T20 World Cup: South Africa crush Zimbabwe by 5 wickets to end Super Eights unbeaten

South Africa remained unbeaten in the Super Eights of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, defeating Zimbabwe by five wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 154, the Proteas overcame an early wobble to reach 154/5 in 17.5 overs, sealing the win with 13 balls to spare. Zimbabwe, who had opted to bat after winning the toss, posted 153/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

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South Africa’s chase began on a shaky note as skipper Sikandar Raza struck twice in the powerplay. Quinton de Kock fell in the opening over, while Aiden Markram was bowled for four. Ryan Rickelton counterattacked with 31 off 22 balls before departing in the sixth over.

The momentum shifted decisively through Dewald Brevis, who smashed 42 off just 18 deliveries, striking four sixes and two fours. He added a 50-run stand with David Miller (22 off 16) to steady the innings. Though both fell in quick succession, Tristan Stubbs (21* off 24) and George Linde (30* off 21) ensured there were no further setbacks.

Earlier, Zimbabwe struggled for consistency despite a commanding knock from Raza. South Africa’s pace attack struck early, with Kwena Maphaka removing Tadiwanashe Marumani for seven and Anrich Nortje dismissing Brian Bennett for 15 as Zimbabwe reached 45/2 at the end of the powerplay.

Linde accounted for Dion Myers (11), but Raza anchored the innings, bringing up his first half-century of the tournament in 29 deliveries. The Zimbabwe skipper went on to score a fluent 73 off 43 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes, before falling to Maphaka in the 17th over. An unbeaten 26 off 20 from Clive Madande helped Zimbabwe reach 153/7.

With a semi-final berth already secured before this fixture, South Africa rotated their squad and made three changes, bringing in Maphaka, Nortje and Linde, while Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj were rested as part of workload management.

At the toss, Markram had indicated the intent to provide game time to squad members. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, were forced into changes due to injuries to Richard Ngarava and Tashinga Musekiwa, prompting the inclusion of Wellington Masakadza and Graeme Cremer.

The result confirmed South Africa’s dominance in Group 1, while Zimbabwe concluded their campaign after three consecutive defeats in the Super Eights.

Zimbabwe vs South Africa T20 World Cup: Playing XIs

South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani