South Africa bounce back as Brevis blitz sinks Zimbabwe

WINDHOEK  –  Dewald Brevis produced a breathtaking display of power hitting as South Africa bounced back from their opening defeat to Namibia with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the T20I tri-series at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Saturday. Brevis smashed an unbeaten 75 from just 32 balls, including seven fours and six sixes, as the Proteas chased down Zimbabwe’s 144 for eight with more than six overs to spare. Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum after being sent in to bat, losing wickets at regular intervals against a disciplined South African attack. Ben Curran provided an early spark with 24 from 12 deliveries, while Brian Bennett top-scored with a measured 34 off 35 balls.

Dion Myers added 17 before falling to Bjorn Fortuin, while Prenelan Subrayen dismissed Bennett and Ryan Burl to leave Zimbabwe struggling at 94 for five in the 16th over. Captain Sikandar Raza also failed to make an impact, scoring only 10. Tadiwanashe Marumani then provided the late acceleration Zimbabwe desperately needed, smashing 30 from 13 balls with three sixes.

He shared a rapid 43-run sixth-wicket partnership with Wessly Madhevere before both batters departed in successive deliveries. Duan Jansen led South Africa’s bowling attack with three for 45, while Subrayen claimed two for 27. Eathan Bosch, Kwena Maphaka and Fortuin took one wicket each.

South Africa’s chase began positively, although Zimbabwe briefly threatened after removing Lhuan-dre Pretorius for 22 and Jordan Hermann for 20 inside the powerplay. Brevis, however, quickly extinguished those hopes. He attacked relentlessly, dominating a 46-run third-wicket partnership with Tony de Zorzi, who contributed 15 before being caught behind off Blessing Muzarabani. Brevis remained unbeaten and finished the contest alongside Rubin Hermann, who scored 11 not out from seven balls, as South Africa completed a comfortable victory. The result put South Africa firmly back on track after their surprise defeat by Namibia in the opening match, leaving the tri-series finely poised ahead of the remaining fixtures.