Skipper Rassie van der Dussen and opener Rubin Hermann struck commanding half-centuries to guide South Africa to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, sealing their spot in the final of the T20I Tri-Series at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 145, South Africa recovered from early blows to reach 145/3 in 17.2 overs, with Hermann smashing 63 off 36 and Van der Dussen anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 52 off 41 balls. The win books the Proteas a place in the final against New Zealand on July 26.
Reflecting on the clinical performance, Van der Dussen praised his team’s balance while pointing out areas for improvement.
Overall, improvements in all aspects. Seamers were great, spinners were a touch expensive, but the death bowling was excellent. Rubin (Hermann) was outstanding.
“Our ground fielding needs work — we’re letting things slip in the middle overs with the ball. But I can’t fault the performance with the bat.”
Zimbabwe’s innings saw moments of resistance, largely thanks to Brian Bennett, who struck a gritty 61 off 38 balls. He and Ryan Burl (36* off 30) stitched together a 78-run partnership after early stumbles, giving the hosts a fighting chance.
Zimbabwe lost Wessly Madhevere (13), Clive Madande (8), and skipper Sikandar Raza (9) cheaply, with Corbin Bosch removing two of them in a miserly spell of 2 for 16 from four overs.
Bennett’s knock included four boundaries and two sixes, as he attacked both Nqabayomzi Peter and George Linde to push the total forward. He raised his fourth T20I half-century with a six off Linde and looked set for a big finish until Lungi Ngidi bowled him in the 16th over. Zimbabwe’s lower order failed to capitalise, adding just 27 runs in the final four overs.
Despite a spirited effort with the ball — especially by Tinotenda Maposa, who dismissed Pretorius (4) and Reeza Hendricks (6) — Zimbabwe couldn’t contain the South African middle order.
A costly missed run-out by Raza allowed Hermann to settle, and the left-hander made Zimbabwe pay. He brought up his fifty with a towering six and went on to blast 4 fours and 4 sixes before falling to Richard Ngarava.
By then, the damage was done. Van der Dussen and Dewald Brevis, who chipped in with a composed 50 off 40*, ensured there were no further hiccups as the Proteas cruised home with 16 balls to spare.
Zimbabwe, who have now lost all three matches in the series, face New Zealand next in what will be their final outing.
“At one point I thought 160 was a good total,” “But we just can’t catch a break. We had too many dot balls — 58 — and our spinners, including myself, need to improve. If we had 20 more runs, you never know. Gotta stay calmer under pressure.”
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 144/6 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 61, Ryan Burl 36*; Corbin Bosch 2-16) South Africa 145/3 in 17.2 overs (Rubin Hermann 63, Rassie van der Dussen 52*; Tinotenda Maposa 2-38) South Africa won by 7 wickets
