Harare, July 14, 2025 —South Africa began their 2025 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series campaign in dominant fashion, defeating hosts Zimbabwe by five wickets with 25 balls to spare at the Harare Sports Club in the series opener.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, South Africa’s bowling unit, led by left-arm spinner George Linde, put in an efficient performance to restrict Zimbabwe to 141/6 in 20 overs. In response, South Africa chased down the target in just 15.5 overs, thanks to explosive knocks from Dewald Brevis and Rubin Hermann.
Raza Anchors Zimbabwe’s Innings
Zimbabwe’s innings was anchored by the ever-reliable Sikandar Raza, who remained unbeaten on 54 off 38 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Coming in at a crucial stage after the early dismissals of the top order, Raza played the sheet anchor role to ensure Zimbabwe posted a competitive total.
Earlier, opener Brian Bennett (30 off 28) got off to a steady start, while Ryan Burl (29 off 20) chipped in with a brisk cameo. However, Zimbabwe struggled to shift gears in the death overs, largely due to South Africa’s tight bowling and fielding.
Linde Spins a Web
South Africa’s bowlers struck regularly, with George Linde delivering a brilliant spell of left-arm spin, finishing with 3/10 in 3 overs, including the key wickets of Bennett and Burl. Lungi Ngidi was equally economical, conceding just 15 runs in his 4 overs and picking up one wicket.
Nqaba Peter also made an impression in the middle overs with 1/22 in 3 overs, helping apply the squeeze on Zimbabwe’s batters.
Brevis and Hermann Take Charge
In response, South Africa got off to a confident start despite the early loss of Matthew Breetzke. The spotlight was firmly on young sensation Dewald Brevis, who lit up the Harare crowd with a stunning 41 off just 17 balls, smashing five sixes and two fours. His aggressive intent shifted the momentum firmly in South Africa’s favour.
Opening partner Rubin Hermann played a more measured knock, scoring 45 off 37 balls, rotating the strike well and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Even after a couple of quick wickets, Corbin Bosch (23* off 15) held his nerve and guided South Africa across the finish line with ease.
Zimbabwe’s Bowlers Struggle Despite Ngarava’s Heroics
The only real resistance from Zimbabwe’s bowling attack came from Richard Ngarava, who returned with figures of 3/35 in 4 overs, removing Hermann and Brevis at crucial junctures. Trevor Gwandu also bagged 2/15 in 3.1 overs, but lacked support from the other end.
Veteran spinner Wellington Masakadza went wicketless and proved expensive, leaking 21 runs in just 2 overs.
Match Summary:
Zimbabwe: 141/6 (20 overs)
Sikandar Raza 54* (38), Brian Bennett 30 (28), George Linde 3/10 (3)
South Africa: 142/5 (15.5 overs)
Rubin Hermann 45 (37), Dewald Brevis 41 (17), Richard Ngarava 3/35 (4)
Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets
Venue: Harare Sports Club
Toss: South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl
