Sports Correspondent
Harare – South Africa cruised to a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the T20I Tri-Series at Harare Sports Club on Monday, thanks to explosive batting performances from Dewald Brevis and Rubin Hermann.
Match Summary
- Zimbabwe: 141/6 (20 overs) – Sikandar Raza 54 (38b, 3×4, 2×6)
- South Africa: 142/5 (15.5 overs) – Rubin Hermann 45 (37b), Dewald Brevis 41 (17b, 5×6)
- Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets (24 balls remaining)
- Player of the Match: George Linde (3/10 in 3 overs)
Put in to bat first, Zimbabwe struggled against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Captain Sikandar Raza held the innings together with an unbeaten 54, but the hosts could only muster 141/6 in their 20 overs.
“We were about 20-30 runs short,” Raza admitted after the match.
“Credit to South Africa’s bowlers, especially Linde, who kept the pressure on us.”
South Africa’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets, but Dewald Brevis (41 off 17 balls) and Rubin Hermann (45 off 37) turned the game around with a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
“Brevis was sensational,” said South African captain Aiden Markram.
“That kind of power-hitting changes the game in a matter of overs.”
Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava (3/35) and Trevor Gwandu (2/15) fought hard, but the Proteas sealed the win with 24 balls to spare.
The T20I Tri-Series continues this week at Harare Sports Club, with Zimbabwe looking to bounce back in their next fixture.
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