Brevis Earns Player of the Match for Explosive Innings

HARARE: Dewald Brevis’s dynamic batting display, along with George Linde’s effective bowling, powered South Africa to a convincing five-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the opening T20I of the tri-series at the Harare Sports Club on Monday.

South Africa’s skipper, Rassie van der Dussen, elected to bowl first, a choice that proved fruitful as his team restricted the hosts to a total of 141/6, despite a half-century from Sikandar Raza.

Raza entered the fray with his team at 39/2 in the 8th over and remained unbeaten, scoring 54 runs from 38 balls, including three boundaries and a pair of sixes.

He also forged a 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket alongside Ryan Burl, who contributed 29 runs off 20 deliveries, hitting three fours and a six.

Opener Brian Bennett added a cautious 30 runs from 28 balls.

Linde stood out as South Africa’s premier bowler, claiming three wickets for a mere 10 runs in his three-over spell. Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi each took a wicket.

In pursuit of the target of 142, South Africa reached the required runs with five wickets down and 25 balls remaining.

The South African innings began shakily as Richard Ngarava’s early spell reduced them to 38/3 during the powerplay.

Ngarawa dismissed Lhuan-dre Pretorius (zero) with a caught and bowled on the very first ball and then bowled out Reeza Hendricks (11) in his subsequent over.

Trevor Gwandu removed captain van der Dussen (16) in the sixth over, giving Zimbabwe the upper hand.

However, a 72-run stand for the fourth wicket between Rubin Hermann and Brevis shifted the momentum, bringing South Africa closer to victory.

Brevis spearheaded the pivotal partnership with a rapid 41 off 17 balls, featuring one four and four sixes. Hermann provided stability with 45 runs from 37 balls, becoming South Africa’s highest scorer.

Brevis was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings.

Following those dismissals, Corbin Bosch, along with Linde, guided South Africa to the finish line in the 16th over.

Bosch remained undefeated with 23 runs from 15 balls, while Linde contributed three not out.

Ngarava was the leading bowler for Zimbabwe, securing three wickets for 35 runs in his four overs, and Gwandu took two wickets.

The next match in the T20I tri-series will feature South Africa against New Zealand at the same venue on Wednesday.