New Delhi, March 1 (.) Skipper Sikandar Raza struck a blazing half-century to propel Zimbabwe to a competitive 153 for seven in their 20 overs against South Africa in Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Sunday.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, Zimbabwe recovered from early setbacks through a commanding 73 off 43 balls by Raza, studded with eight fours and four sixes, to post a fighting total at a run rate of 7.65.
Zimbabwe made a shaky start as wicketkeeper-batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani was bowled by Kwena Maphaka for seven in the second over with the score on 14. Brian Bennett looked promising but fell for 15 off 13 balls, caught by Aiden 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 Dewald Brevis off George Linde, as Zimbabwe slipped to 66 for three in the ninth over.
Raza then anchored the innings with aggressive intent, finding boundaries regularly and keeping the scoreboard moving. He shared useful stands with Ryan Burl and later with Clive Madande to steady the innings. Burl, however, was trapped lbw by Lungi Ngidi for five, while Tony Munyonga managed just two before being bowled by Corbin Bosch.
At 87 for five in 11.4 overs, Zimbabwe were under pressure, but Raza continued his counter-attack. He added 39 runs for the sixth wicket with Madande before being caught by David Miller off Maphaka in the 17th over with the score at 126.
Madande remained unbeaten on 26 off 20 balls, hitting three fours, while Brad Evans chipped in with eight before falling to Bosch in the penultimate over. Wellington Masakadza stayed not out on one as Zimbabwe closed on 153 for seven.
For South Africa, Maphaka was the pick of the bowlers with two for 21 in his four overs. Bosch also claimed two wickets but conceded 40 runs. Nortje, Ngidi and Linde took a wicket each.
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) against South Africa.
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