissing Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks. Ngarava’s spell also saw him surpass Raza as Zimbabwe’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 82 scalps.
Brian Bennett offered a bright start with the bat, timing his drives beautifully during his 30-run knock. Zimbabwe’s 34 runs in the powerplay equalled their best-ever start against South Africa in T20Is, but consistent partnerships failed to materialise as the innings progressed.
South Africa, led by a composed batting effort, recovered from their early wobble, with David Bedingham and Dewald Brevis guiding the chase. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, Ngarava aside, lacked the penetration to keep the contest alive.
This latest defeat makes it six T20I losses in a row for Zimbabwe against South Africa, as the Chevrons continue to search for their maiden win over the Proteas in the format. The result underscores the gulf between the sides, though Zimbabwe will take encouragement from individual performances as they prepare to face New Zealand next in the tri-series.
