Improved Zimbabwe fall to SA

Sean Williams was the spearhead of a much improved performance by Zimbabwe who succumbed to a four wicket loss to South Africa in the third ODI at Paarl.

Zimbabwe won the toss for the first time in the series and decided to bat on a flat pitch. They were unchanged while SA brought in captain Faf Du Plessis among three changes.

Solomon Mire’s poor form with the bat persisted falling to a tossed up delivery from Imran Tahir, bowled for just 7 meaning he could not get double figures for the series.

16-1 became 21-2 as Craig Ervine departed without bothering the scorers.

Captain Hamilton Masakadza looked good but departed for 28 falling to Kagiso Rabada one that went big on him.

Brendan Taylor was joined by Sean Williams and the two curated a 73-run partnership before the former was stumped by a hair’s breadth.

Peter Moor only scored 10 but his partnership with Williams was productive before he fell being cute, giving a lick to Reeza Hendricks in slip.

Williams looked brilliant until a leading edge popped to Rabada who obliged. He was on 69.

Enter Donald Tiripano who did his claim for a reputation as an international all-rounder. He put together a return of 29 ably assisted by Brandon Mavuta’s fearless 18. He was the last out with three balls to spare in the innings.

Zimbabwe were out for 228 after 49.3 overs.

The tourists struggled early on and it took Williams trapping Aiden Makram with the score on 72.

The target was small, but as always the Chevrons bowling fought ably but the Proteas did not fluff their lines.

They reached their target of 231-6 with just 25 balls to spare. Reeza Hendricks top-scored with 66 while Henrich Klaasen, player of the match posted 59.

SA take the series 3-0 but Zimbabwe will have been encouraged by their performance in this match.