The South African batting star Dewald Brevis delivered an exceptional performance against Zimbabwe, scoring 75 runs from just 32 balls. This innings propelled the Proteas to a convincing seven-wicket triumph in the T20 International held in Windhoek on Saturday.
Brevis showcased another masterful display of batting prowess, enabling the Proteas to recover from their previous loss to Namibia by securing a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe during the T20I Tri-series in Windhoek that same Saturday.
In the pursuit of Zimbabwe's total of 144/8, South Africa accelerated rapidly, reaching 146/3 within the first 14 overs. Brevis repeated his successful half-century against Namibia with an unbeaten score of 75 off 32 balls.
The 23-year-old batsman hit seven fours and six sixes, achieving an impressive strike rate of 234.37 as South Africa managed the target with ease.
During Zimbabwe's innings, the Proteas' bowlers faced challenges in the powerplay after Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat, allowing the opposition to score 54 runs in the initial six overs. Duan Jansen secured the sole wicket during this early period, dismissing Ben Curran, although the tall all-rounder sustained some damage.
Later in the game, South Africa's spinners regained control, with Prenelan Subrayen being notably economical. Zimbabwe reached 76/1 after 10 overs, when Brian Bennett was dismissed by Subrayen, and captain Bjorn Fortuin took another wicket.
Kwena Maphaka and Ethan Bosch also contributed to restricting the Proteas. Bosch dismissed Sikandar Raza after Jordan Hermann made a fine catch. Zimbabwe subsequently dropped to 94/5 after 15 overs, with Subrayen taking his second wicket. Tadiwanashe Marumani provided some late impetus with 30 runs from 11 balls.
Jansen returned to take two more wickets in the final over, concluding with figures of 3/45, while Maphaka recorded 1/24, resulting in Zimbabwe posting a competitive total of 144/8.
Any concerns about a difficult chase for South Africa were quickly alleviated. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Jordan Hermann scored 28 runs in the opening three overs, before Hermann was dismissed for 20 off 13 balls. Brevis entered the fray and immediately signaled his intent, hitting his first ball for a six, followed by three fours in the fifth over.
Pretorius contributed 22 runs off 13 balls before getting out in the last over of the powerplay, yet South Africa had already amassed 61/2.
Brevis then assumed full command, hitting consecutive sixes against Graeme Cremer before reaching his second consecutive T20I half-century with another maximum. Tony de Zorzi added 15 runs before falling in the 11th over, but Zimbabwe struggled to contain Brevis. He followed his 75 off 50 balls against Namibia with another unbeaten 75, this time achieved from only 32 deliveries, sealing the victory with a boundary in the 14th over.
This dominant win provides South Africa with a necessary rebound following the previous day's setback and keeps their Tri-Series participation firmly active.
Результаты матча
Zimbabwe 144/8
– Brian Bennett 34 (35), Tadiwanashe Marumani 30 (11). Duan Jansen 3/45, Prenelan Subrayen 2/25.
South Africa 146/4
– Dewald Brevis 75 (32), Lhuan-dre Pretorius 22 (13). Brad Evans 19/1 (2.4 overs).
South Africa won the match by seven wickets.