Linde, Brevis, debutant Hermann shine as SA defeat Zimbabwe in tri-series opener

Zimbabwe’s struggles against South Africa in T20Is continued as they suffered their sixth successive defeat, opening the tri-nation T20I series—also featuring New Zealand—with a loss in Harare.

Despite coming into the match on the back of two Test defeats, Zimbabwe had hoped for a turnaround. And although Sikandar Raza scored his 15th T20I half-century and overtook Craig Ervine as Zimbabwe’s most-capped T20I captain (39 matches), his efforts weren’t enough to stop a confident South African side under new all-format coach Shukri Conrad.

Raza-Burl Rescues Zimbabwe After Slow Start

Put in to bat, Zimbabwe crawled to 53/2 at the halfway stage. Wessly Madhevere failed again, while Brian Bennett looked promising but lacked support. Raza and Ryan Burl then injected urgency into the innings with a 66-run stand from 38 balls. Burl capitalised on erratic bowling and smashed the innings’ first six before perishing for 31. Raza’s knock, including two big sixes off Simelane, lifted Zimbabwe to 142, with 88 of those runs coming in the last 10 overs.

George Linde and Ngidi Impress with the Ball

South Africa’s bowlers controlled the innings early on. Lungi Ngidi, returning after missing seven T20Is, bowled with sharp accuracy and claimed 1/15 in four overs. George Linde, however, was the standout, taking 3/10 in three overs, including two wickets in the final over. The left-arm spinner bolstered his case as a potential partner to Keshav Maharaj in the future.

Ngarava Roars in Return, But South Africa Rebuilds

Zimbabwe’s pacer Richard Ngarava, back from injury, made an immediate impact by removing both openers—Pretorius and Hendricks—and went on to dismiss debutant Rubin Hermann later. With 82 T20I wickets, he is now Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker in the format.

Hermann and Brevis Lead South Africa’s Charge

Chasing 143, South Africa were in early trouble at 38/3. But debutant Rubin Hermann (45 off 31) and Dewald Brevis (41 off 17) turned the game with a thrilling 72-run fourth-wicket partnership. Hermann showcased flair with back-to-back boundaries off Masakadza and started his T20I career in style with a six over fine leg.

Brevis, nicknamed "Baby AB," exploded with three consecutive sixes off Burl, taking 24 off one over and sealing Zimbabwe’s fate. Corbin Bosch finished the chase with an unbeaten 23 off 15, helping South Africa reach the target in just 15.5 overs.

Summary:

South Africa showed their depth and power in both departments with a convincing victory. Zimbabwe’s concerns persist, especially with their inability to convert starts into match-winning totals despite standout performances from key players like Raza and Ngarava.