July 14, 2025 — South Africa kicked off their T20I campaign in the tri-nation series with a commanding five-wicket win over Zimbabwe, thanks to stellar performances from George Linde, Dewald Brevis, and debutant Rubin Hermann. Despite Sikandar Raza’s fighting half-century, Zimbabwe slumped to their sixth consecutive T20I defeat to the Proteas.
South Africa’s Bowling Dominates Early
Back in the T20I format for the first time in 2025 and under new all-format coach Shukri Conrad, South Africa made an early statement with the ball. George Linde, the left-arm spinner, was the standout with figures of 3 for 10 in his four-over spell, showing precision, control, and a hunger to break into the first-choice XI alongside Keshav Maharaj.
Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi returned to the format with a tight spell, conceding just 15 runs from his four overs. Zimbabwe managed just 53 for 2 at the halfway mark, looking far from threatening before Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl stepped in.
Raza and Burl Lift Zimbabwe with Late Surge
At a precarious stage, Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe's most capped T20I captain (39 matches), anchored the innings with a resilient 54 off 35 balls*. Ryan Burl supported him in a crucial 66-run stand off 38 balls. Their aggressive running and some clean hits gave Zimbabwe a much-needed lift, scoring 88 runs in the final 10 overs.
Raza’s knock, which included two sixes in an expensive 19-run over off Andile Simelane, helped Zimbabwe post a defendable 141 for 6. However, the Proteas' chase was swift and brutal.
Ngarava Roars, But Hermann-Brevis Partnership Seals the Deal
Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava gave them a dream start, removing Pretorius and Hendricks early to reduce South Africa to 17 for 2. With those wickets, Ngarava became Zimbabwe’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is (82), surpassing even Raza.
But debutant Rubin Hermann and the explosive Dewald Brevis turned the tide with a match-defining 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Hermann, showcasing calm and class, top-scored with 45 runs, including a hat-trick of fours off Wellington Masakadza.
Brevis, who had only five runs from his previous two T20Is, exploded back to form with a 41-run blitz off just 17 balls, highlighted by three consecutive sixes off Ryan Burl. His 24-run assault in Burl’s over effectively sealed Zimbabwe’s fate.
A Clinical Finish and Bright Future Ahead
With Corbin Bosch chipping in a composed 23 off 15*, South Africa chased down the target in just 15.5 overs, finishing at 142 for 5. The early jitters were wiped clean by a confident middle-order performance and a bowling unit that clicked from the get-go.
For Zimbabwe, the sixth straight T20I defeat against South Africa adds to a concerning trend. Despite individual brilliance from Raza and a few bright spells from Ngarava, they were outplayed once again.
What’s Next in the Tri-Series?
With New Zealand joining the action next, the tri-series promises more high-intensity encounters. South Africa look settled and in rhythm, while Zimbabwe will need to regroup quickly if they are to challenge either of the two powerhouses.
Quick Stats Recap:
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Player of the Match: George Linde (3/10)
Top Scorer (SA): Rubin Hermann – 45 (Debut)
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Top Scorer (ZIM): Sikandar Raza – 54*
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Most Wickets (ZIM): Richard Ngarava – 3/35
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Winning Margin: SA won by 5 wickets
Final Word:
With young guns like Hermann and Brevis firing, and experienced heads like Linde and Ngidi stepping up, South Africa have started their campaign with flair. Zimbabwe showed heart, but they’ll need more than that to stop this Protea momentum.
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