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The Proteas advanced to the final of the T20I tri-series in Harare with a seven-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe on Sunday, a result that also eliminated Zimbabwe from contention.
Debutant Rubin Hermann struck a 36-ball 63 - his maiden T20 international half-century - while Rassie van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 52 as South Africa chased down Zimbabwe's total of 144 for 6 with 16 balls to spare. The win ensured both South Africa and New Zealand a place in the final, with Zimbabwe winless after three matches.
Zimbabwe's innings was marked by a sluggish start and a lack of momentum, managing just 29 runs in the powerplay and 55 in the first 10 overs. Brian Bennett was the standout for the hosts, scoring 61 off 43 deliveries in a lone effort that added respectability to the total.
Pace bowlers Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger played a key role in containing Zimbabwe. Bosch returned figures of 2 for 16 in four overs, including two wickets in the powerplay and a tight spell at the death. Burger contributed with 1 for 20 and 15 dot balls in his full quota.
Zimbabwe, missing frontline bowler Blessing Muzarabani due to a family bereavement, struggled to contain the Proteas' middle order despite an early breakthrough by Tinotenda Maposa. He removed Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks in the powerplay, reducing South Africa to 22 for 2.
However, Hermann and van der Dussen combined for a 106-run partnership for the third wicket, effectively sealing the result. Hermann brought up his fifty in 29 balls, attacking Zimbabwe's spinners and pace bowlers alike. He was eventually dismissed by Richard Ngarava in the 16th over.
Van der Dussen's 52 not out came off 40 deliveries and featured six boundaries. He played a supporting role during Hermann's aggressive phase before anchoring the chase in the final overs.
Earlier, Bennett provided the only major resistance in Zimbabwe's innings, hitting five fours and three sixes. His 78-run stand with Ryan Burl (36 not out off 31) lifted Zimbabwe from 37 for 3 to 115 for 4. However, a disciplined bowling performance from the Proteas restricted Zimbabwe to just 29 runs in the final four overs.
Zimbabwe will play their final match of the tournament with no chance of reaching the final. The Proteas and New Zealand, both with two wins each, will meet in the round-robin phase before contesting the final.
