In their last Super 8 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa secured a convincing five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Chasing a competitive target of 154, the Proteas reached the finish line in just 17.5 overs, thanks largely to a dazzling knock from Dewald Brevis. The young star’s explosive innings tilted the contest firmly in South Africa’s favour, underlining their championship credentials.
Sikandar Raza steers Zimbabwe to a competitive total
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to capitalize on favourable afternoon conditions. However, early breakthroughs by South Africa’s pace attack kept the scoring in check during the powerplay. Zimbabwe managed 45 runs in the mandatory overs but lost crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Tadiwanashe Marumani departed early, bowled by Kwena Maphaka for 7. Brian Bennett showed intent with a quick 15, but his stay was cut short by Anrich Nortje. Dion Myers struggled to accelerate and fell to George Linde, leaving Zimbabwe at 66/3.
The innings found stability through Sikandar Raza, who played a captain’s knock of 73 off 43 deliveries. His innings was laced with powerful stroke play, including 8 fours and 4 sixes that kept the scoreboard ticking. Raza formed useful partnerships, notably adding 38 runs alongside Myers and later stitching a crucial 39-run stand with Clive Madande.
Madande’s unbeaten 26 off 20 balls added valuable late runs, pushing Zimbabwe to 153/7 at the end of 20 overs. South Africa’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Maphaka and Corbin Bosch claiming two wickets ecach while Nortje, Linde and Lungi Ngidi chipped in effectively. The Proteas maintained pressure through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, restricting Zimbabwe to a modest total on a batting-friendly surface.
Dewald Brevis ignites South Africa’s run chase
South Africa’s chase began on a shaky note. Quinton de Kock fell cheaply for a duck, dismissed by Sikandar Raza in the opening over. Captain Aiden Markram also struggled for fluency and was bowled by Raza for 4, leaving the Proteas at 14/2.
Ryan Rickelton and Brevis then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership for the third wicket. Rickelton contributed a solid 31 off 22 balls before falling to Brad Evans. However, it was Brevis who stole the spotlight with an electrifying 42 off just 18 deliveries, striking at an astonishing rate of 233.33.
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Brevis’ innings was packed with innovation and power. He dismantled Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with fearless stroke play, targeting both pace and spin. His aggressive approach during the middle overs shifted momentum decisively. Even after David Miller’s dismissal for 22, the required rate remained comfortably within reach.
Raza attempted to pull Zimbabwe back into the contest with figures of 3/29, but the damage was already done. Tristan Stubbs remained composed with an unbeaten 21, while Linde provided the finishing touch with a quickfire 30 not out. Their unbroken 53-run stand ensured South Africa crossed the line with 13 balls to spare.
South Africa’s winning flow continues in the #T20WorldCup2026 🔥#ZIMvsSA
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/ODQj7gVdn5 pic.twitter.com/T6YQjagtWQ— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2026
