South Africa cruises to sixth win, facing New Zealand in T20 semi-final

KATHMANDU: South Africa maintained their perfect record at the T20 World Cup, claiming a sixth consecutive win with a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their final Super Eight match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. The Proteas now face New Zealand in the semi-finals in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Already assured of a semi-final spot before the game, South Africa’s win ensured they topped Group 1, setting up a rematch with New Zealand, whom they defeated by seven wickets in the opening group stage on Feb 14.

Zimbabwe, opting to bat first after winning the toss, were restricted to 153 for seven in their 20 overs. The innings was powered by Sikandar Raza’s brilliant 73 off 43 balls, including four towering sixes. Apart from Raza, only Clive Madande made notable contributions with an unbeaten 26 from 20 balls, as Zimbabwe’s batting struggled to maintain momentum.

South Africa’s bowling attack was well-distributed, with young pacer Kwena Maphaka standing out with figures of 2-21 in four overs. All-rounder Corbin Bosch supported with 2-40, while Raza, in a rare dual performance, impressed with the ball, claiming 3-29, including the key wickets of Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and Dewald Brevis.

Despite occasional breakthroughs by Zimbabwe, South Africa’s chase was never seriously threatened, as they comfortably reached the target with 13 balls to spare, continuing their march toward the final.