By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare – Zimbabwe’s hopes of reaching the final of the T20 International Tri-Series came to a bitter end on Sunday after a seven-wicket defeat to South Africa at Harare Sports Club, despite a valiant effort from Brian Bennett.
Needing a win to stay in contention, Zimbabwe posted a modest total of 144 for six, which South Africa chased down with ease, thanks to a blistering maiden international half-century by Rubin Hermann, who scored 63 off 36 balls.
The result ensured Zimbabwe’s exit from the tournament and confirmed South Africa’s place in the final against unbeaten New Zealand, who have already secured top spot on the table.
Zimbabwe’s innings showed promise during a strong fourth-wicket stand of 78 between Bennett (61) and Ryan Burl (36 not out), but the rest of the batting lineup failed to fire, with too many dot balls and not enough strike rotation.
Sent in to bat yet again, Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum in the face of disciplined South African bowling. The pressure of a must-win game appeared to weigh heavily on the team, who now bow out without a single win from three matches.
On the other side, South Africa recovered from an early hiccup at 22 for 2, as Hermann partnered with captain Rassie van der Dussen in a commanding 106-run stand. Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 52 and praised Hermann’s confident knock.
The two sides will meet again on Tuesday in a final round-robin fixture, a prelude to Saturday’s final showdown.
For Zimbabwe, however, the tournament ends in disappointment and reflection eliminated on home soil and left to ponder missed opportunities with the bat.