In the first match of the Zimbabwe T20 International (T20I) tri-series in Harare, South Africa’s Dewald Brevis looked in sensational touch with his bat against the hosts. Chasing 142, The Protea side saw themselves under pressure after losing three batters at a score of 38 in 5.4 overs. In the crunch situation, Brevis stepped up and stitched a 72-run stand off 37 balls for the fourth wicket with Rubin Hermann. Brevis took Zimbabwe’s bowling attack to the cleaners and scored a rapid-fire 41 off 17. His innings was studded with six boundaries (one four and five maximums).
He departed after falling against pacer Trevor Gwandu but his innings put South Africa in a comfortable position in the match. Hermann also went back to the dugout after scoring 45 off 37. Corbin Bosch and George Linde stayed at the crease until the end and took their side home by five wickets in hand and 25 balls left. Bosch scored an unbeaten 23 off just 15 with three fours. Earlier Rassie van der Dussen won the toss against Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza and elected to field first. Riding on Raza’s unbeaten 54 off 38 and Ryan Burl’s 29 off 20, Zimbabwe posted a score of 141/6 on the board. Brevis became the Player of the Match (POTM) award for his stunning batting display.
Zimbabwe got an ideal start in the second innings
Defending the low total, Zimbabwe decimated South Africa’s top-order and got a perfect start in the second innings. However, Brevis’ standout knock foiled Zimbabwe’s tactics and forced the hosts to hand two crucial points to the Proteas. South Africa will next take on New Zealand in the second match to be played in Harare on July 16.
Zimbabwe will play against the Kiwi side on July 18. Zimbabwe have never beaten South Africa and New Zealand in the shortest form of the sport. However, Zimbabwe will look to break the hoodoo as the hosts of this competition.
