Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S faint hopes of reaching the Tri-Series final went up in smoke after a seven-wicket defeat to South Africa at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.
It wasn’t just a third loss in as many games, it was a sobering reflection of where the Chevrons currently stand. They looked short on confidence, lacked precision in key phases, and appeared well off the standard needed to compete with elite opposition.
Batting first for the third straight match, Zimbabwe managed 144/6 in their 20 overs. South Africa chased the target with ease, reaching 145/3 in 17.2 overs to seal a spot in Saturday’s final against New Zealand.
The result extended Zimbabwe’s winless record against South Africa in T20 Internationals. Out of eight meetings, the Proteas have now won seven, with one no result.
Captain Sikandar Raza didn’t sugarcoat the post match analysis.
“At one point, I thought 160 was a decent total. But we just cannot catch a break,” he said.
“Chasing gets easier, but that’s no excuse. We had a lot of dots, 58 in total. Need to improve. SA showed how to. Bat on ball would’ve gone a long way. Gotta stay calmer. Even 20 more runs, and you never know.
“Spinners is an area of concern, starting with me. That confidence would go a long way. Batting was better. Hopefully we’ll get it all together against New Zealand.”
South Africa skipper Rassie van der Dussen praised his side’s overall performance.
“Overall improvements in all aspects. Seamers were great. Spinners were a touch expensive, but the death bowling was excellent,” he said.
“Rubin was excellent. Our ground fielding needs work though, we’re letting things slip in the middle overs with the ball.
“Can’t fault the batting. We’re treating this like a three match series. We’re 1-0 down vs NZ, looking to even that and win the final.”
Zimbabwe’s top order faltered again, losing two wickets inside the first powerplay. Wessly Madhevere was caught for 13 off 14 in the fourth over, and Clive Madande followed shortly after, caught and bowled by Corbin Bosch for 8. At 28/2 inside 6 overs, the Chevrons were on the back foot.
Captain Raza was dismissed for 9 off 12 in the ninth over, leaving the hosts on 44/3.
Then came the one bright patch, a 78-run stand between Brian Bennett and Ryan Burl for the fourth wicket. Ben-nett, in particular, impressed with his third T20I half century, scoring 61 off 43 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes) before falling in the 16th over.
But the wheels came off again. Tashinga Musekiwa fell for a golden duck the very next over, and Tony Munyonga fol-lowed soon after for 1.
Burl remained unbeaten on 36 off 31, and Tinotenda Maposa added 8 not out from 10 deliveries.
Bosch was the pick of the South African bowlers with 2/16 in four overs, while Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Nqabayomzi Peter took a wicket each.
Zimbabwe briefly made inroads with the ball. Tinotenda Maposa took two early wickets, Lhuan-dre Pretorius for 4 and Reeza Hendricks for 6, leaving the visitors on 22/2 in the fifth over.
But Rubin Hermann quickly took the game away from Zimbabwe, smashing 63 off 36 balls. His dismissal, bowled by Richard Ngarava, came too late, South Africa were already on 128/3 in the 16th over.
Van der Dussen anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52 off 41 balls, while Dewald Brevis chipped in with a quick 13 off 7. It’s been a bruising series for the Chevrons, not just in terms of results, but in the clarity it’s brought about their T20I standing. Against full member opposition, the gaps in skill, execution, and tactical composure remain stark.
They face New Zealand next, not for a place in the final, but for pride and perhaps some answers.
Meanwhile, Ireland Women won the first T20I by 6 wickets against Zimbabwe Women and lead the three-match series 1-0.
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