New Delhi, Mar 1 (.) South Africa registered a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the Super 8 Group 1 encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Sunday, successfully chasing down 154 with 13 balls to spare.
After being set a target of 154, South Africa reached 154 for five in 17.5 overs, overcoming early setbacks through an explosive knock from Dewald Brevis and a composed finishing effort by George Linde and Tristan Stubbs.
The chase began on a shaky note as Quinton de Kock was caught by Tadiwanashe Marumani off Sikandar Raza for a duck at 1 for one in the opening over. Skipper Aiden Markram did not last long either, bowled by Raza for four, leaving the Proteas at 14 for two in 2.5 overs.
Ryan Rickelton and Brevis then counter-attacked to shift the momentum. Rickelton struck 31 off 22 balls, clearing the ropes four times, before he was caught by Ryan Burl off Brad Evans at 43 for three in 5.5 overs.
Brevis dominated the Zimbabwe bowlers with a blistering 42 off just 18 balls, smashing two fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 233.33. He shared a 50-run partnership with David Miller, taking South Africa close to the target within the first 10 overs. Miller contributed 22 off 16 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes, before being caught by Dion Myers off Blessing Muzarabani at 93 for four at the end of the 10th over.
Raza struck again to dismiss Brevis at 101 for five in 10.4 overs, finishing with impressive figures of three for 29 from his four overs and briefly raising Zimbabwe’s hopes of a comeback.
However, Stubbs and Linde ensured there were no further setbacks. The pair stitched together an unbroken 53-run stand for the sixth wicket to guide South Africa home. Linde played the more aggressive role, remaining unbeaten on 30 off 21 balls with two fours and a six, while Stubbs anchored the innings with a steady 21 not out from 24 deliveries.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 153 for seven after being put in to bat. Captain Raza led from the front with a commanding 73 off 43 balls, striking eight fours and four sixes at a brisk pace.
Zimbabwe made a cautious start as Tadiwanashe Marumani was bowled by Kwena Maphaka for seven with the score at 14 in the second over. Brian Bennett fell for 15 off 13 balls, caught by Markram off Anrich Nortje, leaving Zimbabwe at 28 for two in 4.3 overs.
Dion Myers struggled for fluency and was dismissed for 11 off 16 balls, caught by Brevis off Linde, as Zimbabwe slipped to 66 for three in the ninth over. Raza then took charge, counter-attacking with authority and keeping the scoreboard moving.
Ryan Burl managed just five before being trapped lbw by Lungi Ngidi, while Tony Munyonga was bowled by Corbin Bosch for two. Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, Raza continued to find the boundary ropes and added valuable runs with Clive Madande.
Raza’s innings ended in the 17th over when he was caught by Miller off Maphaka with the total on 126. Madande provided late impetus with an unbeaten 26 off 20 balls, including three fours. Brad Evans chipped in with eight before falling to Bosch in the penultimate over, and Wellington Masakadza remained not out on one as Zimbabwe closed on 153 for seven in their 20 overs.
For South Africa, Maphaka was the most economical, claiming two for 21 in four overs. Bosch also picked up two wickets but conceded 40 runs, while Nortje, Ngidi and Linde took one apiece.
Brief scores:
Zimbabwe 153 for 7 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 73; Clive Madande 26 not out; Kwena Maphaka 2/21, Corbin Bosch 2/40)
South Africa 154 for 5 in 17.5 overs (Dewald Brevis 42, George Linde 30 not out; Sikandar Raza 3/29)
South Africa won by five wickets.
. . CDS