Staff Reporter.
Rubin Hermann hit four sixes and 63 runs as South Africa beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets with 16 balls remaining in a T20 tri-series match.
The victory knocks out Zimbabwe and qualifies the Proteas for next Saturday’s final, which will be against New Zealand, who have so far won both their matches.
The left-handed batsman hit 63 off 36 balls as the Proteas chased down a target of 145 with 16 balls to spare.
Zimbabwe were restricted to 144-6 after being sent in, despite a fourth wicket stand of 78 off 47 balls between Brian Bennett (61) and Ryan Burl (36*).
The Proteas made a shaky start to their chase, losing both their opening batsmen to fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa with only 22 runs on the board.
But 28-year-old Hermann, who made his debut in the opening match of the tournament, struck the ball confidently and dominated a third wicket stand of 106 with captain Rassie van der Dussen, who finished unbeaten on 52.
Van der Dussen said there had been an improvement in all aspects of South Africa’s performance.
“I was really chuffed with the bowling – 144 was never enough. We lost two early wickets so there was a little bit of early pressure but Rubin came in and played beautifully, “he said.
South Africa were beaten by New Zealand in an earlier round robin. They meet again on Tuesday, ahead of the final.
“It’s like a three-match series. Hopefully we can make it 1-1 on Tuesday and take it in the final,” said Van der Dussen.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said his team had been on the wrong end of the toss in all three of their matches, being made to bat first on a ground where it is an advantage to chase.
“But that’s no excuse,” he said of a sub-standard batting performance. “There were a lot of dot balls. Getting bat on ball can go a long way to getting a good total.”
Zimbabwe: Wessly Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande (wkt), Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu
South Africa: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wkt), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (capt), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.