Zimbabwe’s skipper Sikandar Raza played a captain’s knock of 73 runs from 43 balls, featuring eight boundaries and four massive sixes, as his team set South Africa a target of 154 in their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.
Electing to bat after winning the toss, Zimbabwe stumbled out of the blocks. Openers Tadiwanashe Marumani fell cheaply for 7, and Brian Bennett managed 15 before departing, reducing the Chevrons to 28 for 2. Dion Myers tried to steady the ship alongside Raza, their 38-run partnership for the third wicket offering brief respite.
The middle order continued to falter, but Raza’s arrival changed the game’s tempo. His aggressive strokeplay, combined with a vital 39-run stand with Clive Madande (26 not out off 20, 3×4), propelled Zimbabwe beyond 150. Madande’s late flourish ensured they crossed the line with momentum.
South Africa’s attack was led by the promising Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch, both claiming 2-2, while George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, and Anrich Nortje picked up single scalps. The Proteas now face a tricky chase on a pitch that assisted bowlers early.
Key partnerships and Raza’s fireworks have given Zimbabwe a fighting chance. Can South Africa overhaul the total? The match promises high drama.
Playing teams:
Zimbabwe: Marumani (wk), Bennett, Myers, Raza (capt), Burl, Munyonga, Madande, Evans, Masakadza, Cremer, Muzarabani.
South Africa: Markram (capt), de Kock (wk), Rickelton, Brevis, Miller, Stubbs, Linde, Bosch, Nortje, Maphaka, Ngidi.