South Africa came out on top in the opening match of the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series with a dominant performance against the hosts. The Proteas continued their brilliant run, securing victory by 5 with more than four overs to spare.

Sikandar Raza battles South Africa’s disciplined bowling 

After winning the toss, South African skipper Rassie van der Dussen opted to bowl first. Zimbabwe had a slow start, with opener Wessly Madhevere falling in unfortunate fashion—hit wicket—in the third over. Youngster Brian Bennett showed some resistance with a fighting knock of 30 but was dismissed while attempting a big shot over the ropes. Meanwhile, captain Sikandar Raza led from the front, top-scoring with a brilliant half-century. The right-hander batted with intent, scoring 54 off 38 deliveries and guiding Zimbabwe past the 140-run mark.

With the ball, it was an excellent outing for the Proteas. Their disciplined bowling kept the Zimbabwean batters in check throughout the innings. Maintaining tight lines and lengths, South Africa never allowed the run rate to climb above par. Spinner George Linde stood out with an exceptional spell, picking up 3 wickets for just 10 runs in his 3 overs. Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Nqabayomzi Peter also contributed with a wicket each.

Dewald Brevis and Rubin Hermann guides proteas in the chase 

Chasing a slim target of 142 runs, South Africa had a poor start with opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius dismissed on the first ball, followed by Reeza Hendricks and skipper der Dussen, reducing them to 39 for 3. But young sensation Dewald Dewald once again impressed with his fiery T20. Brevis’ innings of 41 runs in just 17 balls took the game away from Zimbabwe. He was well complemented by Rubin Hermann, who scored 45 runs. In the end Corbin Bosch guided his side to victory.

It was a fighting display from the Zimbabwean bowlers in Harare as they managed to put the Proteas under pressure. They removed half of the South African side with disciplined bowling, with Richard Ngarava leading the charge by claiming 3 key wickets, including both openers. Trevor Gwandu also chipped in with two crucial wickets, helping his side stay in the contest.

Also READ: Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series 2025: Harare Sports Club Pitch Report, T20 Stats and Records

Here’s how fans reacted:

Starboy Dewald Brevis scored 41(17) on his return to T20Is 💛

He hit 4️⃣6️⃣6️⃣6️⃣ in a single over & took the game away from Zimbabwe!!#ZIMvSA pic.twitter.com/ZRitL6PGco

— Navneet 🚩 (@MSDian067) July 14, 2025

Dewald Brevis.!!!

Absolute monster against spin. Ruthless & crazy hitting. Extraordinary batting. He can be @ProteasMenCSA Klaasen, though pace game is still work in progress.

He should be slotted in ODI side ASAP. #ZIMvSA pic.twitter.com/8grMuPmHCB

— StrangelyAmusing (@Weirdgripping84) July 14, 2025

Dewald Brevis is box office just pure entertainment.

— TheJackHammer69 (@NeoRamokoka3) July 14, 2025

SA won the first game of the tri-series with a 5-wicket win over Zimbabwe

Good performances from George Linde, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis and Corbin Bosch#ZIMvSA

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) July 14, 2025

South Africa won by 5 Wickets. What a Spell George Linde 3/10, Lungi Ngidi 1/15, Nandre Burger 1/22 and N Peter 1/22. What a Knock Dewald Brevis 41(17). Well played R Hermann 45(37).#ZIMvSA @gflinde@BrevisDewald

— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) July 14, 2025

The Replacement of Heinrich Klassen is ready. ⚔️ 🇿🇦#ZIMvSA pic.twitter.com/2qu0uT23kx

— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) July 14, 2025

Good debut for Hermann 👏 SA need 12 runs. #ZIMvSA pic.twitter.com/i1BVbFLvLs

— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) July 14, 2025

Brevis is that new Klaasy factor. I’m sold.#SAvZim #ZIMvSA #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #Proteas

— Mish ✌🏽 (@Mish_Sattar) July 14, 2025

DEWALD BREVIS WON HIS FIRST POTM IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET 💛

– The Future Superstar is here…!!!! pic.twitter.com/FORsRe6cW8

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 14, 2025

South Africa claimed a comprehensive win against Zimbabwe in the first game of the T20I Tri-Series 💪#ZIMvSA pic.twitter.com/ErM0GvcxIK

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 14, 2025

Also READ: New Zealand announce Finn Allen’s replacement amid big squad overhaul for Zimbabwe T20I tri-series