Zimbabwe suffer 43-run defeat

**Don Makanyanga **

Online Writer

Zimbabwe suffered a 43-run defeat to South Africa in the ongoing FNB Tri-Nation T20i Series in Namibia after their batting collapsed in pursuit of a daunting 186-run target.

South Africa, who elected to bat first, posted 185 for seven in their 20 overs, setting Zimbabwe a demanding target on the back of an explosive start and several substantial partnerships.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius led the South African innings, smashing 50 from just 27 balls, including seven fours and a six. He received strong support from Jordan Hermann and Dewald Brevis as South Africa raced to 100 in 10.6 overs.

The Proteas reached 50 in only 5.1 overs, with Pretorius and Hermann laying the foundation before their opening partnership was broken at 68.

Brevis then continued the assault, helping South Africa reach 150 in 15.1 overs. Despite losing wickets regularly in the closing stages, South Africa maintained enough momentum to finish on 185 for seven, with David Jansen unbeaten on three.

Zimbabwe’s chase, however, unravelled almost immediately.

Ben Curran managed only four runs while Brian Bennett contributed 13.

Wessly Madhevere followed without adding to the total, leaving Zimbabwe in serious trouble at 33 for three after only 3.3 overs.

Innocent Kaia’s dismissal at 43 further exposed the fragility of the chase, while Ryan Burl and Tadiwanashe Marumani were removed in quick succession to leave Zimbabwe 51 for six.

Brad Evans became the seventh wicket at 54, and Wellington Masakadza’s dismissal at 66 reduced Zimbabwe to eight down and effectively ended any realistic hope of an upset.

Sikandar Raza offered some resistance as Zimbabwe attempted to recover, but his dismissal at 105 in the 14th over left the lower order with too much ground to cover.

Newman Nyamhuri was the final wicket to fall at 142 in the 18th over, completing Zimbabwe’s collapse and handing South Africa a convincing 43-run victory.