After losing in Namibia, Dewald Brevis propels South Africa to win against Zimbabwe

Dewald Brevis produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting as South Africa returned to winning ways in the tri-series to cruise to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.

After their defeat to Namibia in the previous matchSouth Africa responded with a better all-round performance. Their bowlers pulled Zimbabwe back after a promising start and restricted them to 144 before Brevis took center stage with an unbeaten 75 off just 32 deliveries to complete the chase in just 13.4 overs.

SE vs ZIM, NAMIBIA TRI-SERIES HIGHLIGHTS

Brevis made his intentions clear from the moment he walked in, sending his first ball over the ropes and putting Zimbabwe’s attack under immediate pressure. He eventually hit seven fours and six sixes during his explosive knock to reach his half-century off just 23 balls.

The South African batsman got off to a positive start with openers Jordan Hermann and Lhuan-dre Pretorius adding 32 runs in four overs. Hermann was dismissed after making 20 off 13 balls, but Pretorius and Brevis ensured nobody was let go as South Africa reached 61 at the end of the over.

Pretorius departed on a 13-ball 22 but Brevis continued to dominate. Graeme Cremer carried the brunt of his attack, carrying 32 runs in two overs, with four of Brevis’ six maximums coming against him. South Africa were already 103 for 2 after 10 overs, leaving Zimbabwe with little chance of defending their meager total.

Tony de Zorzi contributed 15 before Blessing Muzarabani removed him, but the result was never in doubt. Rubin Hermann chipped in with an unbeaten 11 off seven balls as he shared an unbroken 39-run partnership with Brevis, who ended the match on a boundary.

Earlier, Zimbabwe looked well placed after a quick start to reach 68 for 1 after eight overs. However, South Africa’s bowlers struggled for control as wickets began to fall regularly through the second half of the innings.

Ben Curran gave Zimbabwe early momentum with a brisk 24 off 12 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Duan Jansen. Brian Bennett top-scored with 34 off 35 deliveries but found it difficult to sustain the scoring rate once the fielding restrictions ended.

Prenelan Subrayen and Bjorn Fortuin were instrumental in slowing down Zimbabwe during the middle innings, sharing three wickets while giving away just 52 runs in their combined spells over eight.

Tadiwanashe Marumani provided the late burst as he smashed 30 off 13 balls with three sixes and a four. But his departure in the 19th over halted Zimbabwe’s momentum and the innings ended with three wickets falling in the last two overs as they managed just 14 runs during that period.

Jansen was South Africa’s top wicket-taker with three scalps, although his four overs went for 45. Debutant Eathan Bosch impressed with figures of 1 for 20, while Kwena Maphaka also picked up a wicket and conceded 24 runs.

– The end

Published on:

29 Aug 2026 22:09 IST