South Africa extended their unbeaten run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a comfortable five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the penultimate Super 8 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. With the win, the Proteas confirmed their place in the semifinals and will face New Zealand national cricket team in the first semifinal in Kolkata on Wednesday, March 4.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, bowed out of the tournament without a win in the Super 8 stage despite an impressive unbeaten run during the group phase.
Early breakthroughs put Zimbabwe under pressure
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe opted to bat first but struggled to build momentum early on. Kwena Maphaka struck in just the second over, cleaning up Tadiwanashe Marumani for 7.
The Proteas continued to apply pressure as Anrich Nortje dismissed the in-form Brian Bennett for 15, ending his recent run of good form.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza counterattacked briefly, collecting 16 runs in an over from Corbin Bosch as the side reached 45 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.
Middle-order struggles despite Raza resistance
Zimbabwe’s middle order found it difficult to accelerate against South Africa’s disciplined bowling. George Linde removed Dion Myers for 11, while Lungi Ngidi dismissed Ryan Burl for 5.
Bosch added to Zimbabwe’s troubles by removing Tony Munyonga cheaply as the side slipped to 87 for 5.
Despite the collapse around him, Raza kept the innings alive with a determined knock. The all-rounder brought up his 17th T20I half-century off just 29 balls and eventually top-scored with 73 from 43 deliveries before falling to Maphaka.
A late partnership between Clive Madande (26 not out off 20) and Brad Evans (8) added valuable runs, helping Zimbabwe finish on 153 for 7 from their 20 overs.
Raza jolts South Africa early
Chasing 154, South Africa suffered an early setback when Raza removed Quinton de Kock for a duck in the first over. The Zimbabwe skipper struck again soon after, dismissing Aiden Markram for 4 to reduce the Proteas to early trouble.
Ryan Rickelton attempted to rebuild the innings with a brisk 31 off 22 balls before he was dismissed by Evans.
David Miller contributed 22 from 16 deliveries before falling to Blessing Muzarabani.
Linde and Stubbs steer Proteas home
Dewald Brevis produced another explosive cameo, scoring 42 off just 18 balls, but was unable to convert his start and was eventually dismissed by Raza.
However, Zimbabwe could not capitalize further as Linde and Tristan Stubbs combined to guide South Africa home. The pair added an unbeaten 55-run stand for the sixth wicket, with Linde finishing on 30 not out and Stubbs contributing 23 not out.
South Africa completed the chase with two overs to spare, sealing a five-wicket victory and maintaining their perfect record in the Super 8 stage ahead of the semifinal clash.
