Zimbabwe Vs South Africa, T20 Tri-Series Match 1: Hermann Shines On Debut As RSA Down ZIM By 5 Wickets

South Africa kicked off the T20 Tri-Series in style, defeating Zimbabwe by five wickets in the opening match at Harare Sports Club on Monday.

Zimbabwe’s struggles against South Africa in T20Is continued as they opened their tri-series campaign with a sixth straight defeat to the Proteas in the format.

After opting to bowl first, South Africa made the most of the conditions, restricting the hosts to 141, despite a fighting half-century from Sikandar Raza, his first against them.

The match began with South Africa winning the toss and choosing to bowl first against Zimbabwe, a decision that worked perfectly in their favour.

Zimbabwe Vs South Africa, 1st T20I Tri-series Highlights.

Lungi Ngidi, returning to T20Is after a long gap, was sharp with 1/15, while George Linde stood out with 3/10. In reply, South Africa slipped to 38/3 but debutant Rubin Hermann (45) and Dewald Brevis (41 off 17) turned the game around with a 72-run stand.

Corbin Bosch finished unbeaten on 23 as the visitors wrapped up the chase in under 16 overs.

Player of the Match Dewald Brevis summed it up best after the game: “It’s a huge privilege to represent South Africa and make an impact, that’s what I kept thinking out there. I just focused on watching the ball; God’s blessed me with this talent and I play for Him. For me, if it’s a boundary opportunity, it has to go, no matter the ground size."

He added, "We knew we were in a tricky spot, but not chasing a huge total, so there was no need to panic. The plan was simple: stay calm, play our game, and the runs would come.”

Zimbabwe Vs South Africa, 1st T20I Tri-series: Ball-By-Ball Commentary

Zimbabwe Vs South Africa, 1st T20I Tri-series: Playing XIs

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande(w), Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

South Africa (Playing XI): Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius(w), Rassie van der Dussen(c), Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi