South Africa (SA) and Zimbabwe face each other in the fourth T20 match of the ongoing triangular after suffering respective defeat against New Zealand. The series opener saw SA defeat Zimbabwe. While the Proteas got on board the points table, the Chevrons are yet to secure a win in home conditions.
In under 19 overs, SA found themselves being bowled out against New Zealand, falling short by 21 runs against the Kiwis’ total of 173. Earlier, in their win against Zimbabwe, South Africa lost three wickets in the powerplay in under 40 runs. Despite those early wickets inflicted by Richard Ngarawa and Trevor Gwandu, Dewald Brevis and Rubin Hermann ensured that they chased down 141 with four overs to spare.
Brevis is the leading run-scorer of the series with 76 runs to his name. Zimbabwe will be vary of the onslaught they received from Brevis in the first match [41(17)]. Batting all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy had a good run against the Kiwis with the ball, picking up a wicket and conceding below five an over. The Proteas would be concerned about the form of Reeza Hendricks and skipper Rassie van der Dussen who are yet to make an impact.
It’s a do-or-die match for the Chevrons, who are now on the verge of elimination. A poor net run rate of -2.374 further undermines their chances of qualification. Sikandar Raza and George Linde will look to repeat their heroics from the first match against the Proteas. Against the Kiwis, it was a match that the Zimbabweans would love to forget, as none of their players made a significant impact.
Zimbabwe has yet to win a T20 International match against SA. Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka are likely to feature, and Nqaba Peter could return to the playing eleven for SA. Wicket-keeper Cliva Madande hasn’t managed even 20 runs in two matches. It increases the chances of Tafadzwa Tsiga making it to the eleven for Zimbabwe. All-rounders Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa, are likely be retained despite a no-show due to a below-par bench strength.
