South Africa beat Zimbabwe to win T20I tri-series in Windhoek

South Africa completed a dominant 48-run victory over Zimbabwe to win the T20I tri-series in Windhoek on Sunday, finishing the competition with a perfect record against their neighbours.

The Proteas, using an experimental squad, posted 205-5 before bowling Zimbabwe out for 157 in 17.5 overs. It was their third victory over Zimbabwe in eight days, following earlier wins by seven wickets and 43 runs.

Jordan Hermann took his opportunity at the top of the order after leading run-scorer Lhuan-dre Pretorius was ruled out with a groin injury. He shared an opening stand of 84 with Connor Esterhuizen, who continued his strong form by scoring 33 from 23 balls after making a half-century earlier in the series.

Hermann was the leading contributor with the bat. He reached his maiden T20I half-century from only 24 deliveries before being dismissed for 53 from 29 balls. His innings included eight fours and one six, with Ryan Burl taking an excellent diving catch at long-on off Brad Evans to end it.

South Africa maintained their scoring rate throughout the middle and final overs. Dewald Brevis made 32 from 22 balls, Rubin Hermann scored 27 off 16, and Duan Jansen remained unbeaten on 23 from 14 deliveries.

The Proteas reached 200 for the second time in three days, setting Zimbabwe a formidable target.

Zimbabwe’s reply quickly fell apart as South Africa’s pace attack took advantage of the bounce on offer in the Windhoek conditions. Eathan Bosch dismissed Ben Curran with the first ball of his innings, before Jansen struck twice during the powerplay to leave Zimbabwe struggling at 25-4.

Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere were among the early wickets as the hosts lost regular breakthroughs.

South Africa captain Bjorn Fortuin then increased the pressure by bowling Ryan Burl before removing Sikandar Raza and Newman Nyamhuri. He finished with impressive figures of 3-24.

Jansen also claimed three wickets, conceding 38 runs, and ended the series as the leading wicket-taker with 11 dismissals.

Zimbabwe were reduced to 81-8, but Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu gave their side a brief reprieve with a ninth-wicket partnership worth 52. Matigimu was eventually dismissed for 19, while Evans completed his maiden T20I half-century.

Evans finished unbeaten on 56 from 31 balls, but his resistance could only postpone South Africa’s victory.

He ended the competition with 10 wickets, but Jansen moved ahead of him in the final. Fortuin also finished level with Evans on 10 wickets.

South Africa will now prepare for a three-match ODI series against hosts Namibia, with the opening match scheduled for Wednesday.