Dewald Brevis produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting as South Africa returned to winning ways in the tri-series, cruising to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
After their defeat to Namibia in the previous match, South Africa responded with an improved all-round performance. Their bowlers pulled Zimbabwe back after a promising start and restricted them to 144, before Brevis took centre stage with an unbeaten 75 off just 32 deliveries to wrap up the chase in only 13.4 overs.
SA vs ZIM, NAMIBIA TRI-SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
Brevis made his intentions clear from the moment he walked in, sending his first ball over the ropes and putting Zimbabwe’s attack under immediate pressure. He eventually struck seven fours and six sixes during his explosive knock, reaching his half-century from only 23 balls.
South Africa’s chase began positively through openers Jordan Hermann and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who added 32 runs inside four overs. Hermann was dismissed after making 20 off 13 balls, but Pretorius and Brevis ensured there was no let-up as South Africa raced to 61 by the end of the Powerplay.
Pretorius departed for a 13-ball 22, but Brevis continued to dominate. Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer bore the brunt of his assault, conceding 32 runs in two overs, with four of Brevis’ six maximums coming against him. South Africa were already 103 for 2 after 10 overs, leaving Zimbabwe with little chance of defending their modest total.
Tony de Zorzi contributed 15 before Blessing Muzarabani removed him, but the result was never in doubt. Rubin Hermann chipped in with an unbeaten 11 off seven balls as he shared an unbroken 39-run partnership with Brevis, who finished the match with a boundary.
Earlier, Zimbabwe appeared well-placed after making a quick start, reaching 68 for 1 after eight overs. However, South Africa’s bowlers wrestled back control as wickets began to fall regularly through the second half of the innings.
Ben Curran gave Zimbabwe early momentum with a rapid 24 from 12 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before Duan Jansen dismissed him. Brian Bennett went on to top-score with 34 off 35 deliveries but found it difficult to maintain the scoring rate once the fielding restrictions ended.
Prenelan Subrayen and Bjorn Fortuin played a key role in slowing Zimbabwe down during the middle overs, sharing three wickets while giving away only 52 runs across their combined eight-over spells.
Tadiwanashe Marumani provided a late burst, smashing 30 off 13 balls with three sixes and a four. But his departure in the 19th over halted Zimbabwe’s momentum, and the innings ended with three wickets falling in the final two overs as they managed only 14 runs during that period.
Jansen was South Africa’s most successful wicket-taker with three scalps, though his four overs went for 45. Debutant Eathan Bosch impressed with figures of 1 for 20, while Kwena Maphaka also picked up a wicket, conceding 24 runs.
– Ends
