A clinical South Africa put up a dominant all-round display to outclass Zimbabwe by 48 runs in the final and claim the T20I tri-series title at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Sunday. Riding on a rapid half-century from Jordan Hermann and a 23-ball 32 from Dewald Brevis, South Africa posted a formidable 205/5 in their 20 overs after electing to bat first. In reply, Zimbabwe’s top order collapsed under pressure before being bowled out for 157 in 18 overs. Hermann smashed a 24-ball fifty, laced with eight fours and a six, while sharing an 84-run opening stand with Connor Esterhuizen (32).
Despite missing opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius due to a niggle, South Africa asserted their authority early.
But Proteas captain Bjorn Fortuin (3-24) quickly ended his resistance to leave the chase in tatters. Jansen finished as the pick of the seamers with 3-38, while Bosch picked up 2-22, as South Africa defeated Zimbabwe for the third time in the last eight days. The tournament served as a crucial warm-up event for 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup co-hosts South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Skipper Sikandar Raza survived an early reprieve when a caught-behind dismissal off Bosch was overturned due to a no-ball. South Africa will next feature in a three-match bilateral ODI series against hosts Namibia, with Fortuin continuing as captain.
