Rubin Hermann scored his maiden international half-century to lead South Africa to a commanding seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in a Twenty20 tri-series clash at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.
The 28-year-old left-hander smashed 63 off just 36 deliveries, helping South Africa chase down Zimbabwe’s total of 144/6 with 16 balls remaining. His explosive innings, marked by confident stroke play, came in only his second international appearance and proved decisive in securing South Africa’s place in the final against unbeaten New Zealand.
Hermann shared a match-defining 106-run third-wicket partnership with captain Rassie van der Dussen, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52. South Africa had been in early trouble, losing both openers for just 22 runs to Zimbabwe pacer Tinotenda Maposa.
Earlier, Zimbabwe struggled after being sent in to bat. Despite a solid 78-run stand between Brian Bennett (61) and Ryan Burl (36*), their innings lacked momentum, hampered by too many dot balls and tight South African bowling.
South Africa skipper Van der Dussen praised his team’s all-round improvement:
“I was really chuffed with the bowling – 144 was never enough. We lost two early wickets so there was a little bit of early pressure but Rubin came in and played beautifully.”
South Africa, who lost to New Zealand earlier in the group stage, are set to meet them again on Tuesday in a warm-up to Saturday’s final. “It’s like a three-match series. Hopefully we can make it 1-1 on Tuesday and take it in the final,” Van der Dussen added.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, reflecting on their third loss, acknowledged his side’s poor batting despite being asked to bat first in all matches. “But that’s no excuse,” he said. “There were a lot of dot balls. Getting bat on ball can go a long way to getting a good total.”
The defeat eliminates Zimbabwe from the tri-series final contention.
