July 15, 2025
Sikandar Raza’s Fight Goes in Vain as South Africa Edge Zimbabwe in Tri-Series Opener


Captain Sikandar Raza scored a fighting 54 off 38 balls*, but his effort wasn't enough to stop South Africa from claiming a five-wicket win in the opener of the Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe batted first and struggled early, slipping to 55/3 before Raza and Ryan Burl (29 off 20) mounted a recovery.
Their 66-run partnership helped post a defendable 141/6 in 20 overs. Raza smashed three fours and two sixes, becoming the fourth Zimbabwean to score a T20I fifty against South Africa.
Rubin Hermann, on debut, top-scored with 45 off 37, steadying the chase after early hiccups. Dewald Brevis provided fireworks—an electrifying 41 off just 17 balls, including five sixes.
George Linde and pacer Lungi Ngidi combined brilliantly; Linde picked 3/10, dismantling the tail.
Despite losing three wickets in the powerplay, Hermann and Brevis guided the team to 142/5 in 15.5 overs, sealing the victory with 25 balls to spare.
South African captain Rassie van der Dussen praised the composure of the two debutants: "Losing three wickets in the powerplay was not ideal but their partnership was brilliant."
Raza, while proud of his/her own display, commended his bowlers: “At least we know these are going to be high‑scoring games,” after Ngarava (3/35) and Gwandu (2/15) made inroads early on.
South Africa began their campaign in style, displaying depth with impactful performances from Hermann, Brevis, and Linde. While Raza’s unbeaten fifty showcased Zimbabwe’s fight, it wasn’t enough in the face of a polished chase.
With momentum on their side, South Africa now prepare to face New Zealand on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen their bid for a place in the final.
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