South Africa Begin Tri-Series With Commanding Win Over Zimbabwe Thanks to Brevis and Linde
South Africa opened their tri-nation T20I series campaign with an impressive five-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in Harare on Monday, thanks to an explosive batting display by Dewald Brevis and a disciplined three-wicket spell from George Linde.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss under the leadership of Rassie van der Dussen, South Africa quickly put Zimbabwe on the back foot. The home team lost early wickets, slipping to 55 for 3 inside 11 overs, with Wessly Madhevere (1), Clive Madande (8), and Brian Bennett (30 off 28 balls with four boundaries) dismissed early. However, skipper Sikandar Raza stood firm, joining forces with all-rounder Ryan Burl to rebuild the innings.
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Raza reached his half-century in just 34 deliveries, striking three fours and two sixes. The pair added 66 runs for the fourth wicket, but their momentum was interrupted by pacer Nandre Burger, who removed Burl for a lively 29 off 20 balls. Zimbabwe ended their innings at 141 for 6 in 20 overs, with Raza remaining unbeaten on 54 off 38 balls. George Linde was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 3 for 10 in his three overs, while Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Nqabayomzi Peter chipped in with a wicket each.
In response, South Africa stumbled early. Debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorious fell for a golden duck to Richard Ngarava, who went on to claim 3 for 35. The visitors were 38 for 3 within the first six overs, losing Reeza Hendricks (11) and captain Dussen (16) cheaply.
The tide turned when debutant Rubin Hermann and Dewald Brevis took charge. The pair added 72 crucial runs for the fourth wicket, crossing the 100-run mark by the 11th over. Brevis played an explosive innings, hammering 41 off just 17 balls with one four and five towering sixes before being dismissed by Trevor Gwandu (2 for 15). Hermann followed soon after, scoring a steady 45 off 37 balls with five fours and a six.
With South Africa at 130 for 5 in the 15th over, Corbin Bosch and George Linde guided the team to the target comfortably. Bosch remained unbeaten on 23 off 15 balls, and Linde supported with 3 not out, sealing the win with 25 balls to spare.
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