SA vs Zim Powerplay: Raza Resurrects Zimbabwe Following SA’s Early Strike in Delhi

Zimbabwe weathered a turbulent opening phase against a clinical South African attack at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, concluding the powerplay at 45/2 after opting to bat first. The Proteas' new-ball pair of Kwena Maphaka and Anrich Nortje exploited the early bounce in Delhi, making immediate inroads to leave the Chevrons reeling at 28/2 within the first four overs. 

Maphaka provided the initial breakthrough, finishing his two-over burst with tidy figures of 1/9, while Nortje maintained relentless pressure, conceding just a single run in his opening over to remove the dangerous Tadiwanashe Marumani.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the final two overs of the restriction period as Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett counter-attacked. Facing George Linde and Corbin Bosch, the pair capitalised on loose deliveries to inject much-needed urgency into the innings. 

Raza, in particular, looked in ominous touch, dispatching a six and a four in quick succession to race to 12 off 7 balls. Bennett supported well (15) before getting out to Nortje.