Proteas seal T20I tri-series title with dominant win over Zimbabwe

The Proteas, fielding an experimental squad, had already beaten their neighbours twice during the competition and completed a clean sweep in the final after posting 205/5 before dismissing Zimbabwe for 157 in 17.5 overs.

With leading run-scorer Lhuan-dre Pretorius ruled out with a groin injury, Jordan Hermann returned to the top of the order and made the most of his opportunity. He shared an 84-run opening partnership with Connor Esterhuizen, who followed his previous half-century with a brisk 33 from 23 balls.

Hermann was the standout performer, reaching his maiden T20I fifty from 24 balls before eventually falling for 53 off 29 deliveries, including eight fours and a six. Ryan Burl produced an excellent diving catch at long-on to end his innings off Brad Evans.

South Africa maintained their momentum through the middle and closing overs. Dewald Brevis contributed 32 from 22 balls, while Rubin Hermann added 27 off 16 and Duan Jansen finished unbeaten on 23 from 14 as the Proteas passed 200 for the second time in three days.

Zimbabwe's chase unravelled almost immediately.

Eathan Bosch removed Ben Curran for a golden duck before Jansen struck twice in the powerplay, leaving Zimbabwe at 25/4. Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere were among the early casualties as South Africa's pace attack made the most of the bounce in the Windhoek conditions.

Captain Bjorn Fortuin then compounded Zimbabwe's problems. He bowled Ryan Burl before dismissing Sikandar Raza and Newman Nyamhuri, finishing with an impressive 3/24. Jansen also claimed three wickets for 38 runs, ending the series as the leading wicket-taker with 11.

Zimbabwe were eventually reduced to 81/8, but Evans refused to give up. The all-rounder and Kundai Matigimu added 52 for the ninth wicket before Matigimu was dismissed for 19.

Evans completed his maiden T20I half-century, finishing unbeaten on 56 from 31 balls, but Zimbabwe's resistance only delayed the inevitable.

South Africa's victory was their third over Zimbabwe in eight days, following wins by seven wickets and 43 runs earlier in the series. Evans finished the competition with 10 wickets before Jansen overtook him in the final, while Fortuin ended level with Evans on 10.

The Proteas now turn their attention to a three-match ODI series against hosts Namibia, beginning on Wednesday.

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