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Rubin Hermann, Rassie van der Dussen Star in South Africa’s Win Over Zimbabwe to Seal Final Berth
South Africa Cruise to Seven-Wicket Victory, Knock Zimbabwe Out of Tri-Series Final Race
South Africa secured a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe to book their spot in the tri-nation series final, ending Zimbabwe’s hopes of progressing. In a well-rounded performance at [venue unspecified], Rubin Hermann struck a career-best 63 and Rassie van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 52 as the Proteas chased down Zimbabwe’s 144/6 in just 17.2 overs.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s batting, anchored by Brian Bennett’s gritty 61 and Ryan Burl’s supportive 36, showed flashes of promise but was stifled by South Africa’s disciplined death bowling.
South Africa’s New Ball Attack Restricts Zimbabwe Early
Early Wickets Stall Zimbabwe’s Progress
Opting to bowl first under overcast conditions, South Africa brought back the same playing XI that had defeated Zimbabwe earlier in the series. Zimbabwe, unfortunately, had to cope without their lead pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who was unavailable due to a family bereavement.
South Africa’s bowlers quickly found swing and seam, making scoring difficult. Wessly Madhevere broke the shackles with back-to-back boundaries off Lungi Ngidi in the third over, but his aggressive intent led to his dismissal shortly after. Trying to go over mid-off against Corbin Bosch, Madhevere mistimed the shot and fell cheaply.
Clive Madande briefly threatened with a six off Gerald Coetzee, but he too departed soon after, giving Bosch his second wicket. Zimbabwe crawled to 29/2 in the powerplay — the lowest powerplay score in the series so far.
Zimbabwe’s Middle Overs Fightback Led by Bennett and Burl
Following a slow start, Zimbabwe’s innings gained momentum in the middle phase. Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett initiated the counter-attack, with Raza striking a four over extra cover and Bennett gradually finding his rhythm.
Despite Raza’s dismissal while sweeping against George Linde, Zimbabwe began to shift gears after the drinks break. Their first 50 runs came off 53 balls, but the next 50 took just 28, thanks to Bennett’s enterprising strokeplay.
Bennett smashed a six over long-off to raise his fourth T20I half-century, and with Burl supporting from the other end, Zimbabwe looked set for a strong finish at 113/3 after 15 overs.
Proteas Dominate Death Overs to Contain Zimbabwe
However, the anticipated late-innings surge never arrived. Ngidi came back to bowl a clever slower delivery that bowled Bennett for 61, ending a 78-run partnership. The next two overs saw Jonathan Musekiwa hole out for a first-ball duck and Milton Shumba run out after miscommunication.
South Africa’s death bowling was clinical — conceding only one boundary in the last four overs. Zimbabwe were held to 144/6 in 20 overs, a score that proved insufficient.
👉 Related: How South Africa’s Bowling Unit Has Improved in T20s
Rubin Hermann, Van der Dussen Guide Comfortable Chase
Clinical Batting Seals the Deal
South Africa’s response started cautiously. Lhuan-dre Pretorius opened with a boundary but fell to Tinotenda Maposa soon after. Reeza Hendricks never settled and was dismissed by Maposa as well. At 33/2 at the end of the powerplay, South Africa was only slightly ahead of Zimbabwe’s early scoring.
But from there, van der Dussen and Hermann took control. Raza’s 10th over proved expensive — going for 17 runs — and swung the momentum firmly South Africa’s way. By the halfway mark, the Proteas were 71/2, comfortably placed to chase down the target.
Hermann showcased his hitting prowess with successive sixes and brought up his maiden T20I fifty in style. He smashed a flat six back over the bowler’s head, announcing his arrival on the international stage.
Although he was bowled by Richard Ngarava after scoring a blistering 63, the damage had been done. Van der Dussen, calm and composed throughout, brought up his own half-century and finished unbeaten as South Africa reached the target in 17.2 overs, with Dewald Brevis alongside him.
Brief Scores
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Zimbabwe: 144/6 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 61, Ryan Burl 36; Corbin Bosch 2-16)
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South Africa: 145/3 in 17.2 overs (Rubin Hermann 63, Rassie van der Dussen 52*; Tinotenda Maposa 2-38)
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Result: South Africa won by 7 wickets
Zimbabwe Exit as South Africa March Into Final
With this win, South Africa advance to the tri-series final, showcasing both bowling depth and top-order resilience. Zimbabwe’s campaign ends, despite bright spots like Bennett’s form and Burl’s contributions. As the Proteas eye silverware, their balance and consistency stand out.
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