Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE captain Sikandar Raza admitted his side fell short with both bat and ball after South Africa raced to a seven-wicket victory in their opening T20I tri-series match in Windhoek on Saturday.
The Chevrons managed 144 for eight after winning the toss and electing to bat, before the Proteas reached 146 for three in just 13.4 overs.
Brian Bennett and Ben Curran gave Zimbabwe a positive start with a 45-run opening partnership, but South Africa’s spinners slowed the scoring rate and triggered a middle-order stumble.
Tadiwanashe Marumani provided late impetus with 30 from 13 balls, but the total proved insufficient.
“When we were batting, I thought we were maybe slightly 15 runs short, and that is down to how the middle order batted,” Raza said.
The Zimbabwe captain believed 160 would have been a competitive total, but conceded that their bowling was also below standard.
“We didn’t really bowl as well as we should,” he said.
“I just think that all departments didn’t complement one another.”
Raza identified Zimbabwe’s powerplay batting and late hitting as the 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.”
Zimbabwe face hosts Namibia in their next match, with an immediate opportunity to respond.
“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 said.
The Chevrons are without a point after their opening match, while South Africa moved on to two points after recovering from an 18-run defeat to Namibia in the tournament opener.
