Linde, Brevis, and Debutant Hermann Shine as South Africa Beat Zimbabwe in Tri-Series Opener

Linde, Brevis, and Debutant Hermann Shine as South Africa Beat Zimbabwe in Tri-Series Opener

South Africa kicked off their T20I tri-series campaign in style with a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe, powered by standout performances from George Linde, Dewald Brevis, and debutant Rubin Hermann. The match marked Zimbabwe’s sixth consecutive T20I defeat to South Africa, who chased down a 142-run target with ease, despite early hiccups.

After being reduced to 38 for 3 in under five overs, South Africa were steadied by a 72-run fourth-wicket partnership between Hermann and Brevis. The debutant top-scored with 45, while Brevis blasted a quickfire 41 off just 17 balls. Corbin Bosch added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 23 from 15 deliveries, sealing the win in just 15.4 overs.

Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 141 for 6 after being sent in to bat. Captain Sikandar Raza led the charge with a resilient unbeaten 54 — his 15th T20I fifty and first against South Africa — lifting his team from a sluggish start. Raza also surpassed Craig Ervine to become Zimbabwe’s most capped T20I captain, leading the side for the 39th time.

Brian Bennett provided a solid start, striking four boundaries in his 30-run innings, but Zimbabwe’s scoring rate remained under pressure. At the halfway stage, they were 53 for 2, and only a late surge — with 88 runs in the final 10 overs — helped them to a competitive total. Raza and Ryan Burl stitched together a 66-run stand off 38 balls, with Burl striking the first six of the innings and scoring briskly before falling for 27.

George Linde was South Africa’s standout bowler, claiming 3 for 10 in four overs and applying the brakes after the powerplay. He dismissed Bennett, and then picked up two wickets in the final over, nearly securing a hat-trick. Questions may arise over why he didn’t complete his full four-over quota.

Returning pacer Lungi Ngidi impressed with his accuracy, finishing with 1 for 15 from four overs, while Nandre Burger — also making a comeback after 10 months — claimed a wicket as Zimbabwe attempted a late revival.

Zimbabwe’s brightest bowling spark was Richard Ngarava, who made an impactful return from injury. He took 3 for 35, including the wickets of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Reeza Hendricks, and Hermann, becoming Zimbabwe’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 82 dismissals.

Despite a spirited showing, Zimbabwe remain winless against South Africa in T20Is, with two matches between the sides ending in no result. They now face an uphill task in the tri-series, which also features New Zealand.

South Africa, under new all-format coach Shukri Conrad and playing their first T20I of the year, will be buoyed by the early win and promising performances from both youth and experience.

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