South Africa qualified for the Tri-Nations Series final after a resounding seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday.
Zimbabwe Vs South Africa: Proteas Seal Triseries Final Spot As Hosts Bow Out - Data Debrief
It was a must-win match for Zimbabwe, but a third consecutive defeat for the hosts means they will not play in the showpiece next Saturday, with the Proteas facing New Zealand
It was a must-win match for Zimbabwe, but a third consecutive defeat for the hosts means they will not play in the showpiece next Saturday, with the Proteas facing New Zealand.
Zimbabwe crawled to 28-2 by the start of the sixth over, as Corbin Bosch (2-16) took Wesley Madhevere (13) before he caught and bowled Clive Madande (eight).
Brian Bennett anchored their innings, though, with his 61 off 43 balls helping to edge them to their highest total of the tournament, but he received little help from elsewhere.
Ryan Burl (36 not out) was the only other player to hit double figures, but after Bennett's exit, Zimbabwe managed just 22 more runs, getting to 144-6.
The hosts made a strong start with the ball though, with Tinotenda Maposa (2-38) ensuring the Proteas made a stuttering start through Luhan-dre Pretorius (four) and Reeza Hendricks (six).
However, that opened the door for Rassie van der Dussen (52 not out) and Rubin Hermann (63), who scored a maiden T20I half-century before Rubin Hermann sent stumps flying to dismiss him.
But Dewald Brevis' unbeaten 13 helped get South Africa to their 145-3 total as he earned an extra to wrap up the game.
Data Debrief: Zimbabwe's batting struggles go on
Zimbabwe had scored 141 and 120 runs in their previous two matches in the series, so their 144 on Sunday was a marginal improvement.
However, they posted the lowest powerplay score of the tri-series so far (29-2) and managed just 55-3 in the first 10 overs.
And with the ball, they were no match for Van der Dussen and Hermann, whose knock included three boundaries and four maximums.
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