South Africa vs Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series in Namibia, 2026, Full Score Card

OUT! CAUGHT! And it's all over. SOUTH AFRICA WIN THE TRI-SERIES. They beat Zimbabwe by 48 runs! Length ball, angling away, and Muzarabani goes hunting for the big shot once more, playing it across the line. This time the bat face turns at the point of contact, and the ball balloons off the leading edge, high into the sky toward cover. Bjorn Fortuin at extra cover calls for the catch, sees the ball like a hawk and settles under it to take a fine catch. Jubilation in the South African camp as they have kept their unbeaten record against Zimbabwe intact in T20Is.

Duan bowls it full and outside off, Brad Evans shuffles across and plants his back knee into the pitch to play the lap shot but chips it over mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Blazed away into the gap! 150 up for Zimbabwe. Full and outside off, Brad Evans brings his bottom hand to play and crunches it through deep extra cover, beating long off to his left for a boundary.

SIX! Connects, and connects so well. FIFTY FOR BRAD EVANS! That's his maiden T20I half-century. He has been one of the bright spots for Zimbabwe in this tri-series and is enjoying himself out there. Into the slot, on middle, Brad Evans gets his front leg out of the way and absolutely carts it over deep mid-wicket for a cracking six.

FIVE WIDES! Untidy by Connor Esterhuizen. Takes pace off, on a back of a length, pushed across the right-hander. Evans lets it pass. The ball bounces in front of Connor Esterhuizen and nutmegs him before racing past short third.

Nails the yorker, around off. Blessing hangs deep in the crease and has a big swing at it. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads and it rolls away on the off side for a single.

SIX! High and handsome from Blessing! Juicy full toss from Jansen, on off. Muzarabani takes it on the full and, with a high elbow extension, he dumps it behind long on for a six. He holds his pose after playing the shot and that brings about a loud cheer from the Zimbabwean faithful in the stadium.

Duan Jansen is back.

Wide yorker, on the off side, Brad Evans looks to go big downtown, but can only squeeze it back to the bowler.

Nails the yorker in, does Maphaka. Brad Evans looks to work it across, but gets an inside edge onto the front pad.

Swing and a miss! Short and slanted down leg, Brad Evans swings for pull but misses to connect. Surprisingly, it is not called a wide. May have brushed something on its way to the keeper.

Full and slow, on the off stump. Muzarabani eases it in front of point with soft hands and they amble across for a run.

Toe-crushing yorker from around the stump, angling in and around leg. Blessing Muzarabani's head falls over while trying the flick but gets a leading edge and the ball rolls to the off side.

Blessing Muzarabani is the last man in.

OUT! HIGH UP AND CAUGHT BEHIND! Maphaka breaks an entertaining partnership for the ninth wicket. Coming around the wicket, Maphaka angles this one into the batter, rolling his fingers over the ball. Matigimu goes for the big hoick but can only get a top edge, and the keeper, Connor Esterhuizen, does the rest, backpedalling a touch before completing a tidy catch. South Africa are on the verge of triumphing in the finale. Zimbabwe are 133/9.

Kwena Maphaka (1-0-8-0) comes back.

FOUR! This is now Brad Evans' highest T20I score. It also brings up the 50-run partnership between Evans and Kundai. Serves it on a fuller length, on the leg stump. Brad Evans gets down on a knee and nails the sweep shot over the square leg fielder, and finds the gap for a boundary.

Overpitched on leg, Kundai Matigimu drills it to long on for a single.

SIX! Clears the ropes once again! Full now from Subrayen, on the off stump, Kundai Matigimu gets on the front foot, and pumps it high over long on for six more.

SIX! Goes the distance! A bit short and on off, Kundai Matigimu clears the front leg away and swings it behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

Full again and outside off, Brad Evans aggressively drives it down to long off for a single.

Full, outside off, crunched away but straight to cover.

Last 5 overs left. Zimbabwe need 91 runs. Evans has kept the fight on from one end, but it still looks out of reach for Zimbabwe with just 2 wickets in hand. Prenelan Subrayen is back on and will bowl out. 1/23 in 3 overs so far.

This is on a back of a length, on middle. Evans clears the front leg and smears it away behind square leg for a run.

Missed out. Loopy low full toss, outside off. Evans pre-empts the scoop and walks a long way towards the off side. He fails to connect and gets hit on the pads.

SIX! Evans made it look all too easy. Takes pace off, does Mokoena, that in-between length, following the right-hander as he backs away. Brad swats it away with the use of his wrists over deep square leg for a six.

Bowled on a good length, on off. Brad backs away and carves it over extra cover. Eathan Bosch covers good ground to his left from long off and slides to save a couple of runs for his side.

At pace now, angled into the right-hander, on a short of a length. Evans has a swing across the line but is beaten for pace and wears it on the thigh pad.

Begins with the off-cutter, full and outside off. Evans moves across to the off side but does not have the pace to work with it. The ball grazes a bit of bat and then the pad before it rolls towards the keeper.

Flat and short, on off. Evans punches it square on the off side and retains the strike with a single. 10 runs from the over. 100 needed off 36 balls.

Fires in a full ball, on off. Matigimu knocks it to long off and turns the strike over.

Slower and fuller, on off. Matigimu pushes away from his body and is beatne past the outside edge due to the turn.

Shorter and on middle. Brad pulls it wide of deep square leg for a single.

SIX! All the way. Zimbabwe go past 100. Fortuin spears in a full ball, on middle. Evans sinks to a knee and nails the slog sweep, clearing Dewald Brevis at deep mid-wicket.

Full and on middle, driven down to long on for one.

FOUR! Up and over! Following the batter with a good-length delivery. Evans manages to make room for himself and goes inside out over extra cover for a boundary.

Wide! Down leg, on a length. Brad swings and misses.

Evans was gone with a direct hit. On a hard length, on off. Matigimu stands tall and drops it in front of point before scampering through for a quick single.

Mishit but Kundai Matigimu gets away with it. Bowled on a hard length, on middle and leg. Matigimu swings across for the pull but is rushed and the ball catches the upper half of the blade. It is spooned behind mid on. Jansen runs over his right shoulder and stretches his hands out in front as he flings himself at the ball but it stays out of his reach. The deep mid-wicket fielder backs Daun up as the batters pick up a couple.

A swing and a miss. Into the deck, on middle and leg. Kundai Matigimu has a swipe across the line but is cut in half as the ball goes past the inside edge.

DROPPED! Never easy on the follow-through, and a chance goes down. Following the batter as he backs away, on a nagging length. Evans chips it back towards the bowler with a straight blade. Mokoena is late to react on his follow-through as the ball comes to him at waist height to his right. It clips his fingertips and goes down to long off. They cross.

On a good length, on middle. Brad tries to flick it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball dribbles through square leg and Brad comes charging back for the second run.

Nqobani Mokoena is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Prenelan Subrayen.

Looped up, on middle. Evans pushes it to the right of the bowler. Fortuin cannot make the stop and the batters cross for a single.

Floated up, fuller and on middle. Evans gets down on a knee and swats it wide of deep mid-wicket. Dewald Brevis moves to his right in the deep and lobs it towards the converging Tony de Zorzi as the two men mop it up. Two runs taken.

On a nagging length, on middle, smeared away to the right of long on for a single.

Another one bites the dust. South Africa are almost there. Kundai Matigimu walks in at number 10.

OUT! CAUGHT! High but not long enough. Fuller and a bit of air given by Fortuin, on middle. Nyamhuri clears the front leg and has a hoick across the line. Ends up hitting it a lot straighter down towards long on. Eathan Bosch steadies himself on the fence and has room to go behind and get right under the ball. He opts to stay side on and takes the catch over his right shoulder.

An optimistic shout for LBW but that was going down leg. Darted in on a good length, on middle and leg. Evans plays all around it and is rapped on the front pad. With Bjorn busy in appealing, the two batters sneak in a leg bye as the ball drops beside the strip on the off side.

Flighted up, on off. Nyamhuri steps out and hits it down to long off for a single.

FOUR! Put away! There is enough help from the surface, but Prenelan Subrayen seems content to fire it in at the moment. Switches to around the wicket, does Subrayen, full toss, across off. Brad latches onto it in a flash as he spanks it wide of extra cover for a boundary.

SIX! Onto the grass bank! Subrayen sprays a full toss wide on off. Evans frees his arms and flays it over the deep point fence for half a dozen.

At the stumps, on a good length. Nyamhuri clips it wide of deep mid-wicket and crosses over.

Fired in at the pads. Evans gets low and paddles it to the right of short fine leg for one more.

Flat and short, turning into the hips. Newman Nyamhuri nudges it behind square leg for a run.

Very full, outside off, Evans slams it to deep cover for a single.

Shortens the length on the stumps. Nyamhuri hangs back and nudges it to deep square leg for a couple of runs. At the halfway stage of the run chase, Zimbabwe are 65/7.

Full and sliding onto the pads, Newman Nyamhuri lunges and flicks it through mid-wicket with soft hands and they amble across for the second run.

Full on the stumps, watchfully blocked out by Newman.

Newman Nyamhuri comes out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT! It is folding rather quickly now for the Chevrons as the skipper departs. The South Africans have been absolutely electric in the field today. Fortuin lands it in thereabouts of the off stump, full in length. Raza creates room and goes hard at it, attempting to smash it over cover, but loses his shape and mistimes his shot from the bottom end. The ball rifles low to the left of the cover fielder, where Jordan Hermann dives to his left and plucks it just inches above the ground. Zimbabwe find themselves 61/7 in the chase of 206 runs.

Evans comes down the track and tries to smack it over the bowler but the ball spins past his bat and beats the outside edge. It spits up a bit and also outfoxes the keeper who fails to gather it to his right. The ball rolls to short third and they cross for a bye.

In-drifter, full on the leg stump, Sikandar pushes it inside out and between mid off and cover for a single.

Fuller and outside off, Evans stays leg side of the ball and guides it to short third.

Overpitched again, outside off, Sikandar eases it into covers for a single.

Spears in a yorker at the toes, Brad Evans drops the bat down in time, gets an inside edge and the ball squirts to the leg side, behind square for a single. A slight appeal for LBW but not given.

Another one bites the dust. Brad Evans walks out to the middle.

OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND CAUGHT! Subrayen gets into the wickets as well. Uses the wider angle, does Prenelan, bowling from around the stumps. He tosses it up and lands it fuller, outside off. Marumani backs away to create room and smash it over extra cover, but ends up airing it off the toe end over cover. Jordan Hermann lurks under the ball and safely takes the catch. Zimbabwe's disappointing day with the bat continues as they fall down to 57/6.

Into the blockhole, on middle, Raza jams the bat down, opens the bat face and shovels it wide of cover for a single.

On the off stump line, full in length, Tadiwanashe Marumani drives it through mid off for a single.

Pitched shorter, around off, Tadiwanashe Marumani rocks back and slaps it to long off for a single. A very successful over for Fortuin. A wicket and just 4 runs from it.

Darts in a yorker, on off, Tadiwanashe Marumani jams the bat down and squeezes it out.

Full and flat, on off, Raza carves it to the left of cover for a single.

On a length around middle, this is worked away in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Tadiwanashe Marumani is the new man in.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! The captain makes an immediate impact. Bowls from around the wicket, and lands it on a fractionally fuller length with a bit of flight given on it. Ryan Burl plays from the crease and has a big swipe across the line, but the ball spins in to beat his inside edge and crashes into the stumps behind. Zimbabwe have lost half their side on 52 runs. They still need 154 runs from 76 balls.

Tap and run! Drops it full, does Bjorn, on off, Sikandar Raza leans on and eases it into covers for a quick single.

It will be spin from both ends as Bjorn Fortuin brings himself on.

Slips in a full toss that dips below the waist, on off, Ryan Burl stands tall and slices it to backward point.

FOUR! Smashed with authority and that brings the 50 up for Zimbabwe! Bowls from around the stump does Subrayen, full on middle. Ryan Burl latches onto it and absolutely carts it wide of the cover fielder to his left, for a boundary.

A smidge short, outside off, Raza hangs back and cuts it to the right of short third for a quick single.

In front of the stumps, full in length, Sikandar Raza pushes it back to the bowler with soft hands.

Slight appeal for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Going down leg? Most probably. Quicker and fuller, angled on the leg stump. Sikandar Raza again goes for the paddle sweep but misses and is hit on the front pad.

Subrayen starts with a loosener, firing it down leg, full in length. Raza gets low to paddle it fine, but the ball clips the front pad and rolls to the short fine leg fielder.

Done with the Powerplay, and it is time for spin. Here's Prenelan Subrayen.

FOUR! Cleverly done! Short and outside off, Ryan Burl leans back, uses the pace and ramps it over the short third fielder for a boundary. Zimbabwe end their Powerplay on 46/4, needing 160 more runs from 84 balls.

Shortens the length further, does Kwena. On middle and leg, and this is steered off the back foot by Sikandar to widish mid-wicket for a single.

Ripper from Maphaka! Angles it outside off, on a good length, Sikandar Raza pokes at it by loosely dangling his bat away from his body. The ball leaves him and zips past the outside edge.

Well-directed short delivery, around off, Sikandar Raza gets crouched, arches back and leaves it alone.

WIDE! Takes pace off but bowls it way too short and it flies over the batter's head. Raza lets it through. Wide given for height.

Length ball, outside off, Ryan cuts it behind point for a single.

Maphaka is into the attack now! Back of a length, outside off, Raza hops off and knifes it to deep backward point for a single.

Castled but it will not matter as it was a Free Hit. Bosch gets the yorker in, on middle. Burl clears the front leg and swings for the hills. He is beaten on the inside edge and the ball clatters into the sticks.

DRAMA! Taken at deep fine leg, but it is a NO BALL and Ryan Burl lives to fight on. Langton Rusere, standing at square leg, straight away signalled that it was the second bouncer of the over. Remember, only one ball over the shoulder is allowed in T20Is. The side-on replays show that Bosch may well have transgressed the line as well. A bumper by Bosch, around off. Burl walks inside the line for the hook but holes out to deep fine leg. Good awareness by the two batters as they ran a couple while the ball was in the air. Free Hit coming up.

Hits the back of a length, on middle. Raza hops and drops it with soft hands beside the strip on the leg side before scampering through for a quick single. Bosch is quick to his right and has a shy at the batting end but ends up hitting Burl on the back of his thigh.

Wide! Out comes the slower bumper but this is too high and it sails over the batter's head.

SIX! Hit with absolute authority. Bosch goes into the wicket but he fails to get it high enough to trouble the batter on off and middle. It comes around the waist and Raza pulls it off the front foot over mid-wicket for half a dozen.

Very full, on off. Raza was perhaps expecting a short ball and was late to get his bat down. He eventually manages to do so and jams it out.

Short and wide on off. Burl stands tall on top of the bounce to cut it away to deep point for a single.

Goes past the bat! Bowled on a length, going away with the angle. Burl's feet go nowhere and he flashes at the ball but it leaves him to whistle past the bat.

Will Eathan Bosch continue? Why not. 2/10 in 2 overs so far.

Banged in short, angled into the left-hander. Burl rolls his wrists over the ball and pulls it behind square leg for a run to open his account.

Duan and Eathan have eaten into the Zimbabwean top order with two scalps apiece so far. They have put the Proteas into a very, very commanding position to win this finale. Two veterans are at the crease now, as Ryan Burl is in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! Wessly Madhevere could not have picked out the fielder in the deep any better. Jansen bends his back and digs it in short, on off. Wessly swivels to take the short ball on with the pull but the ball comes on slower than he expected. He swings early for the pull and it comes right off the bottom half of the blade. It goes flat and straight down the throat of deep backward square leg, where Dewald Brevis takes the catch around his chest. Zimbabwe are 25/4, needing 181 runs from 97 balls.

Pace off, on a good length, on off. Wessly is not to the pitch of the ball and pushes out in front of his body. Spoons it tamely and it goes on the bounce to the man at cover.

FOUR! Nearly went the distance. Too straight, around leg, on the shorter side. Madhevere swivels and helps the pull over short fine leg. It bounces just in front of the ropes.

Nasty delivery! Jansen gets the ball to rear up on the batter due to his height, on a short of a good length, on off. Raza gets on his toes to fend it down but the ball pings him on the gloves. Luckily for him, it lands safely in front of point as the batters cross for a single.

At the hips, Wessly tucks it wide of mid-wicket and hurries to the other end.

Zimbabwe are in heaps of trouble now, losing their top three without many runs on the board. Skipper Sikandar Raza is in at number 5 and has a massive task to bail his team out of this precarious situation.

OUT! CAUGHT! Bjorn Fortuin makes no mistake. Duan Jansen will be a relieved man. Bosch dishes out the off-cutter, on a length, on middle. Kaia clears the front leg and has a swipe across the line. The ball grips a bit in the surface and catches the top edge. It is skied towards mid off, where Fortuin gobbles it up. Zimbabwe are 19/3 in a chase of 206.

This is on a hard length, on middle. Innocent flat bats it on the bounce to mid on.

Wide! Dug in short, too high, on off, that is left alone for the keeper to collect.

Kaia shows his cards early as he backs away and Bosch responds by bowling a full ball near the tramline on off. Innocent can't get to it and he lets it be.

CHANCE GOES DOWN! Massive misjudgment by Duan Jansen, and he did not even manage to lay a hand on the ball. On a length, on middle and leg. Innocent Kaia gives the bowler the charge and swings to go down the ground. He only gets the height, not the distance. Jansen sets off for the catch early as he runs over his left shoulder but never really manages to steady himself under the swirling ball. He reaches out to his left eventually but the ball drops out of his reach. Single taken.

A bit of lift off the deck, on a back of a length, on middle. Wessly Madhevere stands tall and dabs it beside the strip on the leg side. They cross.

Tucking the batter up for room, on a nagging length. Kaia is beaten for pace on the attempted shovel. A leg bye is taken as the ball drops off the pads on the leg side.

A bit of a needless shot from Bennett, that one. South Africa are right on top now. Wessly Madhevere is in at number 4 with Zimbabwe in a spot of bother.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Both openers sent packing inside the first two overs. This is an inauspicious start for Zimbabwe. Jansen pushes a full ball across the right-hander, Bennett shuffles across a long way towards the off side as he premeditates the scoop. He fails to get under it and it pops up off a top edge behind the wicket. The keeper, Connor Esterhuizen calls for it and does the rest by moving to his right.

Dug in short, around the right shoulder. Kaia pivots for the pull but the ball climbs onto him. Gets it away behind square leg for a single.

Jansen goes full in search of swing but ends up serving a full toss, on off. Bennett plays a punchy drive wide of cover. Tony de Zorzi slides to his left and cuts it off. Just a single.

Moving back in the air, the length is pushed up, on middle and leg. Kaia hops back to deal with it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The batters cross as the ball dribbles square on the leg side.

Wide! Well wide on off, on the shorter side. Innocent throws his hands at the ball but fails to connect.

FOUR! One bounce and over the ropes. Short enough this time for the pull and Kaia is able to make room for himself to get his hands through the line of the ball. Dispatches the pull over mid-wicket for a four.

Shaping back into the right-hander, not all that short for the pull. Kaia swivels on the back foot but is rushed and gets hit on the thigh pad.

A successful beginning for South Africa in their defence. Duan Jansen will share the attack from the other end.

The length is pulled back and it holds on the surface too, on middle. Bennett is slightly taken aback but manages to drop it down the deck.

FOUR! Gets it through. Width offered by Bosch, on a length. Bennett gets the width to free his arms and he goes hard on the drive. Splits the gap between the man at a catching cover and the cover-point fielder to pick up a boundary.

Uppish but safe. Pitched up by Bosch, a hint of away shape. Kaia presents the full face of the bat and chips it back over the bowler's head. Bjorn Fortuin moves to his right from mid off and tidies up. Single taken.

A ripper by Bosch. Angled in before straightening off the deck, on a good length. Kaia has a feel for the delivery but is beaten past the outside edge.

Curran goes without troubling the scorers. The Proteas have gotten off to a bright start with the ball in this finale. Innocent Kaia is in at number 3. He scored a fluent career-best 72 against Namibia. He will have to produce another gem of a knock to see his side win.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Eathan Bosch strikes early. A golden duck for Ben Curran. Bosch hits the hard length, just outside the off stump. Curran hangs back in the crease and attempts the late cut but the ball is too close to his body for that shot. It kicks up a bit as well as it grazes the outside edge before it is held safely by the keeper, Connor Esterhuizen. Zimbabwe are 1/1, chasing 206.

Bennett and Zimbabwe are underway. Seaming away a bit, on a back of a length, outside off. Brian stays beside the line of the ball and dabs it to the left of backward point for a single to get off the mark.

A bye to end the innings. 14 runs off the over as South Africa finish on 205/5. Another off-pace delivery, there in the slot, around off. Jansen hangs deep in the crease and swings for the hills but cannot lay any bat on it. Duan is called through for a bye as the ball goes on the bounce to the keeper. Tadiwanashe Marumani lobs it towards the bowler, who turns around and has a shy at the bowling end but misses. Sikandar Raza gets around to his left and prevents a possible second run on the overthrow.

Off-cutter, on a length, on off. Duan collapses his back knee and slams it back over the bowler's head to the left of long on for a brace.

Good running. The yorker is nailed this time, on off and middle. Jansen jams it out in front of square on the leg side. The deep mid-wicket fielder is quick off the ropes but cannot prevent the second run from being taken.

DROPPED, FOUR! That should have been taken. Evans goes for the yorker but ends up with a low full toss, on off. Jansen smears it away uppishly towards backward square leg, where Innocent Kaia is inside the circle. Kaia does not pick it up straight away and is late to react. He leaps to his right and the ball clips his fingertips before going behind towards the fence. South Africa bring up their 200.

FOUR! Down the hill and into the fence. Evans misses his yorker by a small margin, on off. Jansen reaches out in front and hangs low to take the ball on the full. Smears it away through square leg and the deep mid-wicket fielder is beaten to his right.

Right in the blockhole, around the off stump. Bosch can't get under it and whips it down to long on for just a single.

Despite the four off the last ball, that was an exceptional penultimate over from Muzarabani. Righto, last over left. Brad Evans (3-0-23-2) will wrap it up. Can Zimbabwe keep the Proteas below 200? Let's find out.

FOUR! Jansen finally gets one away. Blessing takes pace off and hurls it on a good length, on off. Jansen uses his long levers and swings through the line. Hits it wide enough of the long off fielder to pick up a boundary.

Make that five dots in a row. Back to bowling the wide yorker, sneaking inside the guideline. Duan swings at it but misses.

So far, so good by Blessing Muzarabani. Off-cutter, not all that short, on off. Jansen tries to force it away on the off side but chops it down off an underedge as the ball dribbles to the left of the keeper. Four dots in a row.

On a back of a length, on off. Duan hits it on the rise but straight to extra cover.

Good change up by Blessing Muzarabani. Takes pace off and drags the length back, on off. Jansen was perhaps expecting another full ball and could not adjust to the length of the ball. He hangs his bat out and is beaten past the outside edge.

A big swing and a miss. Within the tramline, full in length. Duan flashes but can only connect with thin air.

Wide! Just beyond the tramline on off, very full. Jansen throws his hands at the ball but fails to connect.

Despite picking up a couple of big wickets, Newman Nyamhuri ends his spell on a very expensive note - 2/51 in 4 overs. South Africa are still in a decent position to breach that 200-run barrier with these two more than capable of tonking a few into the stands. Blessing Muzarabani (3-0-20-0) will bowl the penultimate over.

FOUR! Nicely done. Pitches it up, on middle and leg. Bosch is quick to get the front leg out of the way and he whips it well wide to the right of the man at deep mid-wicket for a four. 15 runs off the over.

Tries the slower one but it comes out as a low full toss, on off, Eathan cracks it away wide of deep extra cover for a couple of runs.

A well-executed yorker, on off. Duan hits it down to long off for a run.

FOUR! Gets it away. Newman gets the yorker wrong and it comes out as a full toss, on leg. Jansen swats it away behind square leg for a boundary.

Good cricket all around. Newman gets the yorker in, on off. Jansen hurriedly gets his bat down and squeezes it out in front of long off. By the time Sikandar Raza can get in off the ropes, the batters charge back for the second run.

Wide! Drifts beyond the tramline. Duan initially looks to go after it but then bails out.

Another mini-collapse for South Africa - from 169/3 to 172/5 - losing both the set batters. Two new batters at the crease, with 17 balls remaining in the first innings. Zimbabwe have a big opportunity to keep the Proteas below 200. Duan Jansen is in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Rubin Hermann stands there in absolute disbelief, unhappy with the umpire's decision. Rub of the green goes Zimbabwe's way. Angled into the pads, on a good length. Hermann walks inside the line to swipe it away behind square leg, with the angle of the ball. He is beaten for pace, and the ball lobs up off his thigh pad without seemingly having made any contact with the bat or the glove. The keeper, Tadiwanashe Marumani moves to his right and snaffles it comfortably. No reviews in this tri-series and Rubin has no option but to accept the umpire's verdict.

Wide! That is a harsh call. Rubin moves across the stumps and spotting that, Newman pushes it wider on off. Hermann flashes but fails to connect. The umpire feels that it was wide anyway despite the movement by the batter.

Newman Nyamhuri (3-0-36-1) replaces Blessing Muzarabani and will bowl out.

Slower one, floated up wide on off. Rubin reaches across and hits it down to long off for a run.

Missed out. Angled in at the hips, there to be helped away but Bosch misses out. It clips the pads before going behind, where Tadiwanashe Marumani tries to gather it with his left glove but cannot collect it cleanly. It goes away off his gloves and the batters pick up a leg bye.

That's an enormous wicket for Zimbabwe, given how destructive Brevis can be in the backend. With 20 balls left in the innings, Eathan Bosch walks in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! Brad Evans gets the prized scalp. The ploy to stay out of the hitting zone has paid off for Evans. Around the wide guideline on off, on the fuller side. Brevis takes a step across to get closer to the line of the ball and tries to smoke it downtown. The bat turns in his hand and he slices it down to long off, where Sikandar Raza settles under the skier and does the rest.

Evans pushes it across the left-hander. Hermann shuffles across early for the scoop but then adjusts to the line of the full toss. Slaps it to deep point and picks up a single.

Stays full, on off, hammered down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Not at all from the middle but Brevis still finds the fence. Brad slips in a full ball, near the tramline. Dewald has a big swing at it and the bat turns in his hand. He nearly takes out Rubin Hermann at the non-striker's end. Ryan Burl is placed very straight at long on and the ball skips across to beat him to his right.

Last 4 overs left. South Africa will still fancy their chances to go past 200 with two settled batters at the crease. Brad Evans (2-0-16-1) is back into the attack.

Very full, outside off. Brevis digs it out wide of extra cover for one more run. 13 runs off the over.

Hermman lets out a big cry in anguish. Pitched up, on off. Rubin hammers it hard but does not manage to find the gap and it is mopped up at long off. They cross.

FOUR! Innovative and effective. Pace off delivery, on a good length, outside off. Rubin sets up for the reverse scoop early and stays side on before gliding it over the keeper's head, fine of the man at short third. Newman Nyamhuri gives chase but in vain.

FOUR! In the gap. Muzarabani attempts the wide yorker but fails to get it wide enough. Hermann frees his arms and cracks the drive to the left of the man at deep backward point. The deep cover fielder stands no chance either.

Wide! Beyond the tramline on off. Rubin lets it pass.

Near the tramline on off, on a length. Brevis reaches out to force it through the off side but he loses his shape and miscues it off an inside edge behind on the leg side for one.

Starts with a slower delivery from around the wicket, on a good length, on off. Rubin waits on it before punching it to long off for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani (2-0-7-0) comes back for his third over.

Easy single and that brings the 150 up for South Africa! Outside off and short, Rubin Hermann is quick to rock back and punches it firmly to wide long off for a run. A massive over for the Proteas with 17 runs coming from it. Raza is done with his spell and his bowling numbers read 1/30 in 4 overs.

Around off and short, Rubin Hermann slaps it off the back foot to the right of long on. The fielder moves across, and makes a good sliding stop to save a couple of runs. Two taken.

On a length, on the stumps. Brevis drags it to long on for a single.

SIX! Goes the distance! Sikandar lands it short and on off, Dewald Brevis picks the length early, gets into a good position by hanging back and hoists it handsomely over long on for half a dozen more runs.

On a good length, angling in, Rubin Hermann uses the depth of the crease and knocks it down to long on for a single.

SIX! Swatted away! Not that short from Raza, drifting in on off. Rubin stays deep inside the crease and heaves it comfortably over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Short again from Newman, on middle and angling in, Rubin Hermann takes his eyes off the ball and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.

FOUR! Not the most convincing-looking shot but Rubin still gets it into the gap! Well-directed short ball from Nyamhuri, on middle, lifting up a bit. Rubin Hermann is rushed on the pull shot and hits it to the leg side and he still manages to bisect deep square leg and deep fine leg fielders for a boundary.

Beaten! Oh, this one cuts back into the batter, on a good length. Rubin Hermann goes for a full-blooded cover drive, flashes hard at it, but the ball skids through and beats his inside edge, rolling back to the keeper.

Fuller and slower, outside off, trying to keep it away from the hitting arc. Brevis reaches out and slices it towards deep extra cover for a single.

Pitched full and around off, Dewald carves it to the left of the cover fielder who is swift to move across and prevent the single. This is turning out to be a really good phase for Zimbabwe.

Full toss, outside off, Brevis knocks it straight to the fielder at cover. He will definitely feel that he missed out on it.

FIVE WIDES. Sloppy from Marumani. Miles outside off, on a length, a slower one by Newman. Dewald leaves it alone. Tadiwanashe Marumani moves to his right but the ball nutmegs him and races to the fence behind.

Sent back in time! Floated up, on off. Rubin lunges and drops it in front of point. They think about the single but Dewald Brevis lets out a loud call of 'No' to send his partner back.

A bit full on the leg stump. Hermann looks to turn it on the leg side but closes the bat face a tad early in the process. He gets a leading edge that rolls to point. Blessing Muzarabani moves across and fumbles, but the ball stays in his vicinity, so the batters do not risk a single.

Rubin Hermann makes his way out to the middle. Jordan, the younger of the two Hermann brothers, has already made his mark on the game, and now it is Rubin's turn to make an impact.

OUT! STUMPED! Raza outfoxes de Zorzi, who looked a bit rusty throughout his stay in the middle. Sikandar sees Tony charge down the ground and cunningly pulls the length back. Gets the ball to spin away from the batter as well and that beats Tony de Zorzi completely. He is already out of the crease and looks to swipe across the line, looking to play it over mid-wicket, but misses. Tadiwanashe Marumani collects the ball calmly and does the rest. Tony de Zorzi does not even bother to retreat and trudges off. South Africa are 122/3.

Full and around off, this is chipped away by Brevis to long on for a single.

Fired in on a fuller length, on middle, Tony de Zorzi goes for the reverse sweep but gets a top edge. The ball lobs over the keeper's head and rolls behind for a single.

Jaffa from Raza. Flatter and shorter, on off. A carrom ball by the looks of it and that beats Brevis' attempt to punch it off the back foot. The ball scarily goes past the off pole and deflects off Tadiwanashe Marumani's gloves to roll behind to fine leg. They get a bye.

Sikandar Raza brings himself back on. 2-0-11-0 so far for the Zimbabwean skipper.

Slightly fuller and outside off, Dewald Brevis smears it to deep cover-point for a single. 12 runs from this over. 0/32 in 2 overs for Matigimu so far.

Excellent effort from Curran in the deep. He saves a certain boundary there. Length delivery, outside off, Brevis stands tall and steers it to deep backward point. Ben Curran covers a lot of ground to his left from deep cover and slides to make the stop, restricting the batters to only a couple.

Hits the length, on middle, Tony de Zorzi swats it off the back foot to mid on and they hustle through for a single. Tony has to hurry as the mid on fielder picks the ball and throws it quickly to the bowling end, but misses his shy, which allows de Zorzi to skate in safely.

FOUR! Controls it nicely! Short from Kundai, angled into the bodyline, Tony de Zorzi pulls the slower one to deep backward square leg and finds the gap for a boundary.

That took off! Hard length with extra lift off the deck, outside off. Tony de Zorzi is flummoxed by the extra bounce but manages to drop his wrists down to leave.

FOUR! Gloriously played! Very full and outside off, Tony de Zorzi strides across and marvellously lofts it over extra cover to pick up a boundary.

Kundai Matigimu returns to the attack. He went for 20 runs in his first over.

Tossed up nicely, full on off, Tony leans forward and runs it down to long on for a single.

Full toss, on leg, Dewald Brevis whips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

A lady has managed to grab hold of the ball in the parking lot and is taking her own sweet time to get a photo taken of herself with the ball. She is happy with the photo clicked and has returned the ball.

SIX! That's got a flight number attached to it. The 100 is up for South Africa! Pitches it short and on middle and leg. Dewald Brevis pounces on it, hangs back and hoists it high and handsome over deep mid-wicket, depositing it out of the ground into the stadium's parking area.

Dropped short again by Wessly, on off, Tony de Zorzi cuts it off the back foot to deep cover for a single.

Short on off, drifting in. Tony de Zorzi creates room and crunches it to the left of deep cover for a couple more.

Full from around the stumps, on off, Tony de Zorzi reverse sweeps it through short third for a couple of runs.

Halfway through the first innings. Zimbabwe have managed to pull things back slightly with just 10/1 coming from the last two overs. Wessly Madhevere is back on, replacing Sikandar Raza. 1-0-14-0 so far are his bowling figures.

Bowled on a hard length, on off. Tony stands tall and punches it wide of point for a single.

South Africa lose both their openers in a short span as they slip from 84/0 to 93/2. With two relatively new batters at the crease, Zimbabwe will look to press on. Tony de Zorzi is in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT! A fine catch by Ryan Burl. This is turning out to be a good phase in the game for Zimbabwe. Evans rolls his fingers over the ball and bangs it into the deck, on off. Hermann stays back and tries to drag the pull on the leg side, but the ball gets big on him. Spoons it wide of long on, where Burl covers a lot of ground to his left and dives to hold onto the catch. Jordan got away with a mishit earlier in the over but not this time.

Fuller and on off, that is flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Mishit but safe. Angled away, on a hard length. Hermann tries to force it down the ground but does not get the width to free his arms. Slices it off the splice of the blade down to long off. Sikandar Raza realises early that the ball is not going to carry to him and does not attack the ball, gathering it on the bounce. Single taken.

Pace off and into the deck, on middle. It gets a bit big on Brevis, who mistimes the pull square on the leg side. They cross.

Across off, on a short of a good length, pulled down to long on for a single.

Brad Evans (1-0-11-0) returns into the attack. He replaces Newman Nyamhuri.

FOUR! Put away. Sikandar Raza will not be happy with himself. A bit of a drag down by Raza, on middle. Brevis hops onto the back foot in a flash and climbs all over it. Pulls it to the left of the man at deep mid-wicket and picks up a boundary to open his account.

Three dots in a row. Is a big shot coming? The length is pulled back now, on middle. Dewald stabs it down the deck.

Stays full, keeping the stumps in play. Dewald presents the full face of the bat and drives it down the pitch. Raza makes a half-stop low to his right but recovers well to mop it up.

Floated up, on off. Brevis does not move his feet much but brings his bat out in front to block.

Pushed through, shorter and on the off stump. Jordan whips it to deep mid-wicket and crosses over.

A hint of turn, on a good length, on off, Hermann punches it to cover.

Oh, that took off a bit. Newman serves an effort ball, bowling it into the pitch, on middle. Brevis hangs back to deal with it but the ball jumps on him and he is pinged on the glove before it drops to the ground.

Zimbabwe finally have their first wicket. That brings Dewald Brevis in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Connor Esterhuizen tries to repeat the dose, but it does not come off for him. Cleverly bowled by Newman Nyamhuri as he drags the length back and pushes it wider near the tramline. Takes pace off as well and it grips a bit in the surface. Esterhuizen reaches out to play it away on the off side but is early on the shot. The ball gets skied off a top edge and Ben Curran settles under it at point to gobble it up. End of an 84-run opening stand.

FOUR! Effortless! Fuller and going across the right-hander, Esterhuizen lets the ball come on and extends his hands into the lofted drive, playing it over cover for a boundary.

FIFTY FOR HERMANN! Maiden T20I half-century for the left-hander, and having gotten the opportunity to move up the order in the absence of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Jordan is making it count. Bowled on a back of a length, on middle and leg. Jordan nudges it in front of square on the leg side for a single to reach the landmark.

FOUR! Helped away. Too straight, on a back of a length, angled in at the hips. Hermann pivots on the back foot and pulls it wide of short fine leg for a boundary. Moves to 49, does Hermann.

Not in control but safe. Pace off and angled into the left-hander, on a good length. Hermann has a swing at it but he does so early. Spoons it in front of square on the leg side. The deep mid-wicket fielder charges in but cannot get to the ball in time. Two taken.

A quiet over from Raza. But Zimbabwe still stay wicketless. Newman Nyamhuri (1-0-14-0) is back on and he is replacing Kundai Matigimu.

Even fuller and fired in, on off. Esterhuizen jams it out back to Raza.

Pushes the length up, on off. Esterhuizen tries to force it through the off side but chops it down the deck.

Stays short, on middle. Jordan wrists it through mid-wicket for one.

Dropped short again, on off. Esterhuizen cuts but can't get it through. Kundai Matigimu dives to his right at backward point and keeps it to a single.

FOUR! Gets it away this time. Fractionally short and Esterhuizen gets enough width to work with. Connor waits back and cuts it to the right of backward point for a boundary.

Flat and short, outside off, Esterhuizen cuts but can't get it past the man at backward point.

That's the end of the Powerplay and the Proteas have sprung away with 67 runs on the board. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have looked out of ideas to stop the leakage of runs so far. Now then, as the field spreads, captain Sikandar Raza is into the attack. Can he provide the first breakthrough the Chevrons?

Pace off, on the shorter side, on off. Esterhuizen rises on his toes and tucks it to square leg for a single. End of a dominant Powerplay for South Africa as they are 67/0 after 6 overs.

SIX! Easily done! Dug in short but it is too straight, Connor Esterhuizen waits on the back foot and just uses the pace and the angle of the ball as he hooks it away over long leg for a biggie. 19 runs off the over with a ball to go.

Had to hurry! Kundai Matigimu switches to around the wicket and hits the deck hard, getting the ball to lift off the surface, on middle. Jordan steps out but is tucked up for room and the ball also gets big on him. He drops it beside the strip on the off side and hurries to the other end.

FOUR! A hat-trick of fours! Bowled on a short of a length, on off. Jordan gets this around his waist and he swivels to pull it through mid-wicket for yet another boundary.

FOUR! That just sat up to be hit and Hermann cashed in. Into the deck, around off, the height does not trouble the left-hander at all. Hermann shuffles a bit and stands tall to hammer the pull to the left of mid on for four more.

FOUR! Powered away. South Africa go past 50. Kundai begins with an off-cutter, angled across, on a good length. Hermann forces it away on the up. Matigimu gets a bit of a hand on it on the follow-through but it is not enough as the ball races down the ground.

Kundai Matigimu to close out the Powerplay, replacing Brad Evans.

Around the leg stump, on a good length, Jordan Hermann steers it behind square on the leg side for an easy single.

Slams the deck hard, and bowls it on the bodyline of the batter. Connor is hurried by the pace and is beaten on his attempted pull shot. The ball strikes around his midriff and rolls towards backward point. They run for a leg bye.

Fuller, outside off, likely a slower delivery. Esterhuizen creates room and looks to cut but misses.

Esterhuizen shows his cards early by switching the stance for the reverse ramp, and seeing that Blessing takes pace off by following the batter and goes past the bat.

Had to hurry! Hits the length hard, outside off, Hermann hops off and chops it toward the point fielder. Innocent dives to his left and makes a fine stop. He is quick to get up and releases the throw as the batters charge across for a single, but he misses his direct hit attempt at the non-striker's end. The throw is backed up by the mid on fielder.

Angling onto the pads, on a length, Connor is a bit rushed onto the pull shot and gets an inside edge towards widish short fine leg for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani switches ends.

Similar line and length, and Hermann punches this straight to the fielder at cover.

FOUR! Sloppy in the field and Evans won't like that at all. Good length, just outside off, Jordan hangs back and crunches it between cover and point. The point fielder dives to his left, even gets his hand on the ball, but it bursts through and speeds away to the fence.

Length ball, on off, slapped off the back foot to cover.

WIDE! Slower bumper, on top of off, Jordan Hermann backs away to play the uppercut, but misses out. It is called a wide for height and Evans is not pleased one bit by the decision.

FOUR! PUNISHED! Good-length delivery, slanting across, Hermann clears the front leg, plays through the line and hammers it over and wide of mid off for a boundary. He moves to 23 (11).

In-between length, around off, steered off the back foot to point.

In the air... falls safely. Full from Brad, outside off, Jordan tries to play the lofted cover drive but ends up slicing it off the toe end. However, the ball has enough on it to evade the infield and is hunted down by the cover fielder. Two runs taken.

Blessing Muzarabani went for just 4 runs in his opening over, but he has been replaced by Brad Evans.

SIX! Stand and deliver! Hits the length hard, does Nyamhuri, on off. Connor stands tall and impeccably swats it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. He was onto it in a flash. This is a really bright start for the Proteas in this finale.

Nip-backer on a length, around off, Jordan stands up on his toes and steers it behind mid-wicket for an easy single.

SIX! Helped away! Half-volley onto the pads, angling in, Jordan Hermann picks it up off the pads and dumps it into the stands behind deep backward square leg for half a dozen runs.

Risky single! Back of a length, around off, Connor plays close to the body and dabs it with soft hands to the short third fielder, and they scamper across for a single. The fielder picks and throws the ball in a motion, but misses his shy at the bowling end. Had the throw hit, Connor Esterhuizen was gone for all money as he wasn't even in the frame.

Play and a miss! Angled across once again, but the length is pulled back by Newman. Connor does not move his feet and tries to tonk it downtown, but the ball keeps leaving him and zips past the bat. There's a slight appeal for caught behind, but the umpire turns it down.

Fires it across the batter, full and outside off, Esterhuizen makes the leave as the ball flirts past the tramline.

Newman Nyamhuri comes on as the first change, replacing Wessly Madhevere.

Ripper from Blessing! Extracts bounce by bending his back, short of a length, outside off. Jordan Hermann just about manages to drop his wrists and sways away from the firing line to make the leave.

Tap and run! Length delivery, angled into the batter, Connor stays deep inside the crease and tucks it in front of mid-wicket. Calls his partner through for a quick single. Bennett moves forward rapidly and scores a direct hit at the bowling end, but Esterhuizen is home safely by then. The ball deflects towards mid on but it is chased down by Raza from mid off. A tight single, though.

Back of a length, around off, Connor backs away to make room, and lofts it over extra cover. He does not time the ball well, but it has enough power to clear the in-field and they pick up two runs.

Slightly fuller than the previous ball, aimed at the stumps. Esterhuizen watchfully blocks it off the back foot.

Hammers the ball on a length, on top of middle and generates a bit of extra bounce. Connor hangs back and stabs it down the pitch.

Starts with a very full ball, on off, Jordan carves it toward mid off and they hurry through for a single. The mid off fielder attacks the ball but fails to pick it up cleanly.

Blessing Muzarabani will steam in from the other end.

On a fuller length, on the leg stump, Jordan plays against the spin and firmly drives it to widish long on for a single. A very productive opening over for the Proteas as 13 runs come from it.

FOUR! The third four of the over! Ordinary bowling. Onto the pads, full in length. Jordan gets down on one knee and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a cracking boundary.

FOUR! Pins the gap! Dropped short by Wessly on middle, Hermann uses the depth of the crease and hammers it through the mid-wicket gap for a boundary.

Pushed through from around the stump, full on middle, Jordan takes a big stride in front to block.

Pitched full on middle, Connor lunges and whips it through wide mid on for a single.

FOUR! Runs straight away! Full from Madhevere, outside off. Esterhuizen leans on and crunches it through the cover and extra cover gap for a boundary.

We are all set for the finale to get underway. Sikandar Raza leads his troops out onto the park. With Lhuan-dre Pretorius missing out due to a niggle, Connor Esterhuizen has a new partner in Jordan Hermann. Zimbabwe are starting with the off-breaks of Wessly Madhevere. Connor to face the first ball. Let's play...

We are just a few minutes away from the first ball of the finale, but before that, both teams are getting lined up for the national anthems. It will be Zimbabwe's first, followed by that of South Africa's.

PITCH REPORT - The broadcaster informs us that pitch number 4 will be used for this game, with the straight boundaries measuring 65 metres, while the square boundaries are 67 and 68 metres. Says that this is the 3rd match on this surface. Adds that the grass covering has faded with time, leaving the pitch looking increasingly brown. Details that there are very few cracks, but both the pacers and spinners should get some assistance from the surface.

Quick word from the South African camp - Connor Esterhuizen, when asked how much momentum he is carrying from his previous batting performance, admits that there is naturally a bit of confidence to draw from an innings like that, though he is quick to add that it's a new day and a new game, meaning the side has to start afresh. On whether playing in a final shifts his mindset at all, he says the aim is always to stay positive, while also taking time to assess the conditions out in the middle before making any calls. Speaking on the conditions, he underlines that things have generally favoured the batters so far, with the surface in the previous game proving to be a really good one to bat on. That said, he is mindful that it's a fresh day, and the pitch could well behave differently this time around.

In conversation with Zimbabwe's opener - Brian Bennett says the conditions are really good but admits it can be tough to defend on this ground with the short boundaries. On the competitive nature of the Tri-Series, he says South Africa have been really good, as have Namibia. Adds that funny things can happen in T20 cricket and it is about what happens on the particular day. On his series on a personal level so far, he says he has been able to get himself in and hopes he can produce a big score today.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Kundai Matigimu and Blessing Muzarabani. IN - Newman Nyamhuri. OUT ​​- Wellington Masakadza.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Connor Esterhuizen (WK), Jordan Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Eathan Bosch, Duan Jansen, Bjorn Fortuin (C), Prenelan Subrayen, Nqobani Mokoena and Kwena Maphaka. IN ​​- Tony de Zorzi, Prenelan Subrayen and Duan Jansen. OUT ​​- Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane and Nqabayomzi Peter.

The captain of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza says that they would have opted to bowl first, so they are happy to lose the toss. Mentions that their bowlers will be looking to make use of the moisture on the surface. Stresses that they need to make early inroads and put South Africa under pressure. Reflecting on the positives from the previous result, he says reaching the final is a beautiful place to be, adding that it was an honour for the side to have made it this far. He notes that both teams stand an equal chance of lifting the trophy, and that whichever side keeps its composure under pressure deserves the win. Getting the basics right, in his view, would put them in a strong position heading into the final. On the team changes, he informs that Newman Nyamhuri comes in for Wellington Masakadza.

The captain of South Africa - Bjorn Fortuin says it looks like a dry surface, so they want to put runs on the board and then defend. He hopes they can carry the momentum from their previous win and continue the good work. Informs that they have 3 changes, with a couple of them being forced, as Andile Simelane and Lhuan-dre Pretorius are missing out due to niggles.

TOSS - Both captains - Bjorn Fortuin and Sikandar Raza - are out in the middle for the coin flip. Tails is the call from Raza, but it lands as Heads. South Africa have elected to BAT first.

Test of experience - Brad Evans has been the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, consistently making inroads. Blessing Muzarabani, by contrast, hasn't found his usual rhythm through this series. He has been unable to replicate the wicket-taking threat that has made him a constant in this Zimbabwean side. Bowling remains the shakier half of South Africa’s campaign, and next to Zimbabwe’s attack, there is a bit of an inexperience gap as well. Overall, it's more about controlling the crucial phases and picking wickets regularly. Let’s see whose game plan clicks into place today. Toss and teams coming up shortly. So don't go anywhere.

Unending loop - Zimbabwe’s batting frailties have reared their head yet again. Despite solid platforms laid by the top three, the middle order, skipper Sikandar Raza included, has repeatedly failed to convert that promise into anything substantial. Across the series, only Innocent Kaia and Ryan Burl have gone on to register half centuries, with the rest of the lineup falling short after getting starts. It’s a pattern that has haunted the Chevrons time and again, and one they will be desperate to break before it costs them their shot at silverware.

Next batch looks ready - The next T20 World Cup is a good two years away, but the future of South African T20 cricket is already flexing its muscle. Dewald Brevis looks back to his best, Lhuan-dre Pretorius continues to show he’s built for the long haul, and Connor Esterhuizen, handed the opener’s role last time out, brought that same fearless intent to the crease. With Klaasen already stepping away from the format and de Kock’s own farewell not far away, South Africa seem to have already begun laying the groundwork for life in the shortest format.

The final hurdle - Hope this Sunday is treating you all well. If not, why worry, eh? We have got your back with a delicious cricketing treat. The tri-series in Windhoek is all set to write its concluding chapter with the finale between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Proteas are rampant with three back-to-back wins, whereas the Chevrons will be desperate to finally break their winless streak against South Africa in T20Is. On that note, hello and a warm welcome to one and all joining us.

... MATCH DAY ...

The last assignment - It's been a week of tightly fought cricket in Windhoek, and this tri-series has thrown up its fair share of nervy, crunch moments. With hosts Namibia now out of the picture, it's South Africa and Zimbabwe left standing to battle it out in the final. Both teams arrive here with plenty of things to reflect upon. The Proteas, despite winning their last three, were far from convincing against the hosts, the margin was uncomfortably slim, with a handful of moments that would have had them second-guessing themselves. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, punched their ticket to the final by beating Namibia in both meetings, but fell to the Proteas on each occasion they crossed paths, leaving plenty of homework before facing a far sterner challenge. In fact, in T20Is, the Chevrons are still searching for their first win over South Africa, trailing 0-9 in the format. There may never be a better opportunity than this to finally shake off that hoodoo. Firm favorites - A shock loss to Namibia in the series opener could have rattled them, but the Proteas responded in the best possible way. Dewald Brevis lit the fuse with twin knocks of 75, setting the tone at the top, and the rest of the batting order followed his lead nicely. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who narrowly missed out on a century against Zimbabwe, made amends in style. He brought up his maiden T20I hundred against Namibia in the previous game, a knock that ultimately proved to be the difference. Meanwhile, the likes of Jordan Hermann and Connor Esterhuizen have also made notable contributions to keep them afloat. Need to get the pieces together - Despite piling up 228 in their last outing, the Proteas were made to work hard for their breakthroughs. Wickets didn't come at regular intervals, but they held their nerve in the crunch moments that ultimately shaped the result. Their Powerplay bowling, though, has been a genuine concern, leaking runs at a rate of nearly 10 an over. Expensive as he's been, Duan Jansen remains the series' leading wicket-taker, though he was rested in the last game and is expected to slot back into the XI for the final. Skipper Bjorn Fortuin, meanwhile, has led impressively with the ball himself. South Africa will be hoping their next-gen pace troika of Mokoena, Maphaka and Bosch step up and make a telling impact. Battle-hardened, not battle-won - Zimbabwe have made it to the final purely on the back of grit, surviving two nerve-wracking finishes against Namibia, a five-run win and a five-wicket chase, both games that swung late and tested their composure under pressure. Ben Curran and Brian Bennett have given them brisk starts at the top, while Innocent Kaia's match-winning contribution in the previous game showed there's more than just top-order fireworks to their batting. Bennett remains the only one among them to have crossed the century mark this series, and while the likes of Burl and Kaia have shown flashes of promise, turning that into consistent, repeated contributions is now the challenge ahead. With the ball, Brad Evans has been their standout performer, joint-leading the wicket-charts across the tri-series, with Wessly Madhevere also chipping in with crucial breakthroughs when it's mattered most. However, the rest have just not been that effective, including skipper Raza. And if they are to challenge the full-strength Protea side, they will have to produce their A-game. A puzzle still unsolved - However, against South Africa specifically, Zimbabwe simply haven't found answers. They were undone by a top-order collapse in their first meeting, going down by seven wickets after failing to defend a modest total, and were bowled out inside 18 overs in the second, slumping to a 43-run defeat after a middle-order capitulation with the bat. Both losses came with a familiar pattern, a promising start undone by a cluster of wickets in the middle overs, an issue they'll need to sort out fast if they're to end their long wait for a win over the Proteas in this format. Team form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) - SA - WLWWW | ZIM - LLWLW. What to expect? Windhoek's surface has thrown up plenty of runs so far, though the new-ball bowlers haven't been left completely toothless either. Chasing, however, has proven trickier than expected, with four of the six games in this tri-series going the way of the team batting first. Anything beyond 160 in particular has proven a tough ask to chase down. Ultimately, this final promises a fair fight between a South Africa side still searching for balance in their bowling and a Zimbabwe outfit yet to find the consistency to trouble the Proteas. Whoever irons out their respective wrinkles first could well end up walking away with the tri-series trophy. Here's hoping this is a well-fought one.