South Africa kicked off their Tri-Nations Series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand with a five-wicket win over the hosts in Harare.
George Linde starred with the ball for the Proteas, taking three wickets in as many overs and only conceding eight runs in their victory.
Zimbabwe were put in to bat after losing the toss, and their innings got off to a poor start when opener Wessly Madhevere (one) stepped onto his own stumps.
Sikander Raza (54 not out) anchored the innings for Zimbabwe, but they failed to accelerate the run rate in the latter overs of their innings, setting a total of just 141-6.
South Africa’s innings did not start much better when Lhuan-dre Pretorius was caught and bowled by Richard Ngarava (3-35) for a golden duck on his T20I debut.
The visitors were reduced to 38-3, but Rubin Hermann (45) settled their innings before Dewald Brevis (41 off 17) and Corbin Bosch (23 not out) fired them over the line with 25 balls to spare.
Data Debrief: Joy in defeat for Zimbabwe
Although Zimbabwe’s losing record against South Africa continued, now losing six of six completed T20Is between the sides, two of their players still achieved individual accolades.
Raza has now captained Zimbabwe in 39 T20Is, surpassing Craig Ervine’s record of 38.
Meanwhile, Ngarava (83) overtook Raza (81) to become their leading wicket-taker in the format.
