ZIM vs SA, T20 World Cup 2026: Proteas overcome Zimbabwe to set up semi-final against New Zealand

The South African cricket team maintained its unbeaten record at the T20 World Cup 2026 with a five-wicket win against Zimbabwe in their final Group 1 Super 8 match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday.

Dewald Brevis led the way with the bat, courtesy of 42 off 18 balls, to help the Proteas win in 17.5 overs, while captain Sikandar Raza had top-scored for Zimbabwe in the first innings with a 43-ball 73 that helped the Chevrons post 153/7.

The result extended South Africa’s winning run at the T20 World Cup to seven matches, having topped Group D earlier in the tournament with four wins and then Group 1 with three.

The Proteas will take on Group 2 runners-up New Zealand in their T20 World Cup semi-final match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Chasing 154 to win, South Africa suffered early setbacks with openers Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram losing their wickets in the first three overs.

Ryan Rickelton wrested back the momentum with a brisk counter-attack, scoring 31 off 22 balls before his dismissal saw the Proteas end the powerplay on 43/3.

David Miller then joined Dewald Brevis and the pair put on a 25-ball 50 partnership from balls to slash the required rate and leave South Africa needing 61 from the final 10 overs.

However, South Africa lost the wickets of Miller and Brevis in quick succession, offering Zimbabwe a window for a comeback.

Tristan Stubbs and George Linde, though, ensured that South Africa didn’t suffer any further hiccups as they got South Africa over the finish line with 13 balls to spare.

Earlier, after electing to bat, Zimbabwe slumped to 28/2, losing Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett inside five overs.

Sikandar Raza and Dion Myers then mounted a brief recovery, adding 38 for the third wicket before Myers fell in the ninth over.

Zimbabwe’s slide resumed in the 11th over as Ryan Burl and Tony Munyonga were dismissed in quick succession.

Raza, however, continued to counter-attack the South African attack and raced to a 29-ball half-century to push Zimbabwe to 94/5 after 13 overs.

He struck three more boundaries and a six before eventually falling in the 17th over with Zimbabwe on 126/6.

Despite a late cameo from Clive Madande, Zimbabwe managed to add just 27 runs to their total after Sikandar Raza’s departure.

Click here to read article