South Africa crushed Zimbabwe by 7 wickets in the 4th T20I of the tri-nation series at Harare. With this win, South Africa secured a place in the T20I tri-series final. Sharp bowling from Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger, along with a maiden T20I half-century from Rubin Hermann, helped South Africa comfortably chase Zimbabwe’s total of 144 for 6. Zimbabwe’s third consecutive loss ended their hopes of reaching the final, turning the last two league matches into dead rubbers.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Falters Again
Zimbabwe’s batting once again disappointed after South Africa’s captain Rassie van der Dussen chose to bowl first. They registered the tri-series' lowest powerplay score, crawling to 29 for 2 after six overs and just 55 for 3 at the halfway mark. Only Brian Bennett’s attacking 61 off 43 balls gave their innings some respectability. His aggressive strokes, especially in the middle overs, offered Zimbabwe a slim hope.
Bennett formed a 78-run stand with Ryan Burl, which lifted Zimbabwe from deep trouble. He struck boundaries against Nqaba Peter and George Linde, including two sixes that landed outside the ground. His half-century came off 38 balls, but a slower yorker from Lungi Ngidi eventually bowled him. Zimbabwe managed to score 60 runs between overs 11 and 16, but their finish was poor.
Ryan Burl contributed 36 runs, staying not out, but could not accelerate in the final overs.
Bosch and Burger Choke Zimbabwe
South Africa’s bowlers dominated. Bosch, using tight lines and variations, claimed 2 wickets for just 16 runs in four overs. He dismissed Wessly Madhevere and Clive Madande in quick succession. In the final overs, his yorkers and wide deliveries restricted Zimbabwe further. Importantly, he didn’t concede a single boundary.
Nandre Burger also bowled tightly, ending with 1 for 20 in four overs, delivering 15 dot balls. Together, Bosch and Burger allowed just 22 runs in the last four overs, preventing Zimbabwe from posting a competitive total.
Maposa Shines Briefly for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe missed Blessing Muzarabani, but young Tinotenda Maposa impressed with the new ball. He dismissed Lhuan-dre Pretorius early and later removed Reeza Hendricks, reducing South Africa to 22 for 2. His short-pitched deliveries surprised both batters.
However, Zimbabwe’s early breakthrough could not stop South Africa’s recovery.
Hermann and Van der Dussen Seal the Chase
Rubin Hermann, who earlier scored 45 runs on debut, led the chase with a superb 63 off 36 balls. He played attacking strokes from the start, hitting sixes and fours against spinners Sikandar Raza and Wellington Masakadza. He reached his maiden T20I fifty in 29 balls with a six off Maposa.
Meanwhile, Rassie van der Dussen played a steady role, finishing unbeaten on 52 runs. He struck six boundaries and rotated the strike efficiently, especially when Hermann was attacking.
Their 106-run stand for the third wicket took South Africa from 22 for 2 to a strong position. Even though Hermann was bowled by Richard Ngarava with the target in sight, South Africa needed only 17 runs from 27 balls at that stage. They chased down the total comfortably within the next 11 balls.