HIGHLIGHTS Zimbabwe vs South Africa, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8 - 11 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back with South Africa's reply with the bat. Raza has his men in a huddle before the Zimbabwean players scatter throughout the park and take their spots on the field. Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram are the two South African openers. And oh, Zimbabwe are starting with spin as Sikandar Raza himself takes the responsibility to open the attack. Markram to face. Here we go again!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

South Africa eye for a clean slate - Righto, 154 is the number for the Proteas to keep their winning streak intact in this T20 World Cup. Considering how comfortable they have looked while chasing, and with teams winning four out of five games here in Delhi while hunting targets, the odds appear stacked in their favour. Zimbabwe will need something special with the ball to slow down this South African juggernaut and defend what is competitive, but not quite imposing. A lot will depend on Blessing Muzarabani and Raza himself with the ball to provide breakthroughs. Back in a bit with the run chase. Stay tuned.

Raza, one-man army - South Africa, however, refused to let the game slip. They kept striking at regular intervals, denying Zimbabwe the chance to string together a partnership of note. Every time a stand threatened to form, it was swiftly broken. Amid the turbulence, Raza stood tall, the lone pillar in the innings, with Zimbabwe’s prospects resting heavily on his ability to bat deep. He produced a superb 73 off 43 balls, but the support around him was thin. Once he fell in the 17th over, any hopes of a late surge took a serious hit. Madande chipped in with an unbeaten 26, yet he could not quite find the extra gear required at the death, and Zimbabwe were left without the strong finish they were searching for.

Slippery start, steadying act - Zimbabwe lost Marumani as early as the second over, and with hopes pinned on Bennett, the start needed stability. But this was no batting paradise. The surface had enough life to keep the bowlers interested, with uneven bounce and a hint of movement. Bennett’s dismissal only deepened the trouble, pushing Zimbabwe onto the back foot. At 45/2 at the end of the Powerplay, the responsibility squarely fell on the middle order to rebuild. Sikandar Raza stepped up with a composed yet assertive approach, blending caution with timely aggression to steady the innings. His effort helped Zimbabwe regain some control, reaching 80/3 at the halfway mark

A middling score - 21 runs in the last 2 overs will give Zimbabwe a little bit of momentum as they walk back in the dugout but they will know this is still well short of what they had in mind. Credit to the Proteas for the control they maintained with the ball right through the innings. But, if we take a close look at the first inning scores in Delhi in this World Cup, especially in the day games, the range hasn't exceeded past 150-160. Only once has the 200 mark breached, but that was in the night game.

Corbin Bosch to Clive Madande, A couple to end the Zimbabwean innings. Back of a length on middle and off, Clive Madande smashes this through mid on and takes a couple. Zimbabwe post 153 on the board after 20 overs.

Corbin Bosch to Clive Madande, FOUR! Yorker again from Corbin on off this time, Clive Madande brings out the reverse ramp and hits this right behind the stumps for four runs. Anrich Nortje puts in a good effort, running to his right from fine leg to cut it off, but fails to do so. 150 comes up for Zimbabwe.

Corbin Bosch to Wellington Masakadza, Corbin goes for a yorker again but misses and lands a full toss on the pads. Wellington Masakadza tucks this to deep mid-wicket for one.

The next batter is Wellington Masakadza.

Corbin Bosch to Brad Evans, OUT! TIMBER! Yorker, bang in the line of the sticks. Brad Evans steps across and looks to sweep this behind square on leg but misses. The ball sneaks past the batter and rattles the timber. Zimbabwe are 146/7 as Bosch gets his second wicket.

Corbin Bosch to Clive Madande, Good length on middle and leg, Clive Madande flicks this to long on for a run.

Corbin Bosch to Clive Madande, Bosch bowls it full and on middle and leg, Clive Madande drills this straight down the ground for a brace as Tristan Stubbs cuts it to his left from long on.

One over to go. Zimbabwe will be targeting 155 runs, but can they get there? It will be Corbin Bosch to bowl the final over of the innings.

Lungi Ngidi to Clive Madande, Yet another slower one, on middle and off, Clive Madande chips this short of long on for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Clive Madande, Low full toss, on off, Clive Madande tucks this through mid-wicket for a couple this time.

Lungi Ngidi to Brad Evans, Hard length onto the pads, Brad Evans tucks this to short fine leg for a run.

Lungi Ngidi to Brad Evans, SIX! Brad connects with the bat this time and gets plenty behind it. Another slower one, full and wide of off, Brad Evans leans onto the delivery and lofts this over the fence towards sweeper cover for a biggie.

Lungi Ngidi to Brad Evans, Good length, wide outside off, Brad Evans swings at it but doesn't connect with the ball once again.

Lungi Ngidi to Brad Evans, Slower one, full and wide of off, Brad Evans looks to drag this across with a sweep but misses.

Lungi Ngidi to Brad Evans, NO BALL! Beamer over the waist of the batter and Brad Evans swings at it. Gets it top-edged to short fine leg where the fielder catches it but doesn't celebrate as everyone expects the umpire to call this a no-ball. This is sent upstairs for an official check and the replay shows that the ball is above the waist of Brad when he hits it and it is a no ball.

Anrich Nortje to Clive Madande, Short and on off, Clive Madande goes for the upper-cut but misses out as the ball goes past him and the keeper collects it.

Anrich Nortje to Brad Evans, Slower one, short and on off, Brad Evans pulls this through mid-wicket for a single.

Anrich Nortje to Brad Evans, Back of a length on middle and off. Brad Evans shuffles across and goes for a ramp but does not connect with the ball.

Anrich Nortje to Clive Madande, Hard length, on middle and leg, Clive Madande tucks this through mid on for a single.

Anrich Nortje to Clive Madande, FOUR! Punched in the gap for four from Clive Madande. Good length around off, Clive Madande presses in front and smashes this through the right of extra cover for a boundary.

Anrich Nortje to Clive Madande, Good length, pace on, wide of off. Clive Madande slashes hard at it but misses out.

Kwena Maphaka to Brad Evans, Slower one, good length around off. Brad Evans goes for the flick and misses out. The ball hits Brad high on his thigh pad on the left leg.

Kwena Maphaka to Brad Evans, Wide yorker, outside off, Brad Evans goes for a drive but misses out and gets beaten on the outside.

Kwena Maphaka to Brad Evans, Back of a length and wide of off, Brad Evans swings at it but misses out.

A true captain's knock comes to an end from Raza. Scored a responsible 73 in the overall team score of 126. That's more than half the runs. Brad Evans is in at number 8. He has displayed the ability to hit a few lusty blows as well. Notably, his 43 off just 21 balls against West Indies. Zimbabwe would hope to get a similar kind of hand from him to get past the 150 mark.

Kwena Maphaka to Sikandar Raza, OUT! CAUGHT! Kwena Maphaka changes the angle and comes around the stumps, cramps Raza for room by bowling it on a length and on leg. Sikandar Raza looks to flick this around the mid-wicket region but closes the bat face early and gets a massive leading edge. The ball flies over the inner ring and David Miller at point calls for it and holds onto it. The 39-run partnership is broken and Zimbabwe are 126/6.

Kwena Maphaka to Sikandar Raza, SIX! Raza is putting on a show for the fans of cricket. On a length around middle and off, Sikandar Raza clears his front foot and plants it towards his leg. Slogs this out of the park towards the deep mid-wicket region for a massive six.

Kwena Maphaka to Sikandar Raza, Wide yorker outside off, Sikandar Raza leans back and looks to slice this through backward point but misses out.

This partnership is gaining some steam toward the backend. It is now worth 33 runs, with most of the heavy lifting done by Raza. Kwena Maphaka (3-0-15-1) to bowl out now. He replaces Lungi Ngidi.

Corbin Bosch to Clive Madande, Short ball into the surface, pushed wide outside off, Clive Madande walks across for the scoop again but is beaten.

Corbin Bosch to Clive Madande, FOUR! That's nicely done. Yorker-length delivery, tails back into the toes, Raza jams it down to the right of mid on for a single. Clive Madande premeditates and shuffles to the off side. Bosch slows it up and bowls it full and at the batter. Madande manages to lap it away wide of Anrich Nortje at short fine leg for a boundary.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, A yorker now, on off stump, jammed off the inside edge and just into the leg side for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Crunched away by Raza. Full and around off, Sikandar Raza steps out, converts it into a full toss and nails it through square covers for a boundary.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, Oh, how has that missed the leg stump? Pitched further up on middle, darts back in, Sikandar Raza throws the kitchen sink in the heave across the line but misses and the ball goes past the leg stump as well.

Corbin Bosch to Clive Madande, Good length on middle, angling in, Clive Madande lifts it back over the bowler's head. Tristan Stubbs at long on, tidies up to his left and keeps it down to a single.

Right. Last 5 overs to go. Corbin Bosch (2-0-20-1) is brought back on, replacing Anrich Nortje.

Lungi Ngidi to Sikandar Raza, Slower one, into the surface and over off, Raza gets inside the line to angle the pull but fails to get it away.

Lungi Ngidi to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! That's been hammered away. Length ball outside off, Sikandar Raza charges down the pitch, gets his head down and slams it over the cover region for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Sikandar Raza, Yorker-length delivery, tails back into the toes, Raza jams it down to the right of mid on for a couple of runs.

Lungi Ngidi to Sikandar Raza, That's perfect from Ngidi. Slower ball, full and lands it just inside the tramline outside the off stump. Raza leaves it in hope of a wide but he won't get the call.

Lungi Ngidi to Clive Madande, Full and wide outside off, Madande goes on one knee, and angles it down to deep third for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Clive Madande, Madande walks down the pitch again and Ngidi bowls the dipping slower delivery outside off. Madande fails to drive it away and the ball sneaks under the bat.

Lungi Ngidi to Clive Madande, WIDE. Short of a length, pushed a long way outside off, Madande wanders down the track and looks to cut but misses.

DRINKS! A defiant captain’s knock from Sikandar Raza, who stands as the lone warrior for the Chevrons in an otherwise struggling batting unit. To post a competitive total, Raza desperately needs his teammates to anchor the other end and rally the score toward the 150-160 mark, though even that may prove insufficient against the powerhouse opposition. Conversely, South Africa will aim to either dismiss the opposition skipper or strategically starve him off the strike to ensure Zimbabwe is restricted to a sub-150 total. Lungi Ngidi (2-0-10-1) replaces Kwena Maphaka after the hydration break.

Anrich Nortje to Clive Madande, Hard length outside off, pushed away square through the off side for one.

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, Very full, angled into the toes, Raza hangs back and backs away a bit, easing it through mid on for a run.

Anrich Nortje to Clive Madande, Hard length angled into the pads, Clive Madande misses the flick and gets it off the thigh pad, behind square for a leg bye. 100 UP FOR ZIMBABWE!

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, Banged in a bit short and wide, fast too, Raza slashes it down to deep third and picks up a single.

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Top shot! Back-of-the-hand slower ball, overpitched on leg stump, Raza backs away, waits well and drills it between cover and mid off for a boundary.

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, A big swing and a miss! Good length over middle hammered into the deck, Sikandar Raza backs away and looks to clobber it over mid-wicket but misses the ball by a long way.

Kwena Maphaka to Sikandar Raza, FIFTY for the Zimbabwe skipper, Sikandar Raza. Off just 29 balls. His first of this T20 World Cup. Slower again, full and on middle, worked away through mid-wicket for a single. This has been a solid knock from Sikandar Raza but needs to dig deep now, and he knows that as well.

Kwena Maphaka to Sikandar Raza, Oh, that's nicely bowled. The off cutter from Maphaka, slightly full and on off, this one shoots up after pitching. Sikandar Raza is taken by surprise and gets beaten past the outside edge again.

Kwena Maphaka to Sikandar Raza, Beaten! Slower one, on a length and angled across off. Sikandar Raza looks to heave across the line but the ball stays low and beats the bat.

Kwena Maphaka to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Easy pickings. Shortish length on leg, Sikandar Raza tickles it down to fine leg and the ball rolls away into the fence. Raza moves on to 49 now.

Kwena Maphaka to Sikandar Raza, Good-length delivery, angled across off, Raza stands tall and taps it down to covers.

Kwena Maphaka to Clive Madande, Pitched up on middle and leg, Clive Madande looks to flick but gets an outside edge down to deep third for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Clive Madande, On a fractionally fuller length, outside off, Clive Madande push-drives off the front foot to deep point for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Clive Madande, Good length, jagging back in a touch, around off. Clive Madande presses forward and taps it to the cover region with soft hands.

Clive Madande is the next batter in.

Corbin Bosch to Tony Munyonga, OUT! BOWLED! RIGHT THROUGH HIS DEFENCE! 66/2 becomes 87/5 for Zimbabwe. Quick, full and tailing into middle and leg. Munyonga is hurried by the pace, caught flat-footed as he tries to whip it across the line. He plays all around it, the ball sneaks past the inside edge and crashes into the leg stump, leaving him completely undone. The leg stump goes for a walk and the Chevrons lose half their side.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, Pitched full and angling on the pads. Raza gets out of the crease, tries to heave, but plays it off the inner half through wide mid on for only a run.

Corbin Bosch to Tony Munyonga, Nips back in on a length, on middle, Tony plays with a vertical bat and knocks it to the left of mid on for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, Full and on middle, Raza flicks it in the vast deep mid-wicket space for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Tony Munyonga, Excellent bowling! Hurls in a length ball but by taking all the pace off, outside the off stump. Tony Munyonga flirts at it, attempting for the back foot square cut, but gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker. A wicket and just 4 runs from this over.

Lungi Ngidi to Sikandar Raza, A dipping slower ball, around off, Sikandar Raza moves across the crease, takes it on the full and drills it to long on for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Tony Munyonga, Varies his pace as he goes slow at just 117.2 kph, on a fuller length, outside off. Tony is early in his shot as he checks the drive, but ends up chipping it in the air, but in the cover and point gap for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Tony Munyonga, BEATEN! A snorter from Ngidi. Zips through the deck, on a good length, outside off. Tony Munyonga's feet go nowhere and he tries to slash it away from his body, with no conviction and ends up getting beaten all ends up on the outside edge.

Ryan Burl departs and Tony Munyonga replaces him in the middle with the bat.

Lungi Ngidi to Ryan Burl, OUT! LBW! Zimbabwe keep losing wickets at regular intervals, and Raza is left stranded at the other end. Ngidi fires in a fuller ball which angles into the batter, from middle to leg. Ryan Burl gets across off and tries to flick it to the leg side, but plays over the line and misses to connect, wearing it on the front pad. Big appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger this time. Burl is a bit too reluctant, but he does opt for a review after having a word with his skipper. Nothing on the UltraEdge and the Ball Tracking shows three reds with the ball projected to crash into the leg stump. The on-field decision stays and Zimbabwe are now 82/4.

Lungi Ngidi to Ryan Burl, Touch full, angling on the pads, Burl nudges it through mid-wicket and they hare back for the second run.

Aiden Markram to Sikandar Raza, Darted into the blockhole, Raza jams the bat down in the nick of time to squeeze it back to the bowler.

Aiden Markram to Sikandar Raza, Attempts to fire a yorker in at the off pole. Raza takes it on the full but punches it straight to extra cover.

Aiden Markram to Sikandar Raza, MISFIELD, FOUR! Maphaka could have done much better there. Tossed up on middle, Raza bends down to sweep. Maphaka charges in for the catch but gets caught in no man’s land as the ball drops just short of him, and he cannot stop it from running away to the boundary.

Aiden Markram to Sikandar Raza, SIX! Sails over the ropes! Dropped full and on leg, Sikandar Raza gets down on a knee and sweeps it using his wrists behind long leg for a six.

Aiden Markram to Sikandar Raza, An appeal for LBW, the umpire turns it down. Fired on a fuller length, around the leg stump line. Raza sits down to paddle sweep it, but plays all over it, wearing it on the front pad. A big appeal for LBW from Quinton de Kock, but the umpire stays put. Markram and Miller join the conversation and hang on, they have gone upstairs for a review. Looked to be pitching outside leg in real time, though. Nothing on UltraEdge, and the Ball Tracking reveals the ball is clearly pitching outside leg, and that too, by a long way. The on-field decision is upheld and South Africa burn a review.

Aiden Markram to Ryan Burl, Bowls from around the stump. Short, on off, Burl backs away in the crease and cuts it through the backward point and cover gap for a single.

Aiden Markram brings himself into the attack now.

George Linde to Ryan Burl, Slowish delivery, full at 86.6 kph, on middle and leg, Burl flicks it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single. A successful over for the Proteas and Linde. Just three singles and a wicket from it.

George Linde to Sikandar Raza, Touch short, outside off, Raza crunches it off the back foot to deep point for a single.

George Linde to Sikandar Raza, Nagging length, sliding in with the arm, on the pads. Raza misses to whip it across and wears on the thigh pad.

George Linde to Ryan Burl, Too full, on off, carved away through mid off for a run.

End of a brewing partnership. In comes Ryan Burl at number 5.

George Linde to Dion Myers, OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND CAUGHT! Linde gets his first wicket and breaks the budding 38-run partnership. Linde slows it up a bit and drags the length by a few yards, but the line of attack stays on the stumps. Dion Myers gets down on his knee to slog it over deep mid-wicket, but fails to get under it properly and ends up top edging it to mid-wicket. Dewald Brevis hauls in from the ropes and settles under it to take a safe catch. Zimbabwe are 66/3 as a disappointed Dion Myers trudges off to the dugout.

George Linde to Dion Myers, Sees Dion advance and Linde fires in a full ball on middle. Myers tries to whip it to the leg side, but yorks himself, inside edging it to the front boot.

Anrich Nortje to Dion Myers, Hard length on off, Dion Myers punches this to long off for a run to end the over. An expensive one from Anrich Nortje.

Anrich Nortje to Dion Myers, Back of a length on leg, Dion Myers once again exposes his stumps and moves away to his leg. Pulls this through the left of mid-wicket for a couple as Tristan Stubbs does well to cut it off before the fence running to his right from long on.

Anrich Nortje to Dion Myers, On a length, slanting into the batter. Dion Myers backs away a bit and pushes this grounded to extra cover.

Anrich Nortje to Dion Myers, WIDE! On a length down the leg, Dion Myers leaves it. Wide given by the umpire.

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, Good length on leg, Sikandar Raza gets it away through mid-wicket and rotates the strike. 11 runs off the first 3 balls of this Anrich Nortje over.

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, SIX! Raza is on fire and playing a skipper's knock. Hard length on middle and off, Sikandar Raza clears his front foot and plants it to his leg and pulls this over the fence towards the cow corner region for a biggie.

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Sensational from Sikandar Raza. Back of a length around off, Sikandar Raza shimmies away to his leg and punches this right in the gap between mid off and extra cover for a boundary.

George Linde to Dion Myers, Fired into the batter, around middle and leg. Dion Myers looks to push this in the gap at covers but gets it edged off the inside onto the pads.

George Linde to Sikandar Raza, Darted onto the pads, Sikandar Raza milks this to long on for one.

George Linde to Sikandar Raza, Quicker and flatter on off, Sikandar Raza rocks back and punches this to the right of Anrich Nortje at sweeper cover for a couple of runs this time.

George Linde to Dion Myers, Pushed through on off, Dion Myers drives this through extra cover for a run.

George Linde to Sikandar Raza, Quicker one, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza goes deep inside the crease and tucks this through mid on for another strike rotation.

George Linde to Dion Myers, Floated on off, Dion Myers rocks back and punches this through the covers region for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! The pitch does not look like a belter as the odd ball has kicked up and stayed low as well. With both Zimbabwean openers dismissed without much impact, the focus now shifts to how they navigate this middle phase while ensuring the run rate does not dip massively. The South African pacers have been right on the money so far, offering very little room and forcing the batters to manufacture their strokes and would look to get the wicket of Raza as quickly as possible to peg Zimbabwe seriously back. George Linde (1-0-13-0) returns into the attack after the break. He replaces Anrich Nortje.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Beautifully struck boundary from Raza. Good length around off, Sikandar Raza stays leg side to it and drives this through the left of covers for a boundary to close the Powerplay. Ryan Rickelton did put in a dive to his left to field this but fails to get anything on the ball and it races to the fence. Zimbabwe are 45/2 after 6 overs.

Corbin Bosch to Dion Myers, Full and drifting down the leg, Dion Myers flicks this to deep backward square leg for a run.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, On a length around middle and off, Sikandar Raza steps across and rolls this to mid on for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, Good length around off, Sikandar Raza blocks this back to the bowler.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, SIX! Pumped out of the park. Back of a length around off, Sikandar Raza shuffles across the stumps and pulls this over the fence towards the deep square leg region for a huge six.

Corbin Bosch to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! A full delivery angled into off and middle from over the wicket at 140.8 kph. Raza opens the face and drives without much foot movement, guiding it past the diving fielder at backward point. Maphaka puts in a dive in the deep, but replays indicate he could not gather it cleanly.

Change again. Corbin Bosch replaces Kwena Maphaka.

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, On a length around middle and leg, Sikandar Raza tucks this through the onside and takes a single. Just one run and a wicket off this Anrich Nortje over.

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, Good length around leg, Sikandar Raza backs away and looks to get it away but misses.

Anrich Nortje to Sikandar Raza, A bit awkward from Sikandar Raza. Back of a length around the pads, Sikandar Raza hops up on his toes and looks to flick this away but gets it thumped back onto the pads and luckily for the Zimbabwean skipper the ball lands behind the stumps.

Both the Zimbabwean openers are back in the hut. And this dismissal of Bennett will hurt a lot given the kind of form he was in. It is now the test of how their middle order performs without him in this rebuilding phase. In walks the skipper, Sikandar Raza, at number 4.

Anrich Nortje to Brian Bennett, OUT! CAUGHT! Zimbabwe's top scorer in this edition is done with the bat as he finds Aiden Markram at mid off. Once again, Anrich Nortje bowls it on a hard length, around off, and it kicks up a bit off the deck. Brian Bennett backs away a shade and looks to chip this up and over mid off, but fails to get enough timing and elevation and ends up hitting this straight into the hands of Aiden Markram who gathers it at chest height. Zimbabwe are 28/2.

Anrich Nortje to Brian Bennett, Brian shuffles to his leg and Anrich Nortje follows him with a length delivery into the batter. Brian Bennett pushes this to point for another dot.

Anrich Nortje to Brian Bennett, Hard length, on top of off, Brian Bennett hops back inside the crease and keeps it out.

Pace replaces pace from this end. Serious pace, to be precise. Here's Anrich Nortje replacing Lungi Ngidi.

Kwena Maphaka to Brian Bennett, Back of a length and outside off, guided away off the back foot through backward point for a single.

Kwena Maphaka to Brian Bennett, Not off the middle of the bat but good enough to clear the infield. A skiddy short ball, right at the batter, Bennett leans back to pull but shanks it over wide mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Kwena Maphaka to Brian Bennett, Nicely bowled. Good length on off and middle, cuts across the right-hander. Bennett stays back and has a feel for it but the ball just goes past the outside edge.

Kwena Maphaka to Dion Myers, Wow, that's gone right in between three fielders and Dion Myers will be thanking his lucky stars. Back of a length, hammered into the pitch at around 143 kph. Myers looks to pull but gets a top edge that evades the fielders at short third, point and deep backward point and the batters get a single.

Kwena Maphaka to Dion Myers, Good change of pace from Kwena. Keeps the length relatively full and angles it across off but bowls it slower. Myers fails to drive it away.

Kwena Maphaka to Dion Myers, Fuller in length, slanted across off, Myers stays leg side of the ball to smack it through covers but ends up jamming it back to the bowler.

Lungi Ngidi to Brian Bennett, Oh, that's cleverly bowled. Slower one, seems like a full toss on off, but it dips late. Brian Bennett hangs back to swipe across the line but gets it off the toe end of the blade towards mid-wicket.

Lungi Ngidi to Brian Bennett, Full-pitched delivery again, outside off, Brian Bennett digs it away and gets it past the point region for a couple of runs in the deep.

Lungi Ngidi to Brian Bennett, Slower one, bowled full and wide outside off, Bennett gets low and squeezes it away to point.

Lungi Ngidi to Brian Bennett, Good length, into the pitch slightly and bowled outside off. Bennett stays put and looks to slap it away but mistimes it badly towards extra cover.

Lungi Ngidi to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Stand and deliver! Short of a good length and over off. This one sits up a bit and Brian Bennett just muscles the short-arm jab wide of long on for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Brian Bennett, Ngidi starts with a full ball, darting it in towards middle, Bennett drills it towards mid off.

Pace from both ends. Lungi Ngidi replaces George Linde.

Kwena Maphaka to Dion Myers, FOUR! Glorious from Myers. Overpitched on off and middle, Myers holds his shape this time and just drives the ball back down the ground, it races away to the left of the bowler and into the fence behind.

Kwena Maphaka to Dion Myers, A play and a miss! Pitched-up delivery, angled across off, Dion Myers stays put and reaches out to drive but is well beaten.

Kwena Maphaka to Dion Myers, Fuller and wider, outside off, Myers reaches out to drive but smothers it down the deck.

Kwena Maphaka to Dion Myers, Oh, that's a beauty from Kwena! Good length, lands on off and middle, angles away a touch before straightening. Dion Myers is bamboozled as the ball zips past the edge.

Dion Myers is the next batter out in the middle for Zimbabwe.

Kwena Maphaka to Tadiwanashe Marumani, OUT! TIMBER! You miss, I hit! Kwena Maphaka picks up his first T20 World Cup wicket as well. Maphaka pitches the ball up on middle stump, gets it to shape in a bit and the ball also does a bit off the turf. Tadiwanashe Marumani takes the front leg out to whack it across the line but is well beaten and the ball crashes into the leg pole, uprooting it off the ground.

Kwena Maphaka to Tadiwanashe Marumani, WIDE. Maphaka goes full, looking for the inswinger, but spills it way down the leg side.

Kwena Maphaka to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Back of a length, on a tight line around off, Marumani stays back and drops it back onto the turf with gentle hands.

An expensive first over for South Africa and Zimbabwe are off to a good start. Kwena Maphaka will be bowling from the other end.

George Linde to Brian Bennett, SIX! Wow, Brian Bennett is indeed in pristine form. Flighted ball around off, Bennett lunges across to the off side and sweeps it aerially, just behind deep backward square leg and all the way for a biggie. What a way to get off the mark and Zimbabwe get 13 runs off the first over.

George Linde to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dragged length on the pads, Marumani rocks back and works it wide of square leg for a single.

George Linde to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Full and straight, swept away firmly through the square leg region for a couple of runs.

George Linde to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Oh, hello! A one-handed reverse sweep on the third ball of the game? Yes, please, says Tadiwanashe Marumani. Floated up on off, Marumani gets a big stride forward and looks for the exotic shot but fails to connect and gets hit on the underside of the helmet.

George Linde to Tadiwanashe Marumani, Better line from Linde. Fired in a bit, slightly fuller and on off, Marumani defends it from inside the crease.

George Linde to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR! Oh, that's raced away to the fence. Length ball on the pads, Tadiwanashe Marumani hops back and tucks it off his hips and gets it well to the right of Anrich Nortje at short fine leg for a boundary. Fine start for Zimbabwe.

Done with the pre-match formalities and we are now set for the action to begin. Brian Bennett has walked out with Tadiwanashe Marumani to open for Zimbabwe. George Linde will be bowling the first over of this contest for the Proteas.

It is time for the national anthems as the flags of both countries are unveiled. The teams have lined up on either side of the match officials, with Aiden Markram leading South Africa and Zimbabwe led by Sikandar Raza. It will be the South African anthem first and then the Zimbabwean.

The skipper of South Africa - Aiden Markram mentions that they would have chosen to bat first as well, noting that the surface looks quite good. He adds that the team has been comfortable chasing in this tournament and has found success with that approach and that they wanted to see how they go batting first. He stresses the importance of sticking to the basics and repeating the right processes, especially with games coming thick and fast in this format. Admits that there are a couple of areas where they need to tidy up before the knockouts come. He also informs three changes to the XI, with Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje and George Linde coming into the side. Shares that these guys have been working hard behind the scenes and that they deserve some game time as well. Also adds that it also gives the team a chance to assess them in different conditions, especially as cover in case of any injuries later in the tournament.

The skipper of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza says that it is a day game and unfortunately wth the injuries, they have gone with a combination that favors their bowling attack and that has also influenced their decision to bat first. Gives further insights on the injuries and says that Richard Ngarava has a back spasm, Tashinga Musekiwa is also injured and there's one more tactical change as well, so a total of three changes in the side. Mentions that the challenge remains for them to be a consistent mid-table team in the next 18 months or so.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde (In for Keshav Maharaj), Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje (In for Marco Jansen), Kwena Maphaka (In for Kagiso Rabada), Lungi Ngidi.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande (In for Tashinga Musekiwa), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza (In for Tinotenda Maposa), Graeme Cremer (In for Richard Ngarava), Blessing Muzarabani.

TOSS - The coin is flipped by the skipper of Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza. Tails is the call from Markram and it lands as Heads. ZIMBABWE ELECT TO BAT FIRST.

We are moments away from the all-important coin flip. Aiden Markram heads out to lead South Africa, whereas Sikandar Raza will be leading Zimbabwe. 

PITCH REPORT - High-scoring alert - Katey Martin and Temba Bavuma report from a warm yet breezy Arun Jaitley Stadium, where comfortable conditions prevail for the players. They highlight the ground's reputation as one of the smallest venues in India, specifically noting the short 73-metre straight boundary and 66 metres on one side and 61 on the other. This compact layout, combined with the heating weather, suggests a high-scoring environment where the small boundary sizes will likely play a decisive role in the shot-making strategies of both teams. Temba suggests that a score over 180 plus is a must on such a deck.

Final Super 8 hurdle - This penultimate Super 8 clash is a vital psychological battle. For South Africa, it is an opportunity to sustain an impeccable winning streak and cement their status as the favorites heading into the knockouts. For Zimbabwe, it is a final chance to salvage some pride in the Super 8s. Toss and team news to follow ...

Zimbabwe’s battle for balance and redemption - After a fairytale start as giant-killers, Zimbabwe has faced a harsh reality check in the Super 8s, particularly with a bowling attack that surrendered massive totals to India and the West Indies. To stand a chance against their neighbours, the Chevrons must find reliable support for Brian Bennett, whose extraordinary batting has lacked a secondary protagonist. The onus falls on seasoned campaigners like Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava to tighten their lines.

The Proteas’ pursuit of invincibility - South Africa arrives at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as the tournament's gold standard, carrying an unblemished record and clinical momentum under Aiden Markram’s leadership. With a semi-final berth already secured, the Proteas must be focused on refining their unplayable bowling unit. Specifically, they will be looking for Kagiso Rabada to rediscover his most lethal form to complement the searing pace of Lungi Ngidi and the precision of Corbin Bosch. The batting remains equally formidable, anchored by Markram’s brilliance and the resurging confidence of Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, though the team may use this fixture to test their bench depth.

Clash of the neighbours - Hello and welcome to the fans for this penultimate Super 8 encounter. A dominant, undefeated South African side is looking to polish their clinical form ahead of the semi-finals. At the same time, a resilient Zimbabwean team seeks to reclaim their reputation as a giant-killer. As the Proteas aim to maintain their flawless tournament record, the Chevrons are fighting for pride and a strong finish in what promises to be an intense battle between two neighbouring rivals.

... MATCHDAY ...

A clash of contrasting fortunes - The stage is set in India for an enticing Super 8 encounter that features two teams on completely different trajectories. Zimbabwe, the giant killers of the group stages who famously toppled Australia and Sri Lanka, are desperate to recapture their lost magic after a bruising Super 8 phase. On the other side stands a clinical and undefeated South African side that has looked virtually untouchable, moving through the tournament with the poise of champions-in-waiting. While the Proteas are fine-tuning their engines for the semi-finals, the Chevrons are fighting for pride, hoping to prove that their early-tournament brilliance wasn't just a flash in the pan. The tale of two countries - Zimbabwe's 2026 T20 World Cup campaign has been a story of drastic contrasts following their shift from Sri Lanka to India. The Chevrons were the sensation of the group stages in Sri Lanka, where they topped Group B with statement victories over giants Australia and Sri Lanka. However, since landing in India for the Super 8s, their momentum has evaporated. The bowling unit has struggled significantly on Indian tracks, conceding over 500 runs across just two games. Interestingly, in both these high-scoring defeats, skipper Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to bowl first, a strategy that has backfired as their bowlers failed to stem the flow of runs. Bennett's lone stand - While the bowling has faltered, the batting has shown flashes of resilience, primarily through the blade of Brian Bennett. The young opener has been in sensational form, recently smashing a defiant 97 unbeaten against India to bring his tournament tally to a staggering 277. Despite his heroics, he lacks consistent support from the other end. For Zimbabwe to be competitive against a powerhouse like South Africa, the rest of the batting order must step up, and the bowling attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani, needs to find a way to tighten their lines and lengths to avoid another massive total. Dominant Proteas - South Africa enters this contest as the only undefeated team remaining, having already secured their spot in the semi-finals. They have been the clinical team to beat, with multiple match-winners like Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock clicking in unison. The Proteas appear to have no glaring weaknesses, playing with a level of control that makes them the overwhelming favorites. This match serves as a crucial tune-up for them to maintain their winning rhythm before the knockout stages. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first) - Zimbabwe - LLWWW | South Africa - WWWWW. Rabada’s quest for rhythm - The one minor concern for the South African camp has been the form of Kagiso Rabada. While the rest of the pace battery has looked locked in, Rabada has been slightly searching for his best touch. He showed positive signs in the last game against the West Indies, picking up 2/22. South Africa will be hoping for another strong spell from their champion pacer to ensure he is at his peak for the semi-finals. For Zimbabwe, the task is monumental as they will need to play out of their skins, with everything riding on Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett, to even challenge the high-flying Proteas.