Pretorius and Brevis power South Africa to commanding win over Zimbabwe in tri-series
South Africa's T20 side scored a commanding win over Zimbabwe in the tri-series being held in Namibia, boosting their chances of reaching the final, with Wiaan Pretorius making 94 and Dewald Brevis smashing an unbeaten 75 off 32 balls.
A commanding win over Zimbabwe
South Africa's T20 side secured a convincing win over Zimbabwe in the ongoing tri-series in Namibia, strengthening their chances of reaching the final. According to the ICC, South Africa posted 185/7, while Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 142 in reply.
Pretorius returns to form
The Player of the Match award went to 20-year-old Wiaan Pretorius, who scored 94. It marked a welcome turnaround for the batter, who had managed only 9 and 22 in the tri-series' opening two matches, as well as struggling in The Hundred beforehand. Pretorius revealed he had spoken with recently retired South African batter Heinrich Klaasen before the game to work on his mindset. "He's experienced most things — all the ups and downs — in T20 cricket around the world, and I felt like he was a good person to speak to," Pretorius said. He added he was not upset about missing his maiden international century, saying the team's win mattered more.
Brevis continues to impress
As the ICC reports, the architect of the win was also young batting star Dewald Brevis, who finished unbeaten on 75 off just 32 balls, including 13 boundaries and six sixes. In the previous match against Namibia, his 75 off 50 balls had not been enough to secure victory, but against Zimbabwe his innings proved decisive. Teammate Prenelan Subrayen said Brevis' performance was a huge morale boost in the dressing room, noting that his attacking intent from the first ball eased the pressure on the team. Zimbabwe's Tadiwanashe Marumani likewise said Brevis' innings was the turning point of the match, reducing the required run rate to under a run a ball.
Bowlers set the platform
South African bowlers Eathan Bosch (1/20) and Duan Jansen (3/45) gave the side an early breakthrough by removing Zimbabwe's openers. Subrayen himself picked up two wickets in the match. He also praised captain Bjorn Fortuin's leadership, saying it made bowling easier by taking pressure off the bowlers.
The tri-series in Namibia continues, with Zimbabwe set to face Namibia in the next match on 31 August.
