Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
ZIMBABWE have turned their attention to Namibia after suffering a seven-wicket defeat to South Africa in their opening match of the T20I tri-series in Windhoek on Saturday.
The Chevrons, who won the toss and elected to bat, posted 144 for eight in their allotted 20 overs before South Africa comfortably chased down the target in just 13.4 overs, reaching 146 for three with 38 deliveries remaining.
Brian Bennett and Ben Curran provided Zimbabwe with a solid platform, sharing a 45-run opening stand, while Tadiwanashe Marumani injected late momentum into the innings with a brisk 30 off 13 balls. However, the Chevrons struggled to maintain the scoring rate through the middle overs as South Africa’s spinners tightened their grip on the contest, triggering a series of wickets.
Captain Sikandar Raza conceded that Zimbabwe had fallen short of a competitive total but believed the team’s bowling performance was an even greater concern.
“When we were batting, I thought we were maybe slightly 15 runs short, and that is down to how the middle order batted.”
Raza, however, acknowledged that an improved total may still not have been enough to alter the result.
“160 would have been par, but that is also down to we didn’t really bowl as well as we should, and then I just think that all departments didn’t complement one another.”
The Zimbabwe skipper said the opening defeat had nonetheless provided valuable lessons ahead of today’s clash against Namibia.
“So we have had enough information. I think those jitters are out of the way, so hopefully from the next game we can come out as a better unit.”
Raza identified Zimbabwe’s powerplay batting and late acceleration as positives from an otherwise disappointing performance.
“Certainly the powerplay batting was really good, and the finishing was good as well. I thought those two we can certainly tick off.”
He also commended Bennett and Curran for laying a strong foundation at the top of the order, as well as the partnership between Marumani and Wesley Madhevere, which helped boost Zimbabwe’s total in the closing stages.
The defeat leaves Zimbabwe without a point after their opening fixture, while South Africa moved onto two points as they bounced back from an 18-run defeat to hosts Namibia in the tournament opener.
For the Chevrons, the encounter against Namibia offers an immediate chance to respond and address the shortcomings exposed by South Africa.
The tri-series features Zimbabwe, South Africa and hosts Namibia, with matches being played in Windhoek from August 28 to September 6.
